50

Indiana State1979

Record 33-1 ⋅ Coach Bill Hodges

How they got here →

50

50 Indiana State1979

Record 33-1 Coach Bill Hodges

The season started tragically when coach Bob King suffered a stroke and brain aneurysm before pre-season practices commenced. Assistant Bill Hodges guided the Sycamores to a perfect regular season campaign, thanks to remarkable forward Larry Bird, who averaged 28.6 ppg, 14.9 rpg and 5.5 apg. ISU ripped through Virginia Tech and Oklahoma to begin the NCAA tourney and earned two-point wins over Arkansas and DePaul before falling, 75-64, in an epic title game battle with Michigan State.

Roster · Larry Bird · Tom Crowder · Eric Curry · Alex Gilbert · Bob Heaton · Rod McNelly · Brad Miley · Rich Nemcek · Carl Nicks · Steve Reed · Bob Ritter · Leroy Staley · Scott Turner ·

Versatility Index: 87

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49

UMass1996

Record 35-2 ⋅ Coach John Calipari

How they got here →

49

49 UMass1996

Record 35-2 Coach John Calipari

The Minutemen were a bruising bunch who wore down opponents with their physical play and excellent defense that exemplified coach John Calipari’s “Refuse to Lose” mantra. Center Marcus Camby (20.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.9 bpg) brought tremendous energy inside, while wing Donta Bright and guards Carmelo Travieso and Edgar Padilla provided support. UMass lost only one regular season game—to George Washington—and then dropped a Final Four slugfest to eventual national champ Kentucky.

Roster · Donta Bright · Ross Burns · Marcus Camby · Charlton Clarke · Ted Cottrell · Dana Dingle · Andrew Maclay · Inus Norville · Rigoberto Nunez · Edgar Padilla · Giddel Padilla · Carmelo Travieso · Tyrone Weeks ·

Versatility Index: 70

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48

LMU1990

Record 26-6 ⋅ Coach Paul Westhead

How they got here →

48

48 LMU1990

Record 26-6 Coach Paul Westhead

The high-flying Lions set an NCAA record with 122.4 ppg but were hit hard by tragedy when second-team All-America forward Hank Gathers collapsed and died during a West Coast Conference tournament semifinal against Portland. LMU somehow regrouped and made a run to the Elite Eight on the strength of guard Bo Kimble, himself a second-team All-American, and long-range marksman Jeff Fryer. Included in the tourney success was a 149-115 dismantling of defending national champ Michigan.

Roster · Jeff Fryer · Hank Gathers · Bo Kimble · Chris Knight · Marcellus Lee · Terrell Lowery · John O’Connell · Tom Peabody · Jeff Roscoe · Christian Scott · Marcus Slater · Per Stumer · Greg Walker · Tony Walker ·

Versatility Index: 81

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47

Illinois2005

Record 37-2 ⋅ Coach Bruce Weber

How they got here →

47

47 Illinois2005

Record 37-2 Coach Bruce Weber

It’s a shame these guys had to face a UNC powerhouse in the ’05 title game, because this was a regular-season team for the ages. I did a SLAM feature on them during the season and got to attend their late-January home game against Iowa. The Illini won in OT to move to 19-0, and the school’s since-retired “War Chant” is still ringing in my head. Bruce Weber’s bunch, featuring Dee (Brown), Deron (Williams) and Luther (Head), would reach 29-0 before losing the last game of the regular season. They then rolled to a B1G title and reached the Final Four thanks to a miraculous Elite 8 comeback over Arizona. The loss to UNC in the Championship did little to diminish the memories of this team, which was equally rich in talent and personality.

Roster · James Augustine · Dee Brown · Warren Carter · Luther Head · Jack Ingram · Rich McBride · Fred Nkemdi · Roger Powell · Shaun Pruitt · Nick Smith · Deron Williams ·

Versatility Index: 82

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46

North Carolina1993

Record 34-4 ⋅ Coach Dean Smith

How they got here →

46

46 North Carolina1993

Record 34-4 Coach Dean Smith Champ Yes

Dean Smith’s second national championship squad lacked the star power of some its predecessors but worked extremely well together and featured an eight-man rotation that was clearly better than the sum of its parts. Center Eric Montross, forward George Lynch and guard Donald Williams led the way for the Heels, who won the ACC regular-season crown, outlasted Cincinnati in a classic overtime regional final battle, and then knocked off Michigan’s “Fab Five” to take the national title.

