Greatest College Basketball Teams of All Time
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We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1!
Fine. Swell. But who's No. 64 on the list of all-time greatest college basketball teams? Or No. 32? No. 16? No. 8?
Relax, kids. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. That’s right. We’ve ranked every NCAA tournament champion since 1939. All 84 of ‘em. Hey, somebody had to do it.
Be forewarned that your favorite team might not rank as high you think it should. So, by all means, vent to your heart’s content. Remember, that’s what we're here for, people.
Note: A variety of factors were taken into account — won-loss record, basic statistics, talent level and Simple Rating System (a metric that measures point differential and strength of schedule). The pre-1950 champions are lumped together at the bottom, not because we dislike octogenarians, but a lack of pertinent data renders them tough to rank.
84. 1940-41 Wisconsin Badgers
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Record: 20-3 overall, 11-1 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game N/A
Point allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Washington State 39-34 in Kansas City, Missouri
Stars for 1940-41 Wisconsin Badgers
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Head coach: Howard "Bud" Foster
Key players: Center Gene Englund, forward Johnny Kotz, guard Fred Rehm
Bottom Line: 1940-41 Wisconsin Badgers
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The Badgers got off to a 3-2 start but were resilient.
They won three tournament games by a total of 12 points, the first two in their home gym.
83. 1939-40 Indiana Hoosiers
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Record: 20-3 overall, 9-3 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Point allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Kansas 60-42 in Kansas City
Stars for 1939-40 Indiana Hoosiers
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Head coach: Branch McCracken
Key players: Guard Jay McCreary, forwards Marv Huffman and Herm Schaefer
Bottom Line: 1939-40 Indiana Hoosiers
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In the days before automatic bids, a selection committee chose the Hurryin’ Hoosiers over Big Ten champion Purdue because of their two wins in home-and-home play.
They peaked with 24-, nine- and 18-point victories in the first NCAA-sanctioned tournament.
82. 1938-39 Oregon Ducks
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Record: 25-9 overall, 14-2 in Pacific Coast Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 46-33 in Evanston, Illinois
Stars for 1938-39 Oregon Ducks
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Head coach: Howard Hobson
Key players: Guard Bobby Anet, forward Lauren Gale, center Slim Wintermute
Bottom Line: 1938-39 Oregon Ducks
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All five starters returned from the team that was eliminated in the PCC playoffs one year earlier.
Superior height and depth translated into the most potent fast break in the country.
81. 1943-44 Utah Utes
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Record: 22-4 (Independent)
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Dartmouth 42-40 (overtime) in New York City, New York
Stars for 1943-44 Utah Utes
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Head coach: Vadal Peterson
Key players: Guard Wat Misaka, forwards Arnie Ferrin and Fred Sheffield
Bottom Line: 1943-44 Utah Utes
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Ferrin and the Blitz Kids received a tourney invitation only after Arkansas lost two starters in an auto mishap.
The eight-point underdogs made the most of the invitation and won the first overtime championship game.
80. 1946-47 Holy Cross Crusaders
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Record: 27-3 (Independent)
Points scored per game: N/A
Point allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Oklahoma 58-47 in New York City
Stars for 1946-47 Holy Cross Crusaders
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Head coach: Alvin (Doggie) Julian
Key players: Center George Kaftan, guards Bob Cousy and Joe Mullaney
Bottom Line: 1946-47 Holy Cross Crusaders
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Despite a 20-game win streak, the upstart Crusaders entered the tournament as the eighth seed in the eight-team field.
Kaftan averaged 21.0 points in the three games to capture Most Outstanding Player honors.
79. 1941-42 Stanford Indians (Cardinal)
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Record: 28-4 overall, 11-1 in Pacific Coast Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Dartmouth 53-38 in Kansas City
Stars for 1941-42 Stanford Indians (Cardinal)
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Head coach: Everett Dean
Key players: Guard Don Burness, forwards Howie Dallmar and Jim Pollard
Bottom Line: 1941-42 Stanford Indians (Cardinal)
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The Tall Redwoods of California averaged 6-foot-4 among their starters, which was unheard of at the time.
Burness (ankle) and Pollard (flu) sat out the final game, but Dallmar and the bench stepped up in their places.
78. 1942-43 Wyoming Cowboys
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Record: 31-2 overall, 4-0 in Mountain States Athletic Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Georgetown 46-34 in New York City
Stars for 1942-43 Wyoming Cowboys
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Head coach: Everett Shelton
Key players: Center Milo Komenich, guards Lou Roney and Kenny Sailors
Bottom Line: 1942-43 Wyoming Cowboys
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Not long after Sailors originated the jump shot, the blond bomber solidified his legend as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
Then the Cowboys downed NIT champion St. John’s in a much-anticipated benefit game for good measure.
77. 1944-45 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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Record: 27-4 (no Missouri Valley Conference games were played)
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat NYU 49-45 in New York City
Stars for 1944-45 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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Head coach: Hank Iba
Key players: Center Bob Kurland, guards Cecil Hankins and Weldon Kern
Bottom Line: 1944-45 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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Kurland and his supporting cast scored 25- and 27-point blowouts. Then they schooled 16-year-old freshman Dolph Schayes and the New York University Violets in the title match.
76. 1945-46 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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Record: 31-2 overall, 12-0 in Missouri Valley Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 43-40 in New York City
Stars for 1945-46 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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Head coach: Hank Iba
Key players: Center Bob Kurland, guards Weldon Kern and J.L. Parks
Bottom Line: 1945-46 Oklahoma A&M Aggies (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
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How deep were these first repeat NCAA champs? Deep enough to have five starters comprise the All-MVC First Team.
The 7-foot Kurland was chosen Most Outstanding Player in the second consecutive postseason.
75. 1947-48 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 36-3 overall, 9-0 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Baylor 58-42 in New York City
Stars for 1947-48 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Adolph Rupp
Key players: Guard Ralph Beard, center Alex Groza, forward Wallace Jones
Bottom Line: 1947-48 Kentucky Wildcats
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Forget 1991 Michigan. These were the original Fabulous Five. (And as far as we know, not one of them called an illegal timeout, either.)
After a 54-53 scare versus Georgia Tech in the SEC championship game, they blew through the NCAA tourney by an average of 16 points per game.
74. 1948-49 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 32-2 overall, 13-0 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Oklahoma State 46-36 in Seattle, Washington
Stars for 1948-49 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Adolph Rupp
Key players: Guard Ralph Beard, center Alex Groza, forward Wallace Jones
Bottom Line: 1948-49 Kentucky Wildcats
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Four starters were back from the 1948 national champions, only better this time. They won 31 games by double figures.
