History of Christian Laettner in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 7, 2025

Christian Laettner is a retired American basketball player, renowned for his exceptional college career at Duke University. As a star player, he led the Blue Devils to consecutive NCAA National Championships in 1991 and 1992, earning NCAA player of the year honors in his senior year. He is most famous for his buzzer-beating shot against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA tournament. Laettner also played professionally in the NBA for 13 seasons. He was known for his skill and competitiveness, but also for being a polarizing figure, often disliked by opposing fans.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 17, 1969: Christian Laettner's Birth

On August 17, 1969, Christian Donald Laettner was born. He would later become an accomplished basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Laettner Attends Duke University

In 1988, Christian Laettner began attending Duke University and playing for the basketball team under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

1990: Game-Winning Shot Against UConn in 1990

In 1990, Christian Laettner made a game-winning jumper against UConn in the regional final, foreshadowing his later shot against Kentucky.

1991: Game-Winning Free Throws Against UNLV in 1991

In 1991, Christian Laettner made game-winning free throws against UNLV in the NCAA tournament semifinal, avenging a previous loss and leading Duke to its first championship.

1991: Duke National Championship in 1991

In 1991, Christian Laettner was a star player on the Duke Blue Devils team that won the National Championship.

1992: Led Duke to Two National Titles

By 1992, Christian Laettner led the Duke Blue Devils to their first two national titles in school history as the team's star player for his final two seasons.

1992: Stepping on Aminu Timberlake

During the 1992 regional final, Christian Laettner stepped on the chest of Kentucky player Aminu Timberlake, resulting in a technical foul. This incident contributed to his widespread unpopularity.

1992: The Shot Against Kentucky

In 1992, Christian Laettner hit "The Shot", a game-winning, buzzer-beating turn-around jumper against Kentucky in the East Regional Final. He scored 31 points, shooting perfectly from the field and free-throw line. He then led Duke to its second consecutive national title.

1992: Game-Winning Shot Against Kentucky in 1992

In 1992, Christian Laettner made a game-winning shot against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament regional final, a moment he is particularly famous for.

1992: Member of the 1992 Dream Team

In 1992, Christian Laettner was a member of the Dream Team.

1992: Duke National Championship in 1992

In 1992, Christian Laettner was a star player on the Duke Blue Devils team that won their second consecutive National Championship.

1992: Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves

In 1992, Christian Laettner was drafted third overall in the NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

1992: Selection to the 'Dream Team' and Olympic Gold Medal in 1992

In 1992, Christian Laettner was selected as the only college player for the United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as the "Dream Team". The team won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the "Dream Team" in 1992

In 1992, Christian Laettner won an Olympic gold medal as part of the "Dream Team".

1993: Named to All-Rookie First Team

In 1993, Christian Laettner was selected to the All-Rookie First Team.

1996: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 1996

In 1996, Christian Laettner was traded to the Atlanta Hawks alongside Sean Rooks in exchange for Spud Webb and Andrew Lang.

1997: Named NBA All-Star in 1997

In 1997, Christian Laettner was named as an All-Star while playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1997: Selected to NBA All-Star Game

In 1997, Christian Laettner was selected to the NBA All-Star Game while playing for the Atlanta Hawks.

2004: Suspension for Marijuana Use in 2004

In 2004, Christian Laettner was suspended for several games for using marijuana.

2005: End of NBA Career

In 2005, Christian Laettner concluded his 13-year career in the NBA.

2006: Ranked Fifth Most Memorable Moment in Sports History in 2006

In 2006, The Best Damn Sports Show Period ranked Christian Laettner's game-winning shot against Kentucky as the fifth most memorable moment in sports history.

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2009: All-Western New York Team Selection

In 2009, Christian Laettner was selected for the All-time All-Western New York (WNY) team as part of The Buffalo News' celebration of 50 years of All-WNY basketball selections.