The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Mike Miller — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:13:34 GMT

There's the list. As promised, I'll post a list of the top 50, along with point totals for each team. Look for that on Thursday.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Mike (Lexington, KY) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:32:50 GMT

I have been following along with your weekly updates and have been impressed by the depth of information provided in regard to each program. I think the thing that stands out about UK is when you broke down rankings by decade. With UK being at or near the top of wins in the last 8 decades, it is hard to argue with your choice for #1. It just underscores the consistent greatness of UK's program.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

John Chamberlin, Cold Spring, KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:57:56 GMT

"The ‘Cats haven’t had a losing season since." Sadly I must confess a small mistake in your article, Kentucky has indeed had ONE (1)losing season in the last EIGHTY ONE (81) years. The 1988-1989 season under Eddie Sutton(while I was a student at UK, nonetheless, arghh the utter despair). CPACAT

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Darryl Hayes Birmingham, Alabama — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:02:43 GMT

An outstanding article(s); very fair and balanced.
I agree with the statement that not only is UK #1,
but that it really is not close. Thank you for this

Darryl

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

DONT KNOW, LEXINGTON KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:05:28 GMT

You seemed to of wrote more 'negative' things about UK then you did any other program. But oh well, UK is #1 no matter what people say. Atleast you got it right!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

H. (Lexington) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:49:39 GMT

"Kentucky's not perfect, just the best."
-maybe the best line I've seen about kentucky bball since Al McGuire's "they had it before you..." quote.
Nice series, UK negatives and all.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ty Whitler, Greenville, KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:14:59 GMT

We should get this kind of love. I tell people all the time especially UofL fans that we are the greatest program of all time. Of course they argue for UCLA because they can't even make an argument for Loserville. The difference between UK and UCLA/Duke is that UK has won title with 4 out of 5 coaches. It is yet to be determined whether BCG will do it(although I believe he will). UCLA/Duke our one coach wonders. Wooden and Coach K. What happens to Duke when Coach K retires? Kentucky has done it consistently as well like the article give credit to. GO CATS, BABY. WE ARE THE BEST.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ryan, San Diego California — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:44:50 GMT

Fantastic summary of Kentucky's accomplishments over the years. I think the numbers speak for themselves and prove Kentucky really is the #1 college basketball program of all time. It's staggering to think that they've never had a player win a POY award in all their years of success!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Kenny B, Columbus, OH — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:31:14 GMT

Funny. All of the crazed UCLA fans who bashed the article due to UCLA not being on top are conspicuously absent. Coincidence? :) Well done.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Colonel, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:42:53 GMT

Great stuff...great history lesson too. UK fans seem to feel shame for the past or their behavior at times (which they should a little) and would love to just sweep it all under the rug, but its all part of what has made the program the best and most talked about in the land. Embrace it, learn from it and be proud they continue to succeed even in today's more level playing field!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ben Dover, New York, New York — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:48:12 GMT

Being an unbiased spectator, I would have to agree with your #1 pick, although UCLA should be #2.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Jon Fisher, Owensboro, Kentucky — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:14:21 GMT

Kentucky's overall winning percentage is 76% (.760) not 75%. Just for the record. You need to change this in your article

Also, Coach Rupp was NOT a racist. In fact, he was just the opposite in many respects. I just wish the main-stream media (such as yourself) would finally stop beating this dead horse. Enough already!

By the way, the last all-white team to play in the Final Four was North Carolina in 1967. Funny how you didn't mention this in the article on them. I wonder why.

However, you did get one thing right. Kentucky IS the #1 colege basketball program of all time.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Mike Joseph, Frankfort, KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:50:33 GMT

Fair and non-bias article, stuck to the facts and numbers. He could have also mentioned that UK ranks first all time in attendance with an average of 22,554 per game, led the nation in attendance 20 out of the last 32 seasons, 12 out of the last 13. They finished second in the other 12 years to Syracuse who has 10,000 more seat in the Carrier Dome than in Rupp. “not perfect, just the best.”

