1962-63 Jerry Harkness Loyola Ramblers NCAA Championship Ring

Jerry Harkness’ 1963 NCAA Championship Ring: A Testament to Triumph

A Historic Season for the Loyola Ramblers

In the 1962-63 season, Jerry Harkness and the Loyola Ramblers embarked on an unforgettable journey, capturing the hearts of basketball enthusiasts across the nation. The team began their campaign with an impressive 21-game winning streak, ascending to the #2 rank in the country. They outscored their opponents by an astounding average margin of 27.8 points, a testament to their dominance on the court. Harkness, the star of the team, was instrumental in this success, averaging 21.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Loyola entered the 1963 NCAA tournament as the fifth-ranked team in the nation, showcasing their prowess by winning the first four games by double digits, including a remarkable 69-point victory over Tennessee Tech in the opening round. The Ramblers’ journey culminated in the Finals against the top-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats, who were the reigning champions.

The Dramatic Championship Game

In a game that would go down in history, the Ramblers faced a formidable challenge. With 14 minutes remaining, they found themselves trailing 45-30, and Jerry Harkness had yet to score. Cincinnati’s strategy to stall the game backfired, allowing Loyola to mount a comeback with an 11-3 run. Harkness, rising to the occasion, scored his first basket with 4:30 left, followed by a crucial steal, narrowing the gap to three points. His heroics continued as he scored 11 of the team’s final 13 points in regulation, including a 12-foot buzzer-beater to force overtime. Ultimately, a last-second putback by Vic Rouse secured Loyola’s first NCAA title.

The Championship Ring: A Symbol of Victory

This exquisite size 10-1/2, yellow lustrium player’s ring, weighing 13 grams, was presented to Jerry Harkness after the Loyola Ramblers’ historic victory. The top panel proudly reads “NATIONAL CHAMPIONS,” encircling a red synthetic stone with “NCAA” in silver inlay. The left panel features a casted image of a basketball player, accompanied by engraved banners with the player’s name, “HARKNESS,” and number, “15.” The right panel bears the inscription “LOYOLA 1963 RAMBLERS BASKETBALL” in relief. The inside of the ring is stamped with “©YLTM” and the Jostens logo, signifying its authenticity. The ring remains in NRMT condition and is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Jerry Harkness.

• Historical Significance: Commemorates Loyola’s first NCAA Championship victory.
• Iconic Player: Celebrates Jerry Harkness, a pivotal figure in the Ramblers’ success.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Features intricate details and high-quality materials.
• Provenance: Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Jerry Harkness.

This remarkable piece of basketball memorabilia is not just a ring; it is a symbol of triumph and resilience. It represents a momentous chapter in NCAA history and the indomitable spirit of Jerry Harkness and the Loyola Ramblers. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this ring offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. Explore more sports memorabilia auctions at Grey Flannel Auctions, where legends come to life.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.