Maybe they were too good. Two years later, the NBA barred Beard, Groza and reserve Dale Barnstable on charges that they shaved points in the ’49 season.
73. 2022-23 UConn Huskies
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Record: 31-8 overall, 13-7 Big East
Points scored per game: 78.5
Points allowed per game: 64.1
Championship game: Defeated San Diego State 71-59 in Houston, Texas
Stars for 2022-23 UConn Huskies
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Head coach: Dan Hurley
Key players: Forward/center Adama Sanogo, shooting guard Jordan Hawkins, guard Tristan Newton, center Donovan Clingan
Bottom Line: 2022-23 UConn Huskies
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UConn won its fifth national championship overall and first under head coach Dan Hurley in one of the most upset-filled and underwhelming NCAA tournament fields of all time. That's not because there were no No. 1 seeds in the Final Four but mainly because the two top amateur prospects in the world, center Victor Wembanyama and guard Scoot Henderson, didn't even play college basketball.
Not only did the Huskies win it all, but they also won it with ease. No team played UConn closer than 12 points in six NCAA tournament games, including a 76-59 championship game win over San Diego State. This is a championship team to be forgotten.
72. 1984-85 Villanova Wildcats
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Record: 25-10 overall/9-7 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 68.7
Points allowed per game: 63.9
Championship game: Beat No. 1 Georgetown 66-64 in Lexington, Kentucky
Stars for 1984-85 Villanova Wildcats
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Head coach: Rollie Massimino
Key players: Guard Dwayne McClain, forwards Ed Pinckney and Harold Pressley
Bottom Line: 1984-85 Villanova Wildcats
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Did Rollie Massimino sell his soul or what?
Margin of victory in the NCAAs: two, four, three, 12, seven and two points.
His team attempted all of 28 field-goal attempts in the championship game — and drained 22 of them.
71. 1965-66 Texas Western (Texas-El Paso) Miners
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Record: 28-1 (Independent)
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 72-65 in College Park, Maryland
Stars for 1965-66 Texas Western (Texas-El Paso) Miners
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Head coach: Don Haskins
Key players: Center Dave Lattin, guards Orsten Artis and Bobby Joe Hill
Bottom Line: 1965-66 Texas Western (Texas-El Paso) Miners
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While the unheralded Miners are best known for the first all-black lineup, their clutch gene shouldn’t go unnoticed.
They boasted a 7-1 record in games decided by four points or less and won their last four tournament dates by a total of 17 points.
Oh, and Willie Cager is still one of the best basketball names ever.
70. 1949-50 City College of New York Beavers
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Record: 24-5 overall, 6-0 in Metropolitan New York Conference
Points scored per game: N/A
Points allowed per game: N/A
Championship game: Beat Bradley 71-68 in New York City
Stars for 1949-50 City College of New York Beavers
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Head coach: Nat Holman
Key players: Center Ed Roman, forwards Irwin Dambrot and Ed Warner
Bottom Line: 1949-50 City College of New York Beavers
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This locally dominated team was the only one to win the NIT and NCAA championships in the same year.
A year later, seven teammates were implicated in a gambling scandal that rocked the program and college game.
69. 1956-57 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 32-0 overall, 14-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 79.3
Points allowed per game: 65.6
Championship game: Beat Kansas 54-53 (three overtimes) in Kansas City
Stars for 1956-57 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Frank McGuire
Key players: Guard Tommy Kearns, forwards Pete Brennan and Lenny Rosenbluth
Bottom Line: 1956-57 North Carolina Tar Heels
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A lack of depth wasn’t a factor in the regular season, but it was tested to the max in the tournament.
This resilient bunch survived triple-overtime thrillers against Michigan State and Kansas in the final two games.
68. 1953-54 LaSalle Explorers
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Record: 26-4 (Independent)
Points scored per game: 75.4
Points allowed per game: 63.3
Championship game: Beat Bradley 92-76 in Kansas City
Stars for 1953-54 LaSalle Explorers
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Head coach: Ken Loeffler
Key players: Guard Frank O’Hara, forwards Tom Gola and Charles Singley
Bottom Line: 1953-54 LaSalle Explorers
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While short on experience — five sophomores played key roles — this team boasted the best all-around player in the country.
That would be Tom Gola, the only NIT Most Valuable player (1952) and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1954) in college hoops history.
67. 1958-59 California Golden Bears
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Record: 25-4 overall, 14-2 in Pacific Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 63.9
Points allowed per game: 51.0
Championship game: Beat West Virginia 71-70 in Daly City, California
Stars for 1958-59 California Golden Bears
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Head coach: Pete Newell
Key players: Guard Denny Fitzpatrick, center Darrall Imhoff, forward Bill McClintock
Bottom Line: 1958-59 California Golden Bears
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This underdog bunch had Pete Newell written all over them — disciplined, defense-oriented and physically fit.
They beat all-timers Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati) and Jerry West (West Virginia) in the final two games.
66. 1982-83 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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Record: 26-10 overall, 8-6 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 69.4
Points allowed per game: 64.8
Championship game: Beat Houston 54-52 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Stars for 1982-83 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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Head coach: Jim Valvano
Key players: Forward Thurl Bailey, guards Sidney Lowe and Dereck Whittenburg
Bottom Line: 1982-83 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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Jimmy V’s team won four tournament games by two, one, one and two points.
And the championship game-winner came off the rebound of an airball.
I believe the word is destiny.
65. 1979-80 Louisville Cardinals
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Record: 33-3 overall, 12-0 in Metropolitan Collegiate Athletic Conference
Points scored per game: 76.9
Points allowed per game: 66.7
Championship game: Beat UCLA 59-54 in Indianapolis, Indiana
Stars for 1979-80 Louisville Cardinals
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Head coach: Denny Crum
Key players: Forward Rodney McCray, guards Darrell Griffith and Derek Smith
Bottom Line: 1979-80 Louisville Cardinals
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These high flyers soared out of nowhere en route to their first national championship, sort of like "Dr. Dunkenstein" (aka Darrell Griffith) on many of his dunks.
They didn't crack the top 10 until mid-January and won 26 of their last 27 games.
64. 1987-88 Kansas Jayhawks
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Record: 27-11 overall, 9-5 in Big Eight Conference
Points scored per game: 75.3
Points allowed per game: 67.9
Championship game: Beat Oklahoma 83-79 in Kansas City
Stars for 1987-88 Kansas Jayhawks
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Head coach: Larry Brown
Key players: Guard Kevin Pritchard, forwards Danny Manning and Milt Newton
Bottom Line: 1987-88 Kansas Jayhawks
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What Danny and the (Minor) Miracles lacked in name recognition, they up for in smarts and defense.