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Andrew, Louisville, Ky. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:55:15 GMT

This "Rupp may be a racist" thing is so unfair to someone who's been deceased for over 30 years. Rupp tried several times (since 1963) to recruit black players to Kentucky years before Tom Payne in 1970. Black players played for Rupp before he came to Kentucky 78 years ago. The main problem was that Rupp couldn't guarantee to the parents of black players their safety when traveling to some SEC schools, especially considering UK's elite status in those days. People will beleive what they want, but every player who played for Rupp never heard him say or do anything to suggest he was a racist.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Chuck, Louisville, KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:12:16 GMT

As much as Kentucky has done in the past, why is it they cannot recruit the best players in the land. I have followed the Wildcats since the Rupp days and they almost always have trouble recruiting the best players. If the kids that play basketball consider UK as the #1 program then why don't they go there. Is it the coaches that can't recruit. This years team will probably be the less winningest team that they have had in awhile due to lack of expierience and talent. Why can the UCLA's and Dke and UNC of the work attract the best talent and UK cannot? Most of Tubbys problem at UK with the fans revolved around his inability to recruit the best players after he won the title with the last of Rick Pitinos(the traitor) players. Billy Gilespie has not yet proven that he can recruit the best players in the nation so UK will unfortunately go downhill from here on.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Adam Porter, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:34 GMT

Your top 3 are perfect for the fact that they have been consistent for the last 100 years unlike Duke and UCLA and love what you said about my university of Kansas and loved getting on this site every week to see who was next. Great articles.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

T, Brownsburg, IN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:50:27 GMT

What...no mention of the "Blue Mist" that takes over each city where UK plays "neutral" games, thereby making that city's arena affectionately named "Rupp North", "Rupp South", etc.? There are stories of UK fans dropping their tickets out of windows in Maui to let more UK fans into the game. UK filling Ford Field with over 80,000 fans. Fans travelling 100's or 1,000's of miles when UK is in the Final Four with no tickets just for the chance to buy tickets from the losing teams' fans.

And, going hand in hand with the b'ball team is the cheerleading squad. Talk about dominance!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Phil, American Samoa — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:52:49 GMT

I would respectfully disagree with your assessment that fans never truly warmed to Tubby Smith. That is just an incorrect characterization of the Smith era at UK. He was an overwhelming fan favorite choice when he was tabbed at UK, because of his intimate ties to UK as an asst. under Pitino, and his success at Tulsa and Georgia as a HC. He immediately won a National Title and was the toast of the town.

In the 4 to 5 years following his title in 1998 he had UK at the top of the rankings and went to the elite 8 twice, and was widely considered by UK fans and national media alike as one of the few elite coaches in America. The first hit to coach Smith was the loss to Marquette in the Elite 8 (as the overall #1 Seed). That was followed by his obvious recruiting lag, and the eventual and repeated losses in the sweet 16 and second round. The lack of production was compounded by the rise of Florida basketball, and it all conspired to erode the confidence in Coach Smith over the last 4 or 5 years of his time at UK.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

P.B. Los Angeles, CA. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:56:38 GMT

I attended John Wooden Basketball Camp in the summer of 1973 - I recall him saying that the ridiculous "Freshman Ineligible Rule" cost UCLA additional national titles during his tenure. Wondering if this fact was considered in any of this....

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

H. Lexington,KY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:52:03 GMT

P.B.- What John Wooden did was amazing. No one can take that away from him, but to speculate that he would have won more if his freshman were eligible is pointless.
Every school had to abide by the same rule. Had the Fab 5 of UK's 48 & 49 era champs been allowed to play as freshman, would they have another title?
And clearly, these rankings were not based solely on titles, because obviously UCLA would have been #1 if that were the case.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

P.B. Los Angeles — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:55:00 GMT

H. Lex, KY - Point taken indeed; but not every school had Kareem, Sydney Wicks, Gail Goodrich, Walt Hazzard, to name but four. Example: Kareem's freshman year, the UCLA varisty was the defending Natl. Champs, with every player returning from the previous championship season. The Kareem lead freshman squad beat that varsity by 21 points in their first scrimmage; that varsity team did not repeat as Natl. Champions...