Roster · Dante Calabria · Scott Cherry · Larry Davis · Ed Geth · Pearce Landry · George Lynch · Eric Montross · Derrick Phelps · Henrik Rodl · Brian Reese · Kevin Salvadori · Travis Stephenson · Pat Sullivan · Matt Wenstrom · Donald Williams ·

Versatility Index: 51

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45

Kansas1997

Record 34-2 ⋅ Coach Roy Williams

How they got here →

45

45 Kansas1997

Record 34-2 Coach Roy Williams

Because it had a deep rotation that included five double-figure scorers, including forwards Raef LaFrentz (18.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Paul Pierce (16.3, 6.8), some think Kansas underachieved by losing to eventual national champion Arizona in the Southeast Regional semifinal. The Jayhawks dropped only one contest all season before the tourney defeat, a double-OT thriller at Missouri. Kansas sat atop the AP rankings for much of the season and won the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles.

Roster · Nick Bradford · Joel Branstrom · Jerod Haase · Raef LaFrentz · CB McGrath · Terry Nooner · Paul Pierce · Scot Pollard · TJ Pugh · Steve Ransom · Ryan Robertson · Billy Thomas · Jacque VaughnBJ Williams ·

Versatility Index: 71

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44

DePaul1980

Record 26-2 ⋅ Coach Ray Meyer

How they got here →

44

44 DePaul1980

Record 26-2 Coach Ray Meyer

The Blue Demons entered the ’80 NCAA tournament with a 26-1 record, the top ranking in the AP poll and a No. 1 seed in the West Region. DePaul dropped its second-round contest to UCLA, but it still had a formidable roster that featured sophomore forward Mark Aguirre (26.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and freshman Terry Cummings (14.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg), both future top-two NBA draft choices. Skip Dillard and Clyde Bradshaw comprised a tough backcourt.

Roster · Mark Aquirre · Clyde Bradshaw · Brett Burkholder · Terry Cummings · Skip Dillard · Teddy Grubbs · Jim Mitchem · Sam Manella · Dennis McGuire · Dennis Moore · Chris Nikitas · Bernard Randolph ·

Versatility Index: 69

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43

Memphis2008

Record 38-2 ⋅ Coach John Calipari

How they got here →

43

43 Memphis2008

Record 38-2 Coach John Calipari

The Tigers didn’t win it all, but they did set the NCAA record for victories in a season, with 38. Memphis won its first 26 games before falling to Tennessee, and captured the Conference USA regular-season and tournament titles. Led by all-America wing Chris Douglas-Roberts (18.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and outstanding freshman point guard Derrick Rose (14.9 ppg, 4.7 apg), the Tigers reached the NCAA tournament championship game but fell in overtime to Kansas.

Roster · Andre Allen · Antonio Anderson · Hashim Bailey · Joey Dorsey · Chris Douglas-Roberts · Robert Dozier · Willie Kemp · Doneal Mack · Chance McGrady · Pierre Niles · Jeff Robinson · Derrick Rose · Shawn Taggart ·

Versatility Index: 72

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42

Michigan State2000

Record 32-7 ⋅ Coach Tom Izzo

How they got here →

42

42 Michigan State2000

Record 32-7 Coach Tom Izzo Champ Yes

The Spartans weren’t pristine during the regular season but closed the year with 11 straight wins to take the Big Ten tourney crown and NCAA Tournament championship. Nicknamed “The Flintstones,” due to several players on the roster from Flint, MSU won each of its NCAA games by double digits, including the national final over Florida, and was led by charismatic point guard Mateen Cleaves and versatile forward Morris Peterson (16.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg).

Roster · Aloysius Anagonye · Adam Ballinger · Charlie Bell · Mike Chappell · Steve Cherry · Mateen Cleaves · AJ Granger · Andre Hutson · Mat Ishbia · Morris Peterson · Jason Richardson · Brandon Smith · David Thomas ·

Versatility Index: 75

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41

Notre Dame1974

Record 26-3 ⋅ Coach Digger Phelps

How they got here →

41

41 Notre Dame1974

Record 26-3 Coach Digger Phelps

Even though the Fighting Irish lost in the NCAA regional semifinal, they made history during the regular season by bumping off UCLA, 71-70, in South Bend to snap the Bruins’ 88-game winning streak. Led by forwards John Shumate (24.2 ppg, 11.0 rpg) and Adrian Dantley (18.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg), ND went 24-2 in the regular season, but after ripping Austin Peay in its NCAA tourney opener, the Irish lost to Michigan in the next round.

