Greatest College Basketball Teams of All Time
/granite-web-prod/33/b7/33b76fca002c4cf589321bf73030df96.jpeg)
Relax, kids. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. That’s right. We’ve gone through every NCAA Tournament men's basketball national champion and ranked the Top 50 ... but be forewarned that your favorite team might not rank as high as you think it should.
So, by all means, vent to your heart’s content. That's what we're here for.
50. 1986-87 Indiana Hoosiers
/granite-web-prod/6d/bd/6dbdeb5b82a24679b1a8e0e3eea91640.jpeg)
Record: 30-4 overall, 15-3 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat Syracuse 74-73 in New Orleans
Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Forward Daryl Thomas, guards Steve Alford and Keith Smart
Bottom Line: 1986-87 Indiana Hoosiers
/granite-web-prod/1d/4d/1d4d32e34b8348a4a317f23b81ba4eb1.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/f8/b2/f8b2ffe0fe05464e87aa662b0b8bdfdd.jpeg)
Record: 29-1 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Villanova 68-62 in Houston
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Steve Patterson, forwards Curtis Rowe and Sidney Wicks
Bottom Line: 1970-71 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/3c/79/3c79982d73f947409af95b8d800ae8a8.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/1f/04/1f041e358983451eb003ca0c01bf7eab.jpeg)
Record: 28-1 overall, 12-0 California Basketball Association
Championship game: Beat LaSalle 77-63 in Kansas City
Head coach: Phil Woolpert
Key players: Guard K.C. Jones, forward Jerry Mullen, center Bill Russell
Bottom Line: 1954-55 San Francisco Dons
/granite-web-prod/80/75/8075c67678464347819a202f55e1be41.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/16/74/167482f6e1534954be84e5930da769e2.jpeg)
Record: 28-3 overall, 12-2 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 92-85 in San Diego, California
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Richard Washington, forward Marques Johnson and David Meyers
Bottom Line: 1974-75 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/6d/14/6d14fa3921b341ada3168cca351d032d.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/1c/37/1c376c2eda0743df97f5727a3dac31cc.jpeg)
Record: 30-2 overall, 16-2 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Duke 94-88 in St. Louis, Missouri
Head coach: Joe. B. Hall
Key players: Forward Jack Givens, guard Kyle Macy, center Rick Robey
Bottom Line: 1977-78 Kentucky Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/3a/e7/3ae73a28e99546d9a3b32520ed43c41c.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/b5/2c/b52c5291511b41abb8a184222ffab728.jpeg)
Record: 26-9 overall, 14-4 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 63-50 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Forward Ray Tolbert, guards Isiah Thomas and Randy Wittman
Bottom Line: 1980-81 Indiana Hoosiers
/granite-web-prod/a0/da/a0da7400113246b488a89b5f24ee8f3c.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/fc/4e/fc4e254cd707486eb6c93b129098c493.jpeg)
Record: 28-2 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Championship game: Beat Michigan 91-80 in Portland, Oregon
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Guards Gail Goodrich, forwards Keith Erickson and Edgar Lacey
Bottom Line: 1964-65 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/b4/86/b4862b29397746c1b2ecf76e98511b13.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/c3/b4/c3b4e04869444d60a9e5866021b4958a.jpeg)
Record: 29-2 (Independent)
Championship game: Beat Cincinnati 60-58 (overtime) in Louisville, Kentucky
Head coach: George Ireland
Key players: Center Les Hunter, forwards Jerry Harkness and Vic Rouse
Bottom Line: 1962-63 Loyola Ramblers
/granite-web-prod/89/49/8949e386bf6445d69b2b92dde4c609a6.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/95/78/9578c0a4ca40455b9eca2b9a858eedbd.jpeg)
Record: 34-6 overall, 14-4 in Big 12 Conference
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 72-69 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Head coach: Bill Self
Key players: Guard Ochai Agbaji, guard Christian Braun, forward Jalen Wilson
Bottom Line: 2021-22 Kansas Jayhawks
/granite-web-prod/44/b8/44b8c1bb173b43f0b5658b5d28e43138.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/47/d5/47d5eb807e894b3ca6fae32656e336e7.jpeg)
Record: 25-9 overall, 11-7 in Pacific-10 Conference
