Season 2, Episode 18 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ Host Phil Rasmussen is joined by returning co-host Bennett Davison and special guest Quinn Tebbs, a guard on the legendary 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament championship team, for a powerful and reflective deep dive into one of college basketball’s most unique title runs. Quinn shares his unconventional journey to Arizona, growing up in Salt Lake City and being discovered by Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at an AAU tournament. After committing, he stepped away from basketball for two years to serve a mission, returning to the game and redshirting while battling every day in practice against future NBA talent like Mike Bibby, Jason Terry, Miles Simon, and Michael Dickerson. The group revisits the ups and downs of that Arizona season, an inconsistent regular year that turned into an unforgettable tournament run. From surreal moments like witnessing Vince Carter’s iconic play in person, to visiting the practice facility of the Chicago Bulls and being around Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson, the episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories that bring the era to life. They also break down what made that team so special, a roster full of elite talent that bought into roles, a locker room built on humility and competitiveness, and a coaching style from Lute Olson that created both structure and freedom. The group reflects on why Arizona’s historic run, beating three No. 1 seeds, still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Quinn also opens up about the personal side of his journey, the difficult decision to leave Arizona for Weber State amid family health challenges and personal hardship, and how that chapter shaped the rest of his life. From there, he shares his path into business, building a successful insurance company with his brothers, raising a family, and the full-circle moment at the 2025 Final Four when the impact of the ‘97 team truly hit him. This week we dive into: 🏀 Quinn Tebbs’ unique path to Arizona and mission journey 🔥 Practicing against future NBA stars every day 🎯 The highs, lows, and underdog mentality of the ‘97 season 👀 Behind-the-scenes stories from the tournament run 🐐 Encounters with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls 🧠 Lute Olson’s leadership and team culture 💬 Life after basketball, adversity, and perspective This episode is a mix of nostalgia, honesty, and perspective, a deeper look at the people, moments, and mindset behind one of the most remarkable championship runs in college basketball history. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations each week on the Triple J Sports Podcast! Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro & Episode Overview 00:02:01 Introducing Quinn Tebs 00:03:40 Quinn’s Background: Growing Up in Utah 00:06:22 Getting Recruited by Lute Olson 00:07:48 Serving a Mission & The Adjustment Back 00:09:37 Arriving at Arizona: Competing in Practice 00:15:35 Preseason, Team Chemistry & Finding His Role 00:21:05 How Good Were They? Reading the Regular Season 00:24:01 Memorable Moments: Vince Carter, MJ & Meeting Legends 00:31:26 What Made That Team Special: Lute Olson’s Coaching Philosophy 00:42:29 The Tournament Run & Legacy of the 1997 Championship 00:47:49 Reflecting on the Championship: What It Meant 00:54:56 Leaving Arizona & Finishing at Weber State 01:00:37 Life After Basketball: Family, Business & Gratitude