They also were battle-tested — No. 2 in strength of schedule in the country.
63. 1951-52 Kansas Jayhawks
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Record: 28-3 overall, 11-1 in Big Seven Conference
Points scored per game: 64.1
Points allowed per game: 52.1
Championship game: Beat St. John’s 80-63 in Seattle
Stars for 1951-52 Kansas Jayhawks
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Head coach: Phog Allen
Key players: Center Clyde Lovellette, guard Dean Kelley, forward Bob Kenney
Bottom Line: 1951-52 Kansas Jayhawks
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When the calendar flipped to February, "Wide" Clyde Lovellette and his co-conspirators locked down on defense and became a different team.
They barrelled through the final 13 opponents by an average margin of 16 points.
62. 1957-58 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 23-6 overall, 12-2 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 74.7
Points scored allowed per game: 62.7
Championship game: Beat Seattle 84-72 in Lexington
Stars for 1957-58 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Adolph Rupp
Key players: Guard Vernon Hatton, forward John Cox and John Crigler
Bottom Line: 1957-58 Kentucky Wildcats
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Adolph Rupp referred to his veteran group as the Fiddlin’ Five, because as he put it, they were more fit for a barn dance than a Carnegie Hall schedule.
Their pride and poise came to the forefront in the postseason, when they rewarded the coach with his fourth and final national title.
61. 1976-77 Marquette Warriors (Golden Eagles)
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Record: 25-7 (Independent)
Points scored per game: 70.5
Points allowed per game: 59.4
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 67-59 in Atlanta, Georgia
Stars for 1976-77 Marquette Warriors (Golden Eagles)
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Head coach: Al McGuire
Key players: Forward Bo Ellis, guard Butch Lee, center Jerome Whitehead
Bottom Line: 1976-77 Marquette Warriors (Golden Eagles)
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While not as talented as the 27-2 team that lost in the regional final a year earlier, this one proved to be far better finishers.
After three consecutive defeats in mid-February, it rebounded to win nine of the last 10 and become the first NCAA champions with as many as seven losses.
60. 2013-14 Connecticut Huskies
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Record: 32-8 overall, 12-6 in American Athletic Conference
Points scored per game: 71.8
Points allowed per game: 63.2
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 60-54 in Dallas, Texas
Stars for 2013-14 Connecticut Huskies
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Head coach: Kevin Ollie
Key players: Forward DeAndre Daniels, guards Ryan Boatright and Shabazz Napier
Bottom Line: 2013-14 Connecticut Huskies
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UConn followed a familiar success formula in the aughts — tough, tested and backcourt-driven.
It ranked 24th (of 351 teams) in Defensive Rating and didn’t give up more than 54 points in any of the final three games.
59. 2010-11 Connecticut Huskies
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Record: 32-9 overall, 9-9 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 72.4
allowed per game: 64.9
Championship game: Beat Butler 53-41 in Houston, Texas
Stars for 2010-11 Connecticut Huskies
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Head coach: Jim Calhoun
Key players: Forward Alex Oriakhi, guards Jeremy Lamb and Kemba Walker
Bottom Line: 2010-11 Connecticut Huskies
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This was a mirror image of the 2013-14 championship team with one exception — Kemba Walker gave it a legit star.
It finished .500 in a hellish conference that sent 11 teams to the Big Dance.
58. 1955-56 San Francisco Dons
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Record: 29-0 overall, 12-0 California Basketball Association
Points scored per game: 72.2
Points allowed per game: 52.2
Championship game: Beat LaSalle 77-63 in Kansas City
Stars for 1955-56 San Francisco Dons
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Head coach: Phil Woolpert
Key players: Center Bill Russell, guards K.C. Jones and Hal Perry
Bottom Line: 1955-56 San Francisco Dons
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Bill Russell was the linchpin of the No. 2 defense in the country, which limited all its opponents to 60 points or less except five.
The only burp: a 47-40 loss at No. 13 UCLA in the second game of the season.
57. 1983-84 Georgetown Hoyas
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Record: 34-3 overall, 14-2 in Big East
Points scored per game: 74.3
Points allowed per game: 57.9
Championship game: Beat Houston 84-75 in Seattle
Stars for 1983-84 Georgetown Hoyas
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Head coach: John Thompson
Key players: Center Patrick Ewing, guards Michael Jackson and David Wingate
Bottom Line: 1983-84 Georgetown Hoyas
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While physical defense was their calling card — critics called it felonious assault — this blue-collar bunch could win any which way.
They lost three games by a combined eight points and ranked sixth or higher from wire to wire.
56. 1960-61 Cincinnati Bearcats
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Record: 27-3 overall, 10-2 in Missouri Valley Conference
Points scored per game: 75.0
Points allowed per game: 60.8
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 70-65 (overtime) in Kansas City
Stars for 1960-61 Cincinnati Bearcats
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Head coach: Ed Junker
Key players: Center Paul Hogue, forwards Tom Thacker and Bob Wiesenhahn
Bottom Line: 1960-61 Cincinnati Bearcats
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The departure of Oscar Robertson rendered this an "All-American team with no All-Americans," as Ed Junker called it.
In his first season at the controls, the former assistant oversaw an immediate transformation that resulted in improved team defense and chemistry as well as the first national title in team history.
55. 2002-02 Syracuse Orangemen (Orange)
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Record: 30-5 overall, 13-3 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 79.6
Points allowed per game: 69.7
Championship game: Beat Kansas 81-78 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Stars for 2002-02 Syracuse Orangemen (Orange)
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Head coach: Jim Boeheim
Key players: Guard Gerry McNamara, forwards Carmelo Antony and Hakim Warrick
Bottom Line: 2002-02 Syracuse Orangemen (Orange)
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Who says defense and experience win championships? This team didn’t have a whole lot of either.
It did have a full-blown star (Carmelo Anthony), a borderline star (Hakim Warrick) and a ballsy floor leader (Gerry McNamara), and they were plenty enough.
54. 1952-53 Indiana Hoosiers
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Record: 23-3 overall, 17-1 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 81.2
Points allowed per game: 69.5
Championship game: Beat Kansas 69-68 in Kansas City
Stars for 1952-53 Indiana Hoosiers
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Head coach: Branch McCracken
Key players: Forward Dick Farley, guard Bobby Leonard, center Don Schlundt
Bottom Line: 1952-53 Indiana Hoosiers
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There was a better chance for Humphrey Bogart to quit cold turkey than the Hurryin’ Hoosiers to win it all.