Championship game: Beat Kentucky 84-79 in Indianapolis
Head coach: Lute Olsen
Key players: Forward Michael Dickerson, guards Mike Bibby and Miles Simon
Bottom Line: 1996-97 Arizona Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/83/12/8312a9164bdb42b7b7a5858dd76ffa55.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/54/8d/548d40441e364874a71e55f66d05af91.jpeg)
Record: 32-2 overall, 14-0 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Illinois 76-74 in New York City
Head coach: Adolph Rupp
Key players: Center Bill Spivey, forward Shelby Linville , guard-forward Frank Ramsey
Bottom Line: 1950-51 Kentucky Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/30/8e/308e683c1c6444c1931da4c455cef50f.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/fc/28/fc28d0cc6a514c71a5e4ff229df55f13.jpeg)
Record: 30-0 overall, 15-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Championship game: Best Duke 98-83 in Kansas City
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Forward Jack Hirsch, guards Gail Goodrich and Walt Hazzard
Bottom Line: 1963-64 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/e4/97/e497e732ee7d41f0bbaf3fbc4966dda5.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/27/4d/274d2e59b16f4a749272797d2ee13dbf.jpeg)
Record: 26-6 overall, 13-5 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat Indiana State 75-64 in Salt Lake City, Utah
Bottom Line: 1978-79 Michigan State Spartans
/granite-web-prod/f8/10/f810c22c4970429da9ee90df99557f7d.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/f4/99/f499f5cdd37c44729c82d34bbf95167c.jpeg)
Record: 33-6 overall, 12-4 in Big East Conference
Championship game: Beat Georgia Tech 82-73 in San Antonio, Texas
Head coach: Jim Calhoun
Key players: Center Emeka Okafor, guards Rashad Anderson and Ben Gordon
Bottom Line: 2003-04 Connecticut Huskies
/granite-web-prod/1e/16/1e1676a907be428bb139282ecda4930a.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/86/ce/86ce41dc2376426da5d87b6f0a758a4c.jpeg)
Record: 29-2 overall, 10-2 in Missouri Valley Conference
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 71-59 in Louisville
Head coach: Ed Junker
Key players: Center Paul Hogue, forwards Ron Bonham and Tom Thacker
Bottom Line: 1961-62 Cincinnati Bearcats
/granite-web-prod/5c/94/5c941c7e5c8b4ee9894f33cfcca69502.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/0c/fe/0cfee37a405c43b3acaaff1a5ee48298.jpeg)
Record: 35-4 overall, 14-2 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Utah 78-69 in San Antonio
Head coach: Tubby Smith
Key players: Center Nazr Mohammed, forward Scott Padgett, guard Jeff Sheppard
Bottom Line: 1997-98 Kentucky Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/64/0d/640d848b6e534c67b36e5b98904459c5.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/c8/21/c82110f4a05a41dc91ea46562716c4ee.jpeg)
Record: 32-4 overall, 15-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Indiana 64-52 in Atlanta
Head coach: Gary Williams
Key players: Forward Lonny Baxter, guard Steve Blake and Juan Dixon
Bottom Line: 2001-02 Maryland Terrapins
/granite-web-prod/53/c2/53c297487cbe42edb4daa96bf0e6f2a9.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/bc/64/bc64feb1ec49466da9425b717561b24d.jpeg)
Record: 31-2 overall, 16-2 in Pacific-10 Conference
Championship game: Beat Arkansas 89-78 in Seattle
Head coach: Jim Harrick
Key players: Guard Tyus Edney, forwards Ed O’Bannon and Charles O’Bannon
Bottom Line: 1994-95 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/9b/f0/9bf0f1e7b373462e816ce843ed215340.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/e6/c5/e6c528353dbd4e81ba848210f11aba1b.png)
Record: 35-5 overall, 13-3 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Ohio State 74-65 in Atlanta
Head coach: Billy Donovan
Key players: Forward Corey Brewer, guard Taurean Green, forward-center Al Horford
Bottom Line: 2006-07 Florida Gators
/granite-web-prod/8a/1b/8a1b61f4895142589d72f45c4eec1e8e.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/1c/03/1c03f79a567c42fc94a6562973378814.png)
Record: 31-3 overall, 14-2 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Duke 76-72 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Head coach: Nolan Richardson
Key players: Guard Corey Beck, forwards Scotty Thurman and Corliss Williamson
Bottom Line: 1993-94 Arkansas Razorbacks
