The greatest programs: No. 23, Temple

Posted: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:45 PM
Filed Under: Greatest hoops programs

Temple has all the makings of an elite hoops program.

One of Philadelphia’s legendary “Big Five,” the Owls have 26 NCAA tournament appearances, 16 conferences titles, claimed the first NIT trophy and produced their share of NBA players.

The most impressive number though? Temple’s 1,689 victories, sixth most among D-I schools. Yes, the program’s been around since 1895, but it’s won 64 percent of those games – the same percentage as Indiana and Arizona.

That kind of prolonged success is a big reason behind Temple’s position at No. 23 in the greatest college basketball programs of all time. CONTINUED >>

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The greatest programs: No. 24, Oklahoma

Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008 8:29 PM
Filed Under: Greatest hoops programs

A handful of football schools made the list of the greatest basketball programs of all time. Couldn’t be helped. Even football schools produce good hoops teams, though it seems like more and more are emerging.

And at No. 24, the Oklahoma Sooners are the first football school on this list.

It may seem strange that Oklahoma landed one spot ahead of N.C. State, one of the game’s historic powers, but give the Sooners their due. They’re worthy. CONTINUED >>

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The greatest programs: No. 25, N.C. State

Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:12 PM
Filed Under: Greatest hoops programs

N.C. State doesn’t lack for hoops history.

The Pack has multiple NCAA Tournament titles, more than 1,500 wins and their 36-game winning streak is among the best in NCAA history.

Prefer your history by years? Only Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky squads won more games in the 1950s, the 1973-74 squad could be considered the greatest ever, while Jimmy V’s 1983 team pulled off perhaps the biggest upset the Big Dance has ever seen.

The topper? N.C. State started the tradition of cutting down the nets after winning a title. Move over Jim Burt. CONTINUED >>

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The greatest college hoops programs (an intro)

Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:24 PM
Filed Under: Greatest hoops programs

It’s easy to spot the best men’s college basketball programs. They have the most wins, NCAA Tournament victories and titles, have thrived recently and send more players to the NBA than any other schools.

You know ‘em: UCLA, Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Indiana and Duke. Six schools who have rich basketball traditions, devout fan bases and high expectations every season.

The harder part is figuring out which teams come after the stellar six. Who are those teams? CONTINUED >>

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