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          Top men's college basketball free throw distractions of the season

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          Check out Oakland fans' incredible free throw distraction (0:22)

          Oakland's student section gives haircuts to each other to distract Cleveland State players as they attempt free throws (0:22)

          • Anthony Gharib, ESPNMar 18, 2024, 02:37 PM

          College basketball's unique free throw distractions add to the chaos of the regular season.

          The Arizona State Sun Devils famously had Michael Phelps come out of their "Curtain of Distraction" during a game in 2016. Phelps wore a swimmer's cap and some of his record 28 Olympic medals. The Oregon State Beavers suffered two straight misses at the line, likely thanks to Phelps.

          In 2003, a free throw distraction turned heads at the Duke Blue Devils' home game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Patrick King, also known as "speedo guy," wore a blue speedo while Tar Heels guard Jackie Manuel went to the charity stripe, missing both.

          "It was kind of hard to focus on my free throws," Manuel recalled.

          Distractions haven't left the sport and this season had some of the best. Here's a look back at the top free throw distractions from the 2023-24 men's college basketball regular season.

          Jan. 11: Tulane Green Wave

          The Green Wave needed just one more stop to secure a ranked victory against the then-No. 24 Florida Atlantic Owls. Guard Alijah Martin was fouled on a 3-pointer while up by two points.

          Tulane's student section rushed across the sideline to behind the basket on the baseline. Distractions were limited -- students waved hands and turned on flashlights -- but the hustle proved unique.

          Martin made the first free throw, then missed the second before clinching the win with the final free throw.

          Jan. 29: Holy Cross Crusaders

          Holy Cross and the Boston University Terriers were in a tight game heading into halftime. The Terriers had the lead and a trip to the free throw line to extend it.

          The Crusaders swim team took to their positions and attempted to distract the Terriers. The swimmers came out of a nearby pool and ran behind the basket in their speedos, swim cap and goggles, all while waving their arms.

          Boston University guard Ethan Okwuosa ended up making both.

          "Back to work guys!" the commentator said.

          Feb. 3: Oakland Golden Grizzlies

          In the middle of the second half against the Cleveland State Vikings, Oakland pulled off one of the hairier distractions.

          A fan with a razor gave another fan a haircut while Vikings guard Tevin Smith shot two free throws. Other shirtless fans aided the process by holding a trash bag behind the fan's head for any spare hair to fall.

          Smith ended up making one of two free throws, but it created one of the viral moments of the season.

          Feb. 12: Bucknell Bison

          There's something about swim teams and free throw distractions. Bucknell tried its hand at a distraction during a game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks.

          The Bison put their swimmers at eye level of the free throw shooter. They caused havoc throughout the game, waving orange clothes and their hands while, predictably, shirtless.

          The Mountain Hawks ended up shooting 20-of-27 from the free throw line in an overtime win.