Too young, too inexperienced. But when Bobby Leonard moved from the wing to the backcourt, they took off ahead of schedule.
His free throw in the final minute decided the championship game.
53. 1981-82 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 32-2 overall, 12-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 66.7
Points allowed per game: 55.4
Championship game: Beat Georgetown 63-62 in New Orleans
Stars for 1981-82 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Dean Smith
Key players: Guard Michael Jordan, center Sam Perkins, forward James Worthy
Bottom Line: 1981-82 North Carolina Tar Heels
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This team wasn’t particularly deep, but with Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins and James Worthy on the court, how much more was needed, really?
So the question isn’t how this team won it all. The question is, how did it lose two games?
52. 2005-06 Florida Gators
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Record: 33-6 overall, 10-6 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 78.3
Points allowed per game: 63.5
Championship game: Beat UCLA 73-57 in Indianapolis
Stars for 2005-06 Florida Gators
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Head coach: Billy Donovan
Key players: Center Joakim Noah, forward Corey Brewer, forward-center Al Horford
Bottom Line: 2005-06 Florida Gators
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Coaches say it all the time — start fast, finish strong.
This young-and-balanced group opened with 17 consecutive wins and closed with 11 in a row.
Not many remember the six close losses in between.
51. 1985-86 Louisville Cardinals
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Record: 32-7 overall, 10-2 in Metropolitan Collegiate Athletic Conference
Points scored per game: 79.4
Points allowed per game: 69.1
Championship game: Beat Duke 72-69 in Dallas
Stars for 1985-86 Louisville Cardinals
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Head coach: Denny Crum
Key players: Center Pervis Ellison, guard Milt Wagner, forward Billy Thompson
Bottom Line: 1985-86 Louisville Cardinals
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This young, athletic group circled below the radar through the regular season, then took off in the tournament.
None of their five opponents got within eight points until the final game.
50. 1986-87 Indiana Hoosiers
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Record: 30-4 overall, 15-3 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 82.5
Points allowed per game: 70.9
Championship game: Beat Syracuse 74-73 in New Orleans
Stars for 1986-87 Indiana Hoosiers
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Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Forward Daryl Thomas, guards Steve Alford and Keith Smart
Bottom Line: 1986-87 Indiana Hoosiers
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This was the basic Bob Knight-coached team — focused, disciplined and consistent — but his final national title didn’t come without a struggle.
The last three wins were by one, four and one point. It took a bricked free throw followed by a Keith Smart jump shot to diffuse Syracuse in the finale.
49. 1970-71 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 29-1 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 83.5
Points allowed per game: 68.5
Championship game: Beat Villanova 68-62 in Houston
Stars for 1970-71 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Steve Patterson, forwards Curtis Rowe and Sidney Wicks
Bottom Line: 1970-71 UCLA Bruins
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A shortage of perimeter shooters occasionally showed on offense, which failed to reach 70 points in the final three games.
Even so, few doubted that this front-court-heavy team would cut down the nets.
The only hiccup: an 89-82 loss at No. 9 Notre Dame in late January.
48. 1954-55 San Francisco Dons
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Record: 28-1 overall, 12-0 California Basketball Association
Points scored per game: 67.3
Points allowed per game: 52.1
Championship game: Beat LaSalle 77-63 in Kansas City
Stars for 1954-1955 San Francisco Dons
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Head coach: Phil Woolpert
Key players: Guard K.C. Jones, forward Jerry Mullen, center Bill Russell
Bottom Line: 1954-55 San Francisco Dons
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This team lost one more game than the unbeaten champs of one year later, but there are ranked slightly higher because of a more difficult schedule.
Bill Russell and team defense were constants, as opponents shot a feeble 32 percent in the field in both seasons.
47. 1974-75 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 28-3 overall, 12-2 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 84.7
Points allowed per game: 72.2
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 92-85 in San Diego, California
Stars for 1974-75 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Richard Washington, forward Marques Johnson and David Meyers
Bottom Line: 1974-75 UCLA Bruins
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The last of the John Wooden-led championship teams featured not one, not three, not five but seven future NBA players. So, uh, yeah, talent was not a problem as usual.
This offensive machine produced 100-plus points on six occasions.
46. 1977-78 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 30-2 overall, 16-2 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 84.2
Points allowed per game: 69.8
Championship game: Beat Duke 94-88 in St. Louis, Missouri
Stars for 1950-51 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Joe. B. Hall
Key players: Forward Jack Givens, guard Kyle Macy, center Rick Robey
Bottom Line: 1977-78 Kentucky Wildcats
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This senior-laden group could score in bunches, as all five starters averaged in double figures.
Still, Jack Givens had to have the game of his life (41 points on 35 total shots) to close the deal.
(Full disclosure: I’ll never forgive him for it, either.)
45. 1980-81 Indiana Hoosiers
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Record: 26-9 overall, 14-4 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 70.0
Points allowed per game: 58.5
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 63-50 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stars for 1980-81 Indiana Hoosiers
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Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Forward Ray Tolbert, guards Isiah Thomas and Randy Wittman
Bottom Line: 1980-81 Indiana Hoosiers
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Gritty, not pretty. That summed up this offense-challenged bunch, who were unranked at the start of the calendar year.
Then, Isiah Thomas took his team by the scruff of the neck and carried it across the finish line.
The Most Outstanding Player of the tournament was chosen second in the NBA Draft only weeks later.
44. 1964-65 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 28-2 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Points scored per game: 86.3
Points allowed per game: 71.3
Championship game: Beat Michigan 91-80 in Portland, Oregon
Stars for 1964-65 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Guards Gail Goodrich, forwards Keith Erickson and Edgar Lacey
Bottom Line: 1964-65 UCLA Bruins
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Even though this group went only seven deep, opponents couldn’t keep up with them.
They eclipsed 100 points six times, including the first three tournament games.
Gail Goodrich capped a brilliant career with 42 points in a grand finale.
43. 1962-63 Loyola Ramblers
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Record: 29-2 (Independent)
Points scored per game; 91.8
Points allowed per game: 68.1
Championship game: Beat Cincinnati 60-58 (overtime) in Louisville, Kentucky
Stars for 1962-63 Loyola Ramblers
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Head coach: George Ireland
Key players: Center Les Hunter, forwards Jerry Harkness and Vic Rouse
Bottom Line: 1962-63 Loyola Ramblers
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It’s crazy to think that a team with one white and four black starters could win it all in this era, let alone average 92 points with no shot clock and practically no bench.
