The term 'final four' (note: not capitalized) first appeared in an NCAA publication in 1975. In 1978, the phrase became 'Final Four'. By 1984, the NCAA trademarked the phrase.

This is John Wooden's final National Championship, but he started his career well, too. As coach of Indiana State in 1947, Coach Wooden refused an invitation to the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball tournament (for small-college teams). It was a protest of disallowing African-American players. In 1948, the NAIB revoked the rule - and Wooden's Indiana State Sycamores went to the NAIB title game.