Top 25 CBB programs of all time by (Lost Letterman)

[WhiteMamba]

This is good stuff.

25 Greatest College Basketball Programs Ever - Lost Lettermen

 

[trojanfan12]

List is invalid. How is USC not on here? We have a long, proud history of sometimes almost being relevant in college basketball.

 

[jontaejones]

Not to be homer, but Villanova should be on there.

In the low teens somewhere. Definitely better than Utah and Texas.

 

[rmilia1]

Connecticut is way too high. 3 national titles is great but UCONN basketball was irrelevant until the late 80's.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

Not to be homer, but Villanova should be on there.

In the low teens somewhere. Definitely better than Utah and Texas.

Yeah idk how Nova isn't on there.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Thought Arizona would for sure be top 10 (8th to 10th) but oh well. 11 ain't too shabby.

 

[Codaxx]

This is good stuff.

25 Greatest College Basketball Programs Ever - Lost Lettermen

UCLA as #1 has got to stop. Wooden was great, but they are have done little since. Has any other blue blood been turned down by more coaches?

 

[Wamu]

Was happy to see Ohio State @ 12

UCLA as #1 has got to stop. Wooden was great, but they are have done little since. Has any other blue blood been turned down by more coaches?

I understand what you're saying about the Bruins & where they stand in the CBB pecking order currently & going back decades. They have made 4 Finals Fours (I think, '80, '95, & 2 in the mid/late 2000's) since the Wooden Era ended though. Since this list is an all time list ya gotta have them as # 1. No team will ever rack up those many titles in that amount of time or have an 88 game winning streak.

 

[The Derski]

UCLA as #1 has got to stop. Wooden was great, but they are have done little since. Has any other blue blood been turned down by more coaches?

Who cares? They have the most titles. UK doesn't.
more>less

 

[CatsTopPac]

Was happy to see Ohio State @ 12


I understand what you're saying about the Bruins & where they stand in the CBB pecking order currently & going back decades. They have made 4 Finals Fours (I think, '80, '95, & 2 in the mid/late 2000's) since the Wooden Era ended though. Since this list is an all time list ya gotta have them as # 1. No team will ever rack up those many titles in that amount of time or have an 88 game winning streak.

Exactly. If this list was for the last 40 years, UCLA wouldn't be near the top ten, but since it's all time, they are definitely #1. Same goes with IU. They haven't done anything in the last 30 years to warrant them to be #6, but all time they have.

 

[CatsTopPac]

Thought Arizona would for sure be top 10 (8th to 10th) but oh well. 11 ain't too shabby.

I expected #11. The ESPN one from a few years ago had them at #10, but that was only in the last 50 years. ESPN had MSU at #11, so I can understand that they'd switch places with them.

 

[TrollyMcTroller]

Who cares? They have the most titles. UK doesn't.
more>less

So Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, NC State, And Florida should all be ahead of Arizona, on the list, right?

 

[The Derski]

So Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, NC State, And Florida should all be ahead of Arizona, on the list, right?

You also need sustained success over a period of time. You know what I meant.

 

[TrollyMcTroller]

You also need sustained success over a period of time. You know what I meant.

Yes, I did know what you meant, and that's the exact knock on UCLA for some people. They had a highly successful run. It was a historically good run in fact, but outside of that run, the program has been mostly pedestrian. UNC and UK have both sustained programs at a high level, decade after decade. That is something many people look for when discussing all time greats.

If you want to give the nod to UCLA "because titles" that's fine, but don't act like there isn't an argument to drop them out of 1st place because there is one, and you named it.

 

[WhiteMamba]

Connecticut is way too high. 3 national titles is great but UCONN basketball was irrelevant until the late 80's.

They have 4 and they are a definite top 10

 

[CatsTopPac]

Yes, I did know what you meant, and that's the exact knock on UCLA for some people. They had a highly successful run. It was a historically good run in fact, but outside of that run, the program has been mostly pedestrian. UNC and UK have both sustained programs at a high level, decade after decade. That is something many people look for when discussing all time greats.

If you want to give the nod to UCLA "because titles" that's fine, but don't act like there isn't an argument to drop them out of 1st place because there is one, and you named it.