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

joe pillen,fort mill sc — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:31:30 GMT

Trust me folks..being from south carolina,you just dont know how
depressing it is knowing you have to play kentucky twice a year.
good read.....

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Peggy Portsmouth, Ohio — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:44:13 GMT

Great article. Nicely done and very in-depth. However, I thought the "best game of all time" would have been the come-back game against LSU. There have been some terrific games!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Peggy Portsmouth, Ohio — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:50:46 GMT

Also, the unilateral ties to Kansas cannot be ignored! Rupp and Dean Smith both hailed from Kansas. Rupp played basketball under Phog Allen and his then assistant coach James Naismith, the inventor of the game! The richest basketball traditions in the nation.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Tim, Frankfort, Kentucky — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:17:13 GMT

Nice read! Finally someone who will actually write the truth instead of their biased opinions. I enjoyed the read and would like to say thanks for saying what the rest of us have always known. "Kentucky is number 1"

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ross Lexington, KY — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:29:29 GMT

Bottom line here.... UK is #1

Kansas invented it (actually Naismith).... We Perfected it....

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Terry Shelton Clayton, NC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:48:12 GMT

One other point, UK has the all time home winning streak that spanned 12 YEARS! I believe that is number 1 in all sports.

Summarizing a point, 4 coaches winning 7 titles between them. No other school can say that.

Good article, fair too.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

T, Brownsburg, IN — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:50:36 GMT

Terry - you are correct...129 games (trivia note: the streak started following a loss to Georgia Tech and ended with a loss to Georgia Tech, which used to be a member of the SEC.) No other team has even reached a 100-game home court win streak.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Dante Marshall — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:13:06 GMT

Kentucky and Rupp piled up win after win after win due to playing inferior competition. Heck more of the top programs would have closed to 2000 wins if they played in the football conference known as the SEC. Face it George, Mississippi, Auburn etc aren't necessarily National Championship contenders. Give me UCLA any day!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Jamie — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:36:01 GMT

Sure Dante, that's why the SEC is usually referred to as a meat grinder for both football and basketball.

Yeah, no competition here. It's not like we consistently have 4, 5 or 6 squads go to the Big Dance. Oh wait...yeah we do!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ed , Henderson KY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:22:37 GMT

Dante, Are you trying to say the PAC8/10 was a tough conference top to bottom during Wooden's years and before? I just do not recall more than a hand full of good teams out there on the left coast during his tenure. I think the ratings are correct due to the length of time all of this was accomplished. UK has had only one coach to NOT win a NCAA championship since the 1920's. No other school can come close to saying that.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Wallace Allen, Hubert, NC — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:07:52 GMT

No matter how many times I read this, I always end up smiling. With all the changes in College Basketball, the cultures, the talent level, the fan bases, I still enjoy watching The University of Kentucky. Whether it be basketball or football, I love the BIG BLUE. The fans, while some are outrageous, are seriously passionate about UK. What other fans out there will still pack the arena or the stadium, even when the team is down? Ok, there may be some out there, but none more than the UK fans. The poster that said BCG hasn't recruited the talent at UK. Well, give the man longer than a year to get it done. As a matter of fact, I think he has started already. Look up the recruits coming in and not to mention the press about the little kids that want to come to UK already. GO BIG BLUE!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Scott Beck, Hickory, NC — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:19:21 GMT

North Carolina draws closer as Kentucky loses to the likes of Gardner Webb and VMI. A 39-1 or 40-0 UNC season combined with Kentucky at 23/25 wins puts the all time win list about even, though UNC has played six seasons less. Head to head they have been thumped by UNC. Even Rupp, in his era lost decisively to Smith. So if you are tied in overall wins, played tougher ACC games, and easily win head to head matchups what does that say? Conference championships/win percent means nothing. The SEC is a football conference and their basketball has traditionally been weak. Compare NCAA winning percents since 1980 if you disagree. I think Kentucky was really great 40-50 years ago, thats why I believe they are ranked where they are. But, if they keep going like they are for another 2-3 years, UNC is going to blow right past them. They have an awesome class coming in and I wouldn't be shocked to see Carolina and Kansas go by Kentucky by the end of 2010. They looked horrible at Chapel Hill and not much better against Miami.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