Texas Western would get all the love two years later, but what this North Side Chicago team accomplished was no less impressive and significant.
42. 2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks
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Record: 34-6 overall, 14-4 in Big 12 Conference
Points scored per game 78.2
Point allowed per game: 67.2
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 72-69 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Stars for 2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks
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Head coach: Bill Self
Key players: Guard Ochai Agbaji, guard Christian Braun, forward Jalen Wilson
Bottom Line: 2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks
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The goal at Kansas every year is to win the last game of the season in the NCAA tournament.
This Bill Self squad didn't disappoint. They brought home the fourth national championship in program history to Lawrence and the second of the Self era.
41. 1996-97 Arizona Wildcats
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Record: 25-9 overall, 11-7 in Pacific-10 Conference
Points scored per game: 83.9
Points allowed per game: 73.3
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 84-79 in Indianapolis
Stars for 1996-97 Arizona Wildcats
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Head coach: Lute Olsen
Key players: Forward Michael Dickerson, guards Mike Bibby and Miles Simon
Bottom Line: 1996-97 Arizona Wildcats
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A versatile, efficient offense that featured four double-figure scorers carried this team through the regular season.
Then the defense joined the party in the tournament, when Mike Bibby and Miles Simon came up big in a big way.
40. 1950-51 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 32-2 overall, 14-0 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 74.7
Points allowed per game: 52.4
Championship game: Beat Illinois 76-74 in New York City
Stars for 1950-51 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Adolph Rupp
Key players: Center Bill Spivey, forward Shelby Linville , guard-forward Frank Ramsey
Bottom Line: 1950-51 Kentucky Wildcats
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This may have been the most talented of the four Adolph Rupp-coached championship teams, what with the 7-foot Bill Spivey and future Hall of Famers Frank Ramsey and forward Cliff Hagan in lead roles.
Opponents shot 27 percent in the field and were outrebounded by an average of 22.1 per game.
39. 1963-64 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 30-0 overall, 15-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Points scored per game: 88.9
Points allowed per game: 70.1
Championship game: Best Duke 98-83 in Kansas City
Stars for 1963-64 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Forward Jack Hirsch, guards Gail Goodrich and Walt Hazzard
Bottom Line: 1963-64 UCLA Bruins
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This is where the greatest dynasty in college hoops got its start. With an all-time backcourt, no starter taller than 6-foot-5 and a vaunted zone press.
The would-be champs claimed the top spot at the turn of the calendar year and never gave it back.
38. 1978-79 Michigan State Spartans
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Record: 26-6 overall, 13-5 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 75.7
Points allowed per game: 62.6
Championship game: Beat Indiana State 75-64 in Salt Lake City, Utah
Stars for 1978-79 Michigan State Spartans
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Head coach: Jud Heathcote
Key players: Guard Magic Johnson, forwards Gregory Kelser and Jay Vincent
Bottom Line: 1978-79 Michigan State Spartans
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Remember the Nov. 27, 1978, Sports Illustrated cover, the one with an airborne Magic in a tux and top hat? Way cool.
The rest of his team wasn’t bad, either. Sparty rolled through the NCAAs in what would be round one of the Bird-Magic slugfests.
37. 2003-04 Connecticut Huskies
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Record: 33-6 overall, 12-4 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 78.8
Points allowed per game: 63.9
Championship game: Beat Georgia Tech 82-73 in San Antonio, Texas
Stars for 2003-04 Connecticut Huskies
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Head coach: Jim Calhoun
Key players: Center Emeka Okafor, guards Rashad Anderson and Ben Gordon
Bottom Line: 2003-04 Connecticut Huskies
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Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon formed the best inside-outside combo in the country, but there was plenty around them.
The No. 1 team in the country lost its mojo in mid-January but recovered to win 14 of the final 15 games.
36. 1961-62 Cincinnati Bearcats
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Record: 29-2 overall, 10-2 in Missouri Valley Conference
Points scored per game: 72.2
Points allowed per game: 55.1
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 71-59 in Louisville
Stars for 1961-62 Cincinnati Bearcats
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Head coach: Ed Junker
Key players: Center Paul Hogue, forwards Ron Bonham and Tom Thacker
Bottom Line: 1961-62 Cincinnati Bearcats
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The second of the Ed Junker-coached repeat champs were the ultimate flat-liners — they lost two games by a total of three points and were ranked No. 2 or No. 3 the entire regular season.
The Bearcats survived a one-point scare versus upstart UCLA in the semis. Then they blew past a hobbled Jerry Lucas and the Buckeyes in the all-Ohio title match.
35. 1997-98 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 35-4 overall, 14-2 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 80.1
Points allowed per game: 67.0
Championship game: Beat Utah 78-69 in San Antonio
Stars for 1997-98 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Tubby Smith
Key players: Center Nazr Mohammed, forward Scott Padgett, guard Jeff Sheppard
Bottom Line: 1997-98 Kentucky Wildcats
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Behind a monstrous front line that dominated the paint area, these Top ‘Cats ranked first in blocked shots and second in rebounds in the country.
Theirs was a title well-earned. The last four victories came against ranked opponents, close calls against No. 3 Duke and No. 10 Stanford among them.
34. 2001-02 Maryland Terrapins
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Record: 32-4 overall, 15-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 85.0
Points allowed per game: 70.9
Championship game: Beat Indiana 64-52 in Atlanta
Stars for 2001-02 Maryland Terrapins
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Head coach: Gary Williams
Key players: Forward Lonny Baxter, guard Steve Blake and Juan Dixon
Bottom Line: 2001-02 Maryland Terrapins
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This team won on size and balance — it ranked among the top 10 in points, field-goal percentage, rebounds, assists and blocked shots in the country.
It also peaked at the right time. No opponent got closer than eight points in a half-dozen tournament games.
33. 1994-95 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 31-2 overall, 16-2 in Pacific-10 Conference
Points scored per game: 87.5
Points allowed per game: 73.9
Championship game: Beat Arkansas 89-78 in Seattle
Stars for 1994-95 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: Jim Harrick
Key players: Guard Tyus Edney, forwards Ed O’Bannon and Charles O’Bannon
Bottom Line: 1994-95 UCLA Bruins
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The moment of truth came against Missouri in the second round, when with 4.8 seconds on the clock, Tyus Edney famously drove the length of the court and banked in a shot at the buzzer.
Bruins fun fact: Future Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers scored six points in 18 games off the bench.
