Most compelling teams since '91 UNLV

This team was the apex of the pure Princeton offense teams, edging Air Force 2004 as my favorite purveyor of this purist approach. The common myth about the Princeton offense is that it can make up for a lack of talent. In actuality, like any other offense, it only works when you have talent, and when you have the right talent, it's beautiful to watch. These Tigers, led by Gabe Lewullis (he of the backdoor layup that KO'd UCLA in 1996) and skilled center Steve Goodrich, were ranked as high as seventh in the nation during a 26-1 regular season. They only got a No. 5 seed in the NCAAs, though, and were undone in the second round by a Mateen Cleaves three in the final minute. The young core of that Michigan State team would go on to make the next three Final Fours and win a national title in 2000.