“Will happen less & less as programs get bent over by NIL”: Fans reminisce Jim Larranaga’s iconic NCAA moment vs UConn

Fans remember Jim Larranaga's run to the Final Four with the Miami Hurricanes in 2023, the best season performance in the program's history. However, many still reminisce about the first time he did this in 2006 with the George Mason Patriots.

CBS Sports posted a throwback video of George Mason's matchup with No. 1 seed UConn in the Elite Eight of the 2006 NCAA Tournament. They stunned the Huskies 86-84 to move on to the Final Four for the first time ever, putting an incredible accomplishment on Larranaga's head coaching resume.

Fans reminisced about that memory, concerned with the idea that the modern state of NIL will prevent more of these runs from happening again. Here are some of their reactions.

"This will happen less and less as mid major programs get bent over by NIL. You got 5-8 guys on staff at major programs whose entire job is to find players to steal from small schools," one fan said.

Fan reacts to classic Jim Larranaga game. (Instagram)

"I was a senior at Mason during that run. The energy on campus was surreal. What a time that was," one wrote.

Fan reacts to classic Jim Larranaga game. (Instagram)

"That was an incredible team. I watched them the entire year. They should have had multiple players playing in NBA. I still think they were better than Butler's best team when they almost knocked off Duke for championship," a fan commented.

Fan reacts to classic Jim Larranaga game. (Instagram)

Others talked about their experiences at the game, remembering the history that they got to witness in real-time.

"That was sick but maybe that was the inspiration UConn needed to OWN mcn's cb...I mean we OWNed everyone the past 2 years so appreciate the step on the ladder," one fan said.

Fan reacts to classic Larranaga game. (Instagram)

"I was at this game. Still get chills watching it," a fan remarked.

Fan reacts to classic Larranaga game. (Instagram)

"Mannnn this run is the reason I attended GMU 3 years later," one fan stated.

Fan reacts to classic Larranaga game. (Instagram)

What's next for Miami after Jim Larranaga's exit?

Jim Larranaga's time with the Hurricanes came to an end after 13 years, with him officially announcing his decision to step down on Thursday.

He departs Miami with a 274-174 record, leading them to six NCAA Tournament appearances. This includes the aforementioned Final Four run, an Elite Eight appearance in 2022 and two Sweet Sixteens.

The Hurricanes will move forward with Bill Courtney as their interim head coach, preparing for their first matchup of 2025 against Boston College on Jan. 1 at noon ET.