Roster · Roger Anderson · Gary Brokaw · Dwight Clay · Peter Crotty · Adrian Dantley · Bill Drew · Thomas Hansen · Toby Knight · Dave Kuzmicz · Gary Novak · Ray Martin · Bill Paterno · Greg Schmelzer · Myron Schuckman · John Shumate · Chris Stevens · Ken Wolbeck · Tom Varga ·

Versatility Index: 68

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40

Villanova2018

Record 36-4 ⋅ Coach Jay Wright

How they got here →

40

40 Villanova2018

Record 36-4 Coach Jay Wright Champ Yes

Villanova won its second NCAA title in three years with a team that led the nation in scoring, with 86.6 ppg. The 36-4 Wildcats had six players average double figures in points, topped by guard Jalen Brunson (18.9 ppg) and forward Mikal Bridges (17.7). ’Nova’s smallest margin of victory during the NCAA tournament was 12 points, and it routed Michigan in the final, 79-62 to cap a dominant run. Five members of the roster reached the NBA.

Roster · Phil Booth · Jalen Brunson · Mikal Bridges · Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree · Tim Delaney · Donte DiVincenzo · Collin Gillespie · Denny Grace · Peyton Heck · Matt Kennedy · Tom Leibig · Eric Paschall · Jermaine Samuels · Omari Spellman ·

Versatility Index: 90

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39

UConn2004

Record 33-6 ⋅ Coach Jim Calhoun

How they got here →

39

39 UConn2004

Record 33-6 Coach Jim Calhoun Champ Yes

The Huskies used the formidable inside-out pairing of center Emeka Okafor (17.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg) and guard Ben Gordon (18.5, 4.7) to win their record-tying sixth Big East Tournament and then captured coach Jim Calhoun’s second NCAA tourney championship. UConn cruised through the first four games of the tournament and rallied from 8 points down in the final three minutes to best Duke in the national semifinal. The Huskies topped Georgia Tech in the final.

Roster · Rashad Anderson · Hilton Armstrong · Jason Baisch · Josh Boone · Denham Brown · Taliek Brown · Justin Evanovich · Ben Gordon · Emeka Okafor · Ryan Swaller · Shamon Tooles · Charlie Villanueva · Marcus White · Marcus Williams ·

Versatility Index: 84

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38

Indiana1987

Record 30-4 ⋅ Coach Bob Knight

How they got here →

38

38 Indiana1987

Record 30-4 Coach Bob Knight Champ Yes

Even though the Hoosiers were led by Big Ten Player of the Year Steve Alford (22.0 ppg) and had sturdy forward Daryl Thomas (15.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) inside, the name people most remember about that squad is Keith Smart. Smart hit a pair of big jumpers, the last with five seconds remaining, to propel IU to a 74-73 national title win over Syracuse, giving coach Bob Knight his third and final NCAA championship.

Roster · Steve Alford · Rick Calloway · Steve Eyl · Tony Freeman · Dean Garrett · Joe Hillman · Todd Meier · Dave Minor · Jeff Oliphant · Magnus Pelkowski · Brian Sloan · Keith Smart · Kreigh Smith · Daryl Thomas ·

Versatility Index: 42

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37

UCLA1964

Record 30-0 ⋅ Coach John Wooden

How they got here →

37

37 UCLA1964

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

The first of John Wooden’s 10 national title teams rolled to a 30-0 record and jetted past rivals with an offense that scored 88.9 ppg. UCLA was powered by the lethal guard tandem of Gail Goodrich (21.5 ppg) and Walt Hazzard (18.6), while Jack Hirsch and Keith Erickson handled things up front. UCLA won three tight NCAA tourney games before marching through third-ranked Duke, 98-83, in the national final, behind 27 points from Goodrich.

Roster · Steve Brucker · Chuck Darrow · Keith Erickson · Gail