T, Brownsburg, IN — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:48:00 GMT

Scott Beck, you are an idiot. Yes, UNC has played six fewer seasons. However, check the number of games played. Got your answer? There you go...UK has more wins in fewer games, ergo, a better winning percentage spanning from day one until today. Eat it.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Robbin S., Louisville, KY — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:03:54 GMT

Thank you! I get tired of the bad hype again UK, it's nice to see an article that isn't slanted against UK. A side note about Rupp - the 1st black UK fan I knew (way before Tubby) was a fan because he talked about going to UK basketball camp as a child and sitting on Rupp's lap! How can you get more racist than that! LOL I like how the media condemns a man after he dies and can't defend himself!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Darla — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:47 GMT

Kentucky is the best. I really enjoyed reading this article. It was quite fair and very informative. My blood will alway bleed blue. Go Big Blue!!!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Stu Hull, Dayton, OH — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:55:49 GMT

A very good article. However, and i think most UK fans will agree with me, there is no way possible to describe, in words, the absolute passion of the big blue nation. It's a way of life for so many people. It's not even about national championships. UK could end this world with their current 7 titles and still be the greatest. why? Because of the tradition, the pride, the following, and the indescribable history of the University of Kentucky Wildcats! p.s. being a student at UK isn't too shabby either :)

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Eric, Wichita, KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:51:08 GMT

Nice list. Making a greatest list is a difficult thing to do. I mean, if you go by pure history and tradition Kansas would definitely be #1. If you go only by nat'l titles UCLA is #1. If you go only by wins Kentucky is #1. Putting all of these, and many other factors together is no easy task. I would have made a few tweaks (Indiana must be ahead of Duke!) I think overall it's a pretty good list.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Larry Staples, Louisville, KY — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:12:56 GMT

The 'racist' label will always stick to Rupp because he died, in the 70's. Those who played for him, Pat Riley, Larry Conley, both state categorically that this is untrue of him, and that they never one time heard a racist comment from him.
Also, note that he recruited and placed the first black player on the US Olympic Basketball Team, back in 1948!
He also gained scolarships for black players who he knew couldn't play in the South during the era's in question.
I remember a story of Bill Russell coming to Lexington, KY in the '60's for a Pro Scrimmage...going into a restaurant for dinner, and being refused service. How sad is that? Keep in mind that Kentucky is really a border state, and not even in the deep south. Imagine Mississippi, (where the fans put a dead skunk under Rupp's chair), what that could have been like. Not picking on Mississippi or Kentucky, just stating what has been reported.
Rupp also brought teams with excellent players of all races into Lexington, starting in the '40's.
He was a cantankerous, intellectual, who didn't suffer fools, but was NOT a racist...at least not according to those who really knew him.
Frank Dedford, a sports writer started this back in the early '09's in an article, it got legs and won't die.
If just one person sees this, who didn't know these facts, it was worth writing...
Great Reporting MIKE!!!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