Yeah, I get it, but then why isn't anyone complaining about UI being #6 when they are about to complete their 3rd decade without a title? Fact is, even though they only have one title since Wooden, they still have 4 FFs in the last two decades. And while we are talking about all time, they still lead in almost everything (that hasn't increased lately, like tourney wins, etc.) period. And furthermore, that run of theirs was not only historic, it will never even be close to accomplished again. UCLA has played at a high level decade after decade. The only decade you could say otherwise is the 1980s. UK had the same down decade in the 2000s, and UNC had it for most of the 80s.

I'm not saying that UCLA is far beyond the other two, because I think they are all very close. But 3 more titles alone is pretty significant.

 

[TrollyMcTroller]

Yeah, I get it, but then why isn't anyone complaining about UI being #6 when they are about to complete their 3rd decade without a title?

Because nobody cares about IU? Or was that a rhetorical question?

Fact is, even though they only have one title since Wooden, they still have 4 FFs in the last two decades.

And UK and UNC both have more during that time period.

And while we are talking about all time, they still lead in almost everything (that hasn't increased lately, like tourney wins, etc.) period.

Like what? Aside from championships, they trail UK and UNC in nearly every "All time" record. They aren't even in the conversation right now for all time wins.

And furthermore, that run of theirs was not only historic, it will never even be close to accomplished again.

That has as much to do with the game and the tournament has changed as it does the nature of their run. They basically got a bye into the Final Four every year. They maybe played 3 quality teams a year. Take every argument about this seasons UK team (But if they played in the ACC!!!!!) and apply it to UCLA back then you get the same results... A really great season with several more losses.

UCLA has played at a high level decade after decade. The only decade you could say otherwise is the 1980s. UK had the same down decade in the 2000s, and UNC had it for most of the 80s.

Depends on what you consider "a high level" UCLA would go on huge droughts were they couldn't get out of the first weekend. UK and UNC even during the hard times still made Elite Eight runs every few years.

I'm not saying that UCLA is far beyond the other two, because I think they are all very close. But 3 more titles alone is pretty significant.

Like I said before. If you want to rank UCLA #1 that's fine. I have no issue with that. But don't be so dismissive of UK and UNC for the top spot. It's not nearly as clear cut as you make it sound (especially sine you're flat out wrong on some of your assertions)

You think UCLA leads UK and UNC in just about every stat?

UCLA NCAA records[edit]
UCLA men's basketball has set several NCAA records.[3] [4] [5]

• 11 NCAA titles
• 7 consecutive NCAA titles (1967–1973)
• 12 NCAA title game appearances*
• 10 consecutive Final Four appearances (1967–1976)
• 25 Final Four wins*
• 38 game NCAA Tournament winning streak (1964–1974)
• 134 weeks ranked No. 1 in AP Top 25 Poll
• 221 consecutive weeks ranked in AP Top 25 Poll (1966–1980)
• 54 consecutive winning seasons (1949–2002)
• 88 game men's regular season winning streak (1971–1974)
• 4 undefeated seasons (1964, 1967, 1972, 1973)

I was going to include UK's record in this post but alas it was too big to include. (no, really) So look for it in the next post.

And pretty much all of those outside of the 221 consecutive weeks in the top 25 and 25 FF appearances are tied exclusively to the Wooden run. Take that away and UCLA isn't even a Top 20 program. Take away a decade from UK and UNC and they are still top 5 programs.

 

[TrollyMcTroller]

Kentucky Basketball Cumulative All Time Statistics (Part 1)

• All Time Wins: 2178 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• All Time Winning Percentage: .764 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• NCAA Championships: 8 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• NCAA Championship Game Appearances: 12 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NCAA Final Four Appearances: 17 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• NCAA Final Four Games Played: 28 (NCAA rank #3)[76]
• NCAA Final Four Wins: 20 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• NCAA Final Four Winning Percentage: .715 (NCAA rank #8)[76]
• NCAA Elite-8 Appearances: 36 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NCAA Sweet-16 Appearances: 41 (NCAA rank #1)[3]
• NCAA Tournament Appearances: 54 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NCAA Tournament Games Played: 167 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NCAA Tournament Wins: 120 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NCAA Tournament Winning Percentage: .719 (NCAA rank #4)[76]
• Total Postseason Tournament Appearances (NCAA and NIT): 63 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• NBA Draft Picks: 110 (NCAA rank #1)[17]
• All-Americans: 57 (NCAA rank #1)[77]
• All-American Total Selections: 87 (NCAA rank #1)[77]
• First Team Consensus All-Americans: 20 (NCAA rank #2)[78]
• First Team Consensus All-American Total Selections: 25 (NCAA rank #2)[78]
• AP Poll Top-20/25 Weeks Ranked All Time: 825 (NCAA rank #2)[79]
• AP Poll Top-10 Weeks Ranked All Time: 653 (NCAA rank #1)[79]
• AP Poll Top-5 Weeks Ranked All Time: 441 (NCAA rank #1)[79]
• AP Poll #1 Weeks Ranked All Time: 120 (NCAA rank #3)[79]
• Final AP Poll Top-25 Finishes: 49 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final AP Poll Top-20 Finishes: 49 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final AP Poll Top-15 Finishes: 44 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final AP Poll Top-10 Finishes: 40 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final AP Poll Top-5 Finishes: 29 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final AP Poll #1 Finishes: 10 (NCAA rank #1)[75]