/granite-web-prod/39/32/393277293eaa4f4ebc3bf4131ed04816.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/2c/63/2c6388b25b69472cac12eb22bb8296ed.jpeg)
Record: 35-5 overall, 16-2 in Big East Conference
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 77-74 in Houston
Head coach: Jay Wright
Key players: Forward Kris Jenkins, guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart
Bottom Line: 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/41/b2/41b2b0c5bd164eea957476cb3f186b14.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/4c/af/4caf8d537683497993e3c6a5aca72009.jpeg)
Record: 35-5 overall, 16-2 in Big West Conference
Championship game: Beat Duke 103-73 in Denver, Colorado
Head coach: Jerry Tarkanian
Key players: Guard Greg Anthony, forwards Stacey Augmon and Larry Johnson
Bottom Line: 1989-90 Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels
/granite-web-prod/cb/af/cbafa560998e4f02bb725a9adfc3de27.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/9b/2c/9b2ce3fa71b34f01bd34428c63b43b67.jpeg)
Record: 34-2 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan 71-51 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Grant Hill, guard Bobby Hurley, center Christian Laettner
Bottom Line: 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils
/granite-web-prod/d9/e0/d9e03c0fb6c049b1821e27371d91e796.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/d0/ea/d0ea583c3544451ba79b2c634b8aa871.jpeg)
Record: 38-2 overall, 16-0 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Kansas 67-59 in New Orleans
Head coach: John Calipari
Key players: Center Anthony Davis, forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, guard Marquis Teague
Bottom Line: 2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/f7/9a/f79a3fd343af44bda40c39e12d9689a3.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/66/9e/669e47fbcd194701a5ff053aee96c7d0.jpeg)
Record: 34-2, 16-2 in Big East Conference
Championship game: Beat Duke 77-74 in St. Petersburg, Florida
Head coach: Jim Calhoun
Key players: Center Jake Voskuhl, guards Khalid El-Amin and Richard Hamilton
Bottom Line: 1998-99 Connecticut Huskies
/granite-web-prod/5b/4a/5b4a3bc8a9c94a8d8f0ae646bf1b4fbb.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/11/03/1103e46f16f54d73a3bd260d352bf75f.jpeg)
Record: 35-5 overall, 14-4 in Big East Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan 82-76 in Atlanta
Head coach: Rick Pitino
Key players: Center Gorgui Dieng, guards Peyton Siva and Russ Smith
Bottom Line: 2012-13 Louisville Cardinals
/granite-web-prod/cf/af/cfaf3f7c6a5b46df980aa75f8540b811.jpeg)
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." The ensuing investigation led to Louisville being stripped of its national title.
24. 2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels
/granite-web-prod/36/9d/369dc8b25790409080a5236ff5923b62.jpeg)
Record: 33-7 overall, 14-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Gonzaga 71-65 in Glendale, Arizona
Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Guard Joel Berry, forward Justin Jackson, center-forward Kennedy Meeks
Bottom Line: 2016-17 North Carolina Tar Heels
/granite-web-prod/fc/d7/fcd7d3d0aed842839cc60c3b289f471c.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/a1/14/a11439c6e9604d1ca1792f38fc6a2034.jpeg)
Record: 32-7 overall, 11-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Kansas 72-65 in Indianapolis
Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Grant Hill, guard Bob Hurley, center Christian Laettner
Bottom Line: 1990-91 Duke Blue Devils
/granite-web-prod/21/77/21771269d0e249e1af86afb2ddc07f9b.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/0a/86/0a868506eede48d2b9fc642ed5aa4c4c.jpeg)
Record: 35-4 overall, 15-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Wisconsin 68-63 in Indianapolis
Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Guard Quinn Cook, center Jahlil Okafor, forward Justise Winslow, guard Grayson Allen
Bottom Line: 2014-15 Duke Blue Devils
/granite-web-prod/a7/6e/a76ed8a26a2a4a618eabd35196309885.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/b2/a9/b2a9e40ccb1947ae9129d5027cf97578.jpeg)
Record: 28-2 overall, 12-2 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Jacksonville 80-69 in College Park, Maryland
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Forward Sidney Wicks, guards Henry Bibby and John Vallely