32. 2006-07 Florida Gators
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Record: 35-5 overall, 13-3 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 79.8
Points allowed per game: 62.6
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 74-65 in Atlanta
Stars for 2006-07 Florida Gators
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Head coach: Billy Donovan
Key players: Forward Corey Brewer, guard Taurean Green, forward-center Al Horford
Bottom Line: 2006-07 Florida Gators
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The top six players returned from the 2006 championship team, only a year older and wiser.
Unlike the previous season, this one captured the SEC title, but the end result was the same.
31. 1993-94 Arkansas Razorbacks
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Record: 31-3 overall, 14-2 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 93.4
Points allowed per game: 75.6
Championship game: Beat Duke 76-72 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Stars for 1993-94 Arkansas Razorbacks
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Head coach: Nolan Richardson
Key players: Guard Corey Beck, forwards Scotty Thurman and Corliss Williamson
Bottom Line: 1993-94 Arkansas Razorbacks
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Their most competitive games were played at practice. That’s where "40 Minutes of Hell" originated — full-court, high-intensity, no-blood-no-foul mayhem.
The rest was almost easy for a Hogs team that ranked first in points, third in steals and sixth in rebounds in the country.
30. 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats
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Record: 35-5 overall, 16-2 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 78.0
Points allowed per game: 63.6
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 77-74 in Houston
Stars for 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats
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Head coach: Jay Wright
Key players: Forward Kris Jenkins, guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart
Bottom Line: 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats
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This undersized, unselfish bunch put the fun in fundamentals.
They also were sneaky talented — six players moved on to pros.
They closed with four victories against top 10 opponents.
29. 1989-90 Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels
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Record: 35-5 overall, 16-2 in Big West Conference
Points scored per game: 93.5
Points allowed per game: 78.5
Championship game: Beat Duke 103-73 in Denver, Colorado
Stars for 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Jerry Tarkanian
Key players: Guard Greg Anthony, forwards Stacey Augmon and Larry Johnson
Bottom Line: 1989-90 Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels
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If you blinked, the Runnin’ Rebels might have scored four points already. They reached triple figures no fewer than 16 times.
This team boasted three NBA first-rounders and won 21 of its final 22 games, none against an opponent who ranked higher than ninth in the country.
28. 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils
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Record: 34-2 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 88.0
Points allowed per game: 72.6
Championship game: Beat Michigan 71-51 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stars for 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Grant Hill, guard Bobby Hurley, center Christian Laettner
Bottom Line: 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils
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These Dukies ranked No. 1 in every one of the 18 regular-season polls.
Their game was precision and fundamentals — eight of the top 10 players sank at least half of their field-goal tries.
So it was fitting that Christian Laettner would drain all 20 of his shots in an insane overtime victory over Kentucky that saved their postseason.
27. 2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 38-2 overall, 16-0 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 77.4
Points allowed per game: 60.6
Championship game: Beat Kansas 67-59 in New Orleans
Stars for 2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: John Calipari
Key players: Center Anthony Davis, forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, guard Marquis Teague
Bottom Line: 2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats
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Coach Cal liked young, ubertalented teams, and none fit the formula better than this one.
The first seven players were underclassmen, and all would play at the next level.
A crazy .488-.374 field-goal percentage differential was an indication of their domination at both ends.
26. 1998-99 Connecticut Huskies
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Record: 34-2, 16-2 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 77.2
Points allowed per game: 61.3
Championship game: Beat Duke 77-74 in St. Petersburg, Florida
Stars for 1998-99 Connecticut Huskies
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Head coach: Jim Calhoun
Key players: Center Jake Voskuhl, guards Khalid El-Amin and Richard Hamilton
Bottom Line: 1998-99 Connecticut Huskies
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While this team didn’t boast name talent up and down the lineup, it had strength in numbers.
So dogged was the defense — opponents hit at only a 39 percent clip — it felt comfortable in close games.
The Khalid El-Amin-Richard Hamilton backcourt invariably took over late.
25. 2012-13 Louisville Cardinals
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Record: 35-5 overall, 14-4 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 74.5
Points allowed per game: 58.8
Championship game: Beat Michigan 82-76 in Atlanta
Stars for 2012-13 Louisville Cardinals
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Head coach: Rick Pitino
Key players: Center Gorgui Dieng, guards Peyton Siva and Russ Smith
Bottom Line: 2012-13 Louisville Cardinals
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No sooner did this team reach No. 1 than it dropped three games in a row. It regrouped to win 19 of their final 20 games.
Five years later, Louisville was forced to relinquish the title for "arranging striptease dances and sex acts for prospects, student-athletes and others."
Yeah, it was kind of strange that Ricky P. had a 9-foot pole installed in the locker room.
24. 2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 33-7 overall, 14-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 84.4
Points allowed per game: 70.6
Championship game: Beat Gonzaga 71-65 in Glendale, Arizona
Stars for 2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Guard Joel Berry, forward Justin Jackson, center-forward Kennedy Meeks
Bottom Line: 2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Because this team didn’t shoot the ball well at any distance, it had a little margin for error.
But these rebounding fools led the nation in offensive retrievals and were third at the defensive end.
That and solid defense allowed them to gut out a pair of close victories in the tournament.
23. 1990-91 Duke Blue Devils
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Record: 32-7 overall, 11-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 87.7
Points allowed per game: 73.4
Championship game: Beat Kansas 72-65 in Indianapolis
Stars for 1990-91 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Grant Hill, guard Bob Hurley, center Christian Laettner
Bottom Line: 1990-91 Duke Blue Devils
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The first of the Coach K championship teams limped to the finish line with a 4-3 record. That’s when Bobby Hurley, Christian Laettner and an unsung bench picked up the pace.
The real title game took place in the semis, where the Dukies beat No. 1 Nevada-Las Vegas to snap its 45-game win streak and avenge a 30-point loss the previous season.
22. 2014-15 Duke Blue Devils
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Record: 35-4 overall, 15-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 79.3
Points allowed per game: 64.2
Championship game: Beat Wisconsin 68-63 in Indianapolis
Stars for 2014-15 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Guard Quinn Cook, center Jahlil Okafor, forward Justise Winslow
Bottom Line: 2014-15 Duke Blue Devils
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These deep, talented Dukies ranked fifth or better in every regular-season poll and were never seriously threatened in the tournament.
Strangely, the No. 6 offense in the country could score virtually at will from everywhere except one spot — the free-throw line.