(several of the #2 rankings are behind UNC, not UCLA) Compare that to UCLA


Damn... still too big for a single post.

 

[TrollyMcTroller]

Kentucky Basketball Cumulative All Time Statistics (Part 2)

• All Time Winning Percentage Against AP-Ranked Opponents: .615 (NCAA Rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll Top-25 Finishes: 47 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll Top-20 Finishes: 46 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll Top-15 Finishes: 43 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll Top-10 Finishes: 39 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll Top-5 Finishes: 30 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Final UPI/Coaches' Poll #1 Finishes: 8 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total 20-Win Seasons: 59 (NCAA rank #1)[78]
• Total 25-Win Seasons: 33 (NCAA rank #2)[78]
• Total 30-Win Seasons: 14 (NCAA rank #1)[78]
• Total 35-Win Seasons: 6 (NCAA rank #1)[78]
• Average Victories Per Season Played: 19.4464285714(NCAA rank #3)[75]
• Average Losses Per Season Played: 6.0 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Winning Seasons: 95 (NCAA rank #2)[78]
• Total Non-Losing Seasons (.500 or better): 98 (NCAA rank #2)[78]
• Total Undefeated Seasons: 2 (NCAA rank #2)[75]
• Total Head Coaches With a NCAA Championship: 5 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Championships: 1 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Championships in the Same Decade: 1 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With a NCAA Championship Game Appearance: 5 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Championship Game Appearances: 4 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Championship Game Appearances in the Same Decade: 4 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With a NCAA Final Four Appearance: 5 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Final Four Appearances: 4 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Multiple NCAA Final Four Appearances in the Same Decade: 4 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Head Coaches With Both NCAA and NIT Championships: 2 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Decades With a NCAA Championship: 5 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Decades With Multiple NCAA Championships: 3 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Decades With a NCAA Championship Game Appearance: 6 (NCAA rank #2)[76]
• Total Decades With Multiple NCAA Championship Game Appearances: 5 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Decades With a NCAA Final Four Appearance: 7 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Decades With Multiple NCAA Final Four Appearances: 5 (NCAA rank #1)[76]
• Total Decades #1 in Total Wins (since 1930): 1 (NCAA rank #2)[75]
• Total Decades Top-5 in Total Wins (since 1930): 4 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Decades Top-10 in Total Wins (since 1930): 7 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Decades #1 in Winning Percentage (since 1930): 2 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Decades Top-5 in Winning Percentage (since 1930): 6 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Total Decades Top-10 in Winning Percentage (since 1930): 7 (NCAA rank #1)[75]
• Conference Regular Season Championships: 48 (NCAA rank #2)[3]
• Conference Tournament Championships: 29 (NCAA rank #1)[3]
• National Attendance Titles: 25 (NCAA rank #1)[75]

 

[CatsTopPac]

My point is that IU has far less of a case to be #6 if we are going by recent success.

UK and UNC have more FFs in the decades since 95, but then UCLA blows them away prior to that.

I phased that third part in a way that makes it sound the opposite of what I mean. I was saying that other than things like wins (because of the nature of the game and more games being played per season in the last 3 decades than before), UCLA leads in titles, FF, winning %, etc.

I guess thinking about it, I'll say this: if the Yankees hadn't won since '78, and you took those 5 WS titles since then and gave them to the Cardinals so that the Yanks had 22 rings and the Cards had 16 with 8 coming since the Yanks had won it last, I'd still say that NY is the best franchise in baseball.