Bottom Line: 1969-70 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/10/f5/10f552a17543455fb80b0dcf7f7013dd.jpeg)
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. 1999-2000 Michigan State Spartans
/granite-web-prod/60/50/60500ba42b5a435ca5974ac156d9b355.jpeg)
Record: 32-7 overall, 13-3 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat Florida 89-76 in Indianapolis
Head coach: Tom Izzo
Key players: Forward Morris Peterson, guards Charlie Bell and Mateen Cleaves
Bottom Line: 1999-2000 Michigan State Spartans
/granite-web-prod/3a/21/3a21fe97e7e646c5b3f1223c0aae0ae4.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/69/00/69001bc5de0541b3a9248a6afa3453d3.jpeg)
Record: 28-2 overall, 13-1 in Big 12 Conference
Championship game: Beat Gonzaga 86-70 in Indianapolis, Indiana
Head coach: Scott Drew
Key players: Guard Jared Butler, guard Macio Teague, guard Davion Mitchell
Bottom Line: 2020-21 Baylor Bears
/granite-web-prod/24/9a/249a40168efb4e32990de68abfba1dae.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/cd/46/cd46322f2f46451c8b6027eaaef9d9ec.jpeg)
Record: 30-1 overall, 12-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Marquette 76-64 in Greensboro, North Carolina
Head coach: Norm Sloan
Key players: Center Tom Burleson, forward David Thompson, guard Monte Towe
Bottom Line: 1973-74 North Carolina State Wolfpack
/granite-web-prod/52/27/5227d252d9ed4e57913efa19ff2c69cd.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/5e/cf/5ecfee4f4cf9481eba7e98698fe2e335.png)
Record: 35-5 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Butler 61-59 in Indianapolis
Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Forward Kyle Singler, guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith
Bottom Line: 2009-10 Duke Blue Devils
/granite-web-prod/8d/38/8d3892e44475401abcd0684d10fe8d88.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/a7/14/a71452f2967f497ca4a2dfe3ea04d8e3.jpeg)
Record: 35-3 overall, 16-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Texas Tech 85-77 (OT) in Minneapolis
Head coach: Tony Bennett
Key players: Forward-guard De’Andre Hunter, guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome
Bottom Line: 2018-19 Virginia Cavaliers
/granite-web-prod/fe/6d/fe6d6e011e014e97af414c03fd37c2e6.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/bf/13/bf13313d525c4d359e03ad29f2e8f3d5.jpeg)
Record: 34-4 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan State 89-72 in Detroit, Michigan
Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Forward Tyler Hansbrough, guards Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson
Bottom Line: 2008-09 North Carolina Tar Heels
/granite-web-prod/c5/e2/c5e2afd605b545e5ace2dbb2c0d48cbd.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/5b/36/5b367c0362ff4642a0236ed957e97195.jpeg)
Record: 25-3 overall, 13-1 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat Cal 75-55 in Daly City, California
Head coach: Fred Taylor
Key players: Guard/forward John Havlicek, center Jerry Lucas, guard Larry Siegfried
Bottom Line: 1959-60 Ohio State Buckeyes
/granite-web-prod/48/97/48971643524d45dd8ab04747817e8417.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/ab/d6/abd609d773734d089561ee8a37c190ee.jpeg)
Record: 32-0 overall, 18-0 in Big Ten Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan 86-68 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Head coach: Bob Knight
Key players: Center Kent Benson, guard Quinn Buckner, forward Scott May
Bottom Line: 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers
/granite-web-prod/34/fe/34fe4e747f2049998ef8ca578d1e416f.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/b4/a8/b4a8843492194c97bd535c7010436a52.jpeg)
Record: 36-4 overall, 14-4 in Big East Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan 79-62 in San Antonio
Head coach: Jay Wright
Key players: Forward Mikal Bridges, guards Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVicenzo
Bottom Line: 2017-18 Villanova Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/a0/25/a0256d537f764bc99b92a01697044265.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/a7/de/a7de27d6165641baa5f6c5a9e0653e5c.jpeg)
Record: 29-1 overall, 13-1 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Purdue 92-72 in Louisville
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