21. 1969-70 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 28-2 overall, 12-2 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 92.0
Points allowed per game: 73.4
Championship game: Beat Jacksonville 80-69 in College Park, Maryland
Stars for 1969-70 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Forward Sidney Wicks, guards Henry Bibby and John Vallely
Bottom Line: 1969-70 UCLA Bruins
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A pair of losses dropped the mighty Bruins to second in the final regular-season poll, but the hiccups only served as ample motivation for the postseason.
They went on to steamroll four ranked teams by an average of 18 points.
20. 1999-00 Michigan State Spartans
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Record: 32-7 overall, 13-3 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 74.1
Points allowed per game: 58.9
Championship game: Beat Florida 89-76 in Indianapolis
Stars for 1999-00 Michigan State Spartans
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Head coach: Tom Izzo
Key players: Forward Morris Peterson, guards Charlie Bell and Mateen Cleaves
Bottom Line: 1999-00 Michigan State Spartans
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Deep? How would you like to have future NBA first-rounder Jason Richardson come off the bench?
This veteran group defended and rebounded with a vengeance and could stroke it from anywhere.
After some early struggles, they won 15 of their last 16 games.
19. 2020-21 Baylor Bears
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Record: 28-2 overall, 13-1 in Big 12 Conference
Points scored per game 82.9
Point allowed per game: 65.5
Championship game: Beat Gonzaga 86-70 in Indianapolis, Indiana
Stars for 2020-21 Baylor Bears
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Head coach: Scott Drew
Key players: Guard Jared Butler, guard MaCio Teague, guard Davion Mitchell
Bottom Line: 2020-21 Baylor Bears
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This Baylor team rolled through the NCAA tournament just like they rolled through the regular season.
In the Big Dance, they won their six games with an average winning margin of 15.3 points and beat Gonzaga by 16 in the championship game.
That's called dominance, folks.
18. 1973-74 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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Record: 30-1 overall, 12-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 91.4
Points allowed per game: 74.7
Championship game: Beat Marquette 76-64 in Greensboro, North Carolina
Stars for 1973-74 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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Head coach: Norm Sloan
Key players: Center Tom Burleson, forward David Thompson, guard Monte Towe
Bottom Line: 1973-74 North Carolina State Wolfpack
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This junior-laden bunch had it all — star talent, inside presence, stellar guard play, adequate depth and homecourt advantage throughout the tournament.
The lone setback came against No. 1 UCLA in the third game, a loss that would be avenged in an epic semifinals showdown.
17. 2009-10 Duke Blue Devils
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Record: 35-5 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 77.0
Points allowed per game: 61.0
Championship game: Beat Butler 61-59 in Indianapolis
Stars for 2009-10 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Kyle Singler, guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith
Bottom Line: 2009-10 Duke Blue Devils
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OK, so the names don’t scream all-time greatness. The fact remains that this team was as deep, balanced and efficient as any in the Coach K era.
It ranked seventh in Offensive Rating (115.7 points per 100 possessions), 14th in Defensive Rating (91.7) and rolled through the NCAAs until the final game.
16. 2018-19 Virginia Cavaliers
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Record: 35-3 overall, 16-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 71.4
Points allowed per game: 56.1
Championship game: Beat Texas Tech 85-77 (overtime) in Minneapolis
Stars for 2018-19 Virginia Cavaliers
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Head coach: Tony Bennett
Key players: Forward-guard De’Andre Hunter, guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome
Bottom Line: 2018-19 Virginia Cavaliers
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Basically, the same team was bounced from the NCAAs in round one the previous year.
So, no, Tony Bennett didn’t have to sing "Rags to Riches" to motivate his players.
This backcourt-dominated bunch excelled at both ends — fourth in Offensive Rating (116.3) and sixth in Defensive Rating (91.3) in the country.
15. 2008-09 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 34-4 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 89.8
Points allowed per game: 72.0
Championship game: Beat Michigan State 89-72 in Detroit, Michigan
Stars for 2008-09 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Forward Tyler Hansbrough, guards Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson
Bottom Line: 2008-09 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Roy Williams' boys ranked No. 1 for eight consecutive weeks to start the season before boredom set in.
Then they rolled through the NCAAs by an average 20-point victory margin.
In the finest Tar Heels tradition, nine players advanced to the next level.
14. 1959-60 Ohio State Buckeyes
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Record: 25-3 overall, 13-1 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 90.4
Points allowed per game: 69.8
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 75-55 in Daly City, California
Stars for 1959-60 Ohio State Buckeyes
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Head coach: Fred Taylor
Key players: Forward-guard John Havlicek, center Jerry Lucas, guard Larry Siegfried
Bottom Line: 1959-60 Ohio State Buckeyes
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Of their three teams to reach the Final Four in consecutive years, this was the only one to hoist the big prize.
Loaded? It featured two future Hall of Fame players (John Havlicek, Jerry Lucas), two future HOF coaches (Fred Taylor, guard Bob Knight) and dominated four NCAA games by 19, 17, 22 and 20 points.
13. 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers
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Record: 32-0 overall, 18-0 in Big Ten Conference
Points scored per game: 82.1
Points allowed per game: 64.8
Championship game: Beat Michigan 86-68 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stars for 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers
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Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Center Kent Benson, guard Quinn Buckner, forward Scott May
Bottom Line: 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers
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Not only were these the last NCAA champs to run the table, but only three wins were decided by three points or less. (Two others went into overtime.)
They closed in a blaze of glory over No. 6 Alabama, No. 2 Marquette, No. 5 UCLA and No. 9 Michigan in the final four games.
12. 2017-18 Villanova Wildcats
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Record: 36-4 overall, 14-4 in Big East Conference
Points scored per game: 86.6
Points allowed per game: 70.2
Championship game: Beat Michigan 79-62 in San Antonio
Stars for 2017-18 Villanova Wildcats
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Head coach: Jay Wright
Key players: Forward Mikal Bridges, guards Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVicenzo
Bottom Line: 2017-18 Villanova Wildcats
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Was this guard-dominated offense the best of the last 10 years if not ever?
Metrics geeks would point to its outrageous 122.3 points per 100 possessions, the highest rate since 2009-10, when the stat was first recorded.
Mikal Bridges (132.5) and Jalen Brunson (130.7) had Offensive Ratings that were among the top 100 ever.
11. 1968-69 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 29-1 overall, 13-1 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 84.7
Points allowed per game: 63.8
Championship game: Beat Purdue 92-72 in Louisville
Stars for 1968-69 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Lew Alcindor (pre-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), forward Curtis Rowe, guard John Vallely
Bottom Line: 1968-69 UCLA Bruins
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When March arrived, the biggest question was whether LewCLA would go unbeaten for the second time in three seasons.