JB — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:36:26 GMT

UK the best easily 7 championships all time wins
can it get better than that

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

W. A. Lanman — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:44:53 GMT

At 5' 9" as a athletic tutor in psychology in 1966 and 1967, I had an interesting look into the basketball team at UK. I liked tutoring basketball players, because unlike football players, they wanted to learn the material. The typical football player wanted a copy of the test and then to practice the answers.
I remember talking to Jim Dinwiddy about this and his statement that his basketball career would end when he graduated and he wanted to make sure that he was ready for the rest of his life. He was drafted by Philadelphia in the tenth round in 1971, but like every one else drafted in that round he never played a game in the NBA.
I also remember being involved in trying to recruit Jim McDaniels to play at UK, but he decided to go to Western Kentucky.
My father always held that Bill Shively got a raw deal, and that there was a lot more reason to ban certain Holy Cross players, but that didn't happen.
Rupp was a character, like his refusal to ever admit to using a zone defence, though he did. And his refusal to allow his players to dunk the ball, because of the possibility of injury. the exception came on Seniors Night, and the crowd went crazy when Louis Dampier stuffed the ball during warmups. Not a half bad team that, Dampier, Kron, and who was that other guy, oh yeah Pat Riley, possibly the best assist man to ever play at UK.
And I believe Rupp tried to recruit Wes Unseld, but he decided to stay at home at UL which would have been 2 years before that. I first saw Wes play in the state high school tournament when he was a freshman at UK's Memorial Coliseum.
You should keep in mind that segregation in the south didn't start until 1958, I remember that well, i was in the seventh grade at the time. But in 1966 there were still "separate facilities" throughout the "Deep South", which is where Kentucky played. Despite laws to the contrary, I remember being stuck in a Greyhound bus station in Alabama for three hours in the middle of the night and being informed that I couldn't stay in the colored restuarant, which had people in it, but had to go to the other side, which was empty and boring (oh, yeah, I am white).
UK is overall the finest basketball school, although it has worthy competition, like the Wooten era at UCLA, and UNC is not too shabby. But golly, ain't a great game?!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

W. A. Lanman — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:12:09 GMT

Please note that next to last paragraph should have read that "integration" didn't start until 1958, segregation had been with us a long time.
I don't remember whether there was an invisible color line on the buses, etc. although there were separate schools, waiting rooms, water fountains, cab companies, and seating in the movies in Lexington. This still contrasted sharply with my first visit to Alabama, where there were actual marked out sections on the public buses for colored passengers.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Tara Tsioropoulos, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:21:12 GMT

There's no doubt that nothing beats the Roar at Rupp Arena, our fans are diehard and for good reason...our program, our coaches, our players and our fans live the traditions and passion of Kentucky athletics. I have lived with KY basketball my entire life, known many of the players and the 'old timers' as family friends, heard all the stories first hand and they are all not as the years of media keeps stating from long ago...and as a whole, this is a legacy of an incredible athletic program, Hall of Famers, fans and fine people long after leaving the University, but their hearts never leave Kentucky!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

H H Lexington,Ky — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:44:04 GMT

If every school counte d the games against teams made up of JV's and intramurals teams during the time of war then lot of teams sould have more wins. Uk was counting games when the war was going on and some schools had players other than regular team members let tell the whole truth behind every story.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

John D., Durham NC — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:18:56 GMT

Kentucky was indeed awesome but has been nearly irrelvant on the college basketball landscape for almost the last 10 years now. There should be some accounting for all that when talking about consistency and continued quality. I hope they get back to being one of the top 5 programs consistently but facts are facts, and lately their coaching carousel hotseat doesn't help them get there, I think. Talking about their numbers, everyone seems to overlook the impact of Kentucky playing in a conference which has been, for quite some time and even longer, an average conference at best in terms of top-to-bottom quality of talent and depth. The SEC cannot match, historically or today, the competitiveness and difficulty of even the ACC. The raw numbers for Kentucky are unquestionably impressive and alone make it one of the top 3 programs. But raw numbers - who happens to be at the top of the category list, whatever it may be - isn't the end all. And if it is, it seems like the wins and success in the NCAA tournament are the basis the author(s) uses to justify Kentucky as #1. However, that being the case I don't know how one can ignore UCLA in that department where it really counts - titles. And UCLA has maintained current consistency, making it back to the final four and championship gamers as recently the last 2-3 years. I will admit to being a Tar Heel alum and lifelong fan, bleeding the baby blue through and through. But I harbor much affection for Kentucky for a number of reasons, not the least of which being we are somewhat "comrades in arms" with the Wildcats and in our mutual hatred for all things dook. (I STILL cannot believe Laettner got away with that foot stomp!) But even as a Tar Heel I have to cede the throne to UCLA, I think...Though I can engage in a very healthy debate about how UNC should be the next in line!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