/granite-web-prod/4e/f9/4ef9736013424ebc840b11d72ccb8795.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/2d/71/2d717cb885e0480e98b9c67050323943.jpeg)
Record: 37-3 overall, 13-3 in Big 12 Conference
Championship game: Beat Memphis 75-68 (overtime) in San Antonio
Head coach: Bill Self
Key players: Forward Darrell Arthur, guards Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush
Bottom Line: 2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks
/granite-web-prod/e5/3f/e53fd9c03308485689be465870d6aae9.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/3c/4e/3c4ea79cf012405fa9c41318eb7cf1e0.jpeg)
Record: 30-7 overall, 12-6 in Big Ten
Championship game: Beat Seton Hall 80-79 in Seattle
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
/granite-web-prod/07/a7/07a7c18e33f947e5b10e1e3120ae821f.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/d0/b6/d0b63a81eea74be6b215c67ec7e5e365.jpeg)
Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Memphis 87-66 in St. Louis
Head coach: Bill Frieder (24-7), Bill Fisher (6-0)
Key players: Guard Rumeal Robinson, forwards Glen Rice and Loy Vaught
Bottom Line: 1972-73 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/30/66/30662c516c7f4171876a0e04d48acc9d.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/24/0f/240fb3654ee44104b3644ae2132c04fb.jpeg)
Record: 33-4 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Illinois 75-70 in St. Louis
Head coach: Roy Williams
Key players: Center Sean May, guards Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants
Bottom Line: 2004-05 North Carolina Tar Heels
/granite-web-prod/af/a8/afa8cd0287944565845b5c9291b454e8.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/af/25/af25307715944ecd85aaa8021e5c2392.jpeg)
Record: 34-4 overall, 14-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Michigan 77-71 in New Orleans
Head coach: Dean Smith
Key players: Forward George Lynch, center Eric Montross, guard Derrick Phelps
Bottom Line: 1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels
/granite-web-prod/7e/75/7e75ea26937643558e5e99dbfeaa2537.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/93/11/9311e91156c24866bb6d5dfc42315fce.jpeg)
Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Championship game: Beat Dayton 79-64 in Louisville
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Lew Alcindor, guard Lucius Allen, forward Lynn Shackelford
Bottom Line: 1966-67 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/c5/f0/c5f06dacb19d435c8bfd59cfbf6179e3.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/a6/5e/a65e3e317bc14fb2a94ab2fe295c7803.jpeg)
Record: 34-2 overall, 16-0 in Southeastern Conference
Championship game: Beat Syracuse 76-67 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Head coach: Rick Pitino
Key players: Guard Tony Delk, forwards Walter McCarty and Antoine Walker
Bottom Line: 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats
/granite-web-prod/aa/90/aa90543ab7fd4adeadf9afd0964c7ba7.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/99/55/99554b2b1efc47038beb32a6b9b14365.jpeg)
Record: 35-4 overall, 13-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference
Championship game: Beat Arizona 82-72 in Minneapolis
Head coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Key players: Guard Jay Williams, forwards Shane Battier and Mike Dunleavy
Bottom Line: 2000-01 Duke Blue Devils
/granite-web-prod/27/eb/27eb28dd4f84402d80db85609e35eb81.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/17/95/1795292fe8eb46ed94e156b27ea1f7f4.jpeg)
Record: 29-1 overall, 14-0 in Athletic Association of Western Universities
Championship game: Beat North Carolina 78-55 in Los Angeles, California
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Center Lew Alcindor, guards Lucius Allen and Mike Warren
Bottom Line: 1967-68 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/b2/66/b26620f9b42646d3bb4a8f4742e38e49.jpeg)
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
/granite-web-prod/a7/63/a7632c3082574313bf7159a333b076ba.png)
Record: 30-0 overall, 14-0 in Pacific-8 Conference
Championship game: Beat Florida State 81-76 in Los Angeles
Head coach: John Wooden
Key players: Guard Henry Bibby, center Bill Walton, forward Keith Wilkes
Bottom Line: 1971-72 UCLA Bruins
/granite-web-prod/83/86/838671b7a45a46dbb0bdd4a9a38b04e7.jpeg)
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.