One night after rival USC took the Bruins to overtime in a 61-55 loss, the visitors upset them 46-44 in the regular-season finale.
They would have to settle for an 88-2 record in the Alcindor era.
10. 2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks
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Record: 37-3 overall, 13-3 in Big 12 Conference
Points scored per game: 80.5
Points allowed per game: 61.5
Championship game: Beat Memphis 75-68 (overtime) in San Antonio
Stars for 2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks
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Head coach: Bill Self
Key players: Forward Darrell Arthur, guards Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush
Bottom Line: 2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks
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From size to experience to depth to shotmakers, this was a team without a weakness.
Rock Chalk U faced the 13th most difficult schedule in the country and dominated opponents by an average of 19.0 points per game.
Victories against No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 Memphis capped a magical run.
9. 1988-89 Michigan Wolverines
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Record: 30-7 overall, 12-6 in Big Ten
Points scored per game: 91.7
Points allowed per game: 74.8
Championship game: Beat Seton Hall 80-79 in Seattle
Stars for 1988-89 Michigan Wolverines
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Head coach: Bill Frieder (24-7), Bill Fisher (6-0)
Key players: Guard Rumeal Robinson, forwards Glen Rice and Loy Vaught
Bottom Line: 1988-89 Michigan Wolverines
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After the Bill Frieder-to-Arizona State news leaked out, Steve Fisher took over on the eve of the tournament.
Remember when athletic director Bo Schembechler announced: "A Michigan man will coach Michigan"? Well, this team was so talented, The Man From Mars could have coached it.
Glen Rice was chief among the four starters who would be among the top 16 picks in the NBA draft.
8. 1972-73 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 81.3
Points allowed per game: 60.0
Championship game: Beat Memphis 87-66 in St. Louis
Stars for 1972-73 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Guard Larry Hollyfield, forward Keith (pre-Jamaal) Wilkes, center Bill Walton
Bottom Line: 1972-73 UCLA Bruins
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The Walton Gang ranked No. 1 from start to finish.
No opponent got within five points of them.
Any questions, girls and boys?
7. 2004-05 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 33-4 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 88.0
Points allowed per game: 70.3
Championship game: Beat Illinois 75-70 in St. Louis
Stars for 2004-05 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Center Sean May, guards Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants
Bottom Line: 2004-05 North Carolina Tar Heels
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This loaded first unit boasted size, experience and five double-figure scorers.
RINO (Reserve In Name Only) Marvin Williams was the X factor.
Uh, kind of nice to have the No. 2 pick of the next NBA draft as the sixth man, ya think?
6. 1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Record: 34-4 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 86.1
Points allowed per game: 68.3
Championship game: Beat Michigan 77-71 in New Orleans
Stars for 1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels
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Head coach: Dean Smith
Key players: Forward George Lynch, center Eric Montross, guard Derrick Phelps
Bottom Line: 1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels
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While this team didn’t pack the star power of some other Dean Smith-coached powerhouses, none had greater size and strength in numbers. This edition went a legit nine deep, five of whom were 6-foot-8 or taller.
Their offense efficiency was off the charts — first in assists, second in 2-point field-goal percentage, fifth in fewest turnovers in the country.
Oh, they won 17 of the last 18 games, too.
5. 1966-67 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Points scored per game: 89.6
Points allowed per game: 63.7
Championship game: Beat Dayton 79-64 in Louisville
Stars for 1966-67 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Lew Alcindor, guard Lucius Allen, forward Lynn Shackelford
Bottom Line: 1966-67 UCLA Bruins
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Granted, Big Lew and his co-conspirators fattened up on an anorexic conference. They played only three ranked teams — and won by 34, 20 and 15 points — or else they would rank higher here.
Nonetheless, no one can deny the all-time greatness of these unbeaten champs. Only rival Southern Cal could get within five points of them.
Some opponents resorted to stallball to avoid embarrassment.
4. 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats
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Record: 34-2 overall, 16-0 in Southeastern Conference
Points scored per game: 91.4
Points allowed per game: 69.4
Championship game: Beat Syracuse 76-67 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Stars for 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats
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Head coach: Rick Pitino
Key players: Guard Tony Delk, forwards Walter McCarty and Antoine Walker
Bottom Line: 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats
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I have this group as 4 1/2-point favorites against the 1995-96 Philadelphia 76ers (18-64).
The star-studded cast featured nine future pros, although only eight played regularly.
The hyperactive offense was a Ricky P. special — first in points, first in field-goal attempts, 14th in fewest turnovers in the country.
3. 2000-01 Duke Blue Devils
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Record: 35-4 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Points scored per game: 90.7
Points allowed per game: 70.5
Championship game: Beat Arizona 82-72 in Minneapolis
Stars for 2000-01 Duke Blue Devils
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Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Guard Jay Williams, forwards Shane Battier and Mike Dunleavy
Bottom Line: 2000-01 Duke Blue Devils
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This Dukie team is the best of them all for several reasons, but largely because of their tournament dominance. It whupped the No. 16, No. 9, No. 4, No. 6, No. 3 and No. 2 teams by double figures.
The front seven packed so much skill and savvy, a somewhat thin bench was seldom a factor.
Three of their losses were by one, one and two points.
2. 1967-68 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 29-1 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Points scored per game: 93.4
Points allowed per game: 67.2
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 78-55 in Los Angeles, California
Stars for 1967-68 UCLA Bruins
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Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Lew Alcindor, guards Lucius Allen and Mike Warren
Bottom Line: 1967-68 UCLA Bruins
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Check out that points differential.
The NCAA banned dunks (aka the "Alcindor Rule") before the season, but only Elvin "The Big E" Hayes and Houston could stop the mighty Bruins in a memorable No. 1-versus-No. 2 showdown at the Astrodome.
In the rematch weeks later, Hayes was reduced to "The Lower Case E" in a 101-69 rout in the tournament semifinals.
1. 1971-72 UCLA Bruins
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Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Points scored per game: 94.6
Points allowed per game: 64.3
Championship game: Beat Florida State 81-76 in Los Angeles
Stars for 1971-72 UCLA Bruins
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- Head coach: John Wooden
- Key players: Guard Henry Bibby, center Bill Walton, forward Keith Wilkes
Bottom Line: 1971-72 UCLA Bruins
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So who would you take in the ultimate series to determine the greatest college basketball team of all time — the Lew Alcindor-Wooden Bruins or Walton-Wooden Bruins?
We’ll take UCLA in seven.
Related: Greatest College Basketball Players