A.D, Cleveland, Ohio — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:27:06 GMT

With all due respect (minimal) UK's winning record is inflated and over rated, in addition being a "basketball" school in a football conference didn't hurt to pad those numbers. Now that the other SEC schools are developing basketball programs, UK can't even make it to the NCAA tournament.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Mark Louisville, KY — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:09:34 GMT

All this discussion is now moot..
UK just hired John Calipari.. We will now return to the glory days given the best recruiter in the land.. UNC eat our dust

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

CJ, Kentucky — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:58:27 GMT

All of this talk about how the SEC is a bad basketball conference and that's why Kentucky has its wins is ridiculous. Looking at NCAA championships by conference (I think this is right): ACC - 10, PAC 10 - 13, SEC - 10. So looking at how conferences have faired in the place where we prove ourselves to truly be the best, it looks like the ACC and SEC are practically equal. UNC fans might say ours is inflated by our own 7, but then you must admit that the PAC 10 only has 2 besides UCLA's, whereas the SEC has 3 besides Kentucky. Either way, it's closer than you're willing to admit. Our 3 non-Kentucky championships all came in recent times, but considering our 5 championships prior to the '90s, I'd have to say the SEC wasn't the only place we were winning.
What I really love about this article - though the rating system isn't perfect - is it doesn't take completely subjective opinions like this into account. One might argue that UNC getting to play the first few rounds of the tournament from (practically) home the past 3 years, and even before, has inflated their stats, but who can really say?
And to John D. from Durham, thanks for remembering the foot stomp, though I'm now in a bad mood all over again.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Ron M. Richmond, KY — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:18:04 GMT

The article was accurate and fair. Kentucky is the #1 college basketball program of all time when all of the factors are considered - wins, winning %, championships, consistency and longetivity!. I greatly appreciate the honest assessment. Virtually everyone in the state enjoys Kentucky basketball. Hopefully, the hire of Calipari will help us get back to the level of success we are used to. It's been a lonely time for Kentucky fans during the NCAA tournament this year. Of course, North Carolina went through a such a downtime just a few years ago as well before landing Roy Williams who has done a great job. Also, I'm glad Louisville is near the top as well. Rick is one of the greatest coaches in the game and true UK fans will always be grateful for the job he did while he was at Kentucky. Duke and North Carolina get most the press, but Kentucky has two of the best programs in the country. As to the level of the SEC, remember when Kentucky was winning the national championships it wasn't against the SEC but against the best in the U.S. Also, they have traditionally played a tough non-conference schedule and still have the best winning % for the past 100 years and counting. GO Wildcats!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Jeremy Corbin, KY — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:07:34 GMT

Kenyucky is the greatest progam ever and I very happy to read this very unbiased opinion to back that up. Although that is not to take away from the other great programs (North Carolina,Kansas,and Indiana, etc.) its just that KENTUCKY is the best and I will always bleed blue! GO BIG BLUE!!!!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Jacob Hatton, Ky — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:20:04 GMT

One of the greatest recruiting classes ever coming in and looking to hang the eighth banner.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Hannah, Morganfield, KY — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:34:39 GMT

With calapari in-UK is back on top!!! It truly is the best program in history!! THE KATS ARE BACK AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE BETTER THAN EVER!!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

John R. Chamberlin, Cold Spring, KY — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:16:49 GMT

Case in point. 38 of the 50 responses above are "Pro Kentucky". That is 76% of the responses on a series of articles that covers how many teams. You will just never understand the passion we have for Kentucky Basketball unless you live it.

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

Richard, louisville, ky — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:08:06 GMT

UCLA has the most national championships so how in the world is Uk number one.the reasoning DEFIES LOGIC!

The greatest programs: No. 1, Kentucky

John Smith, Harlan, Kentucky — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:20:51 GMT

Sorry, I'm from Kentucky but I have to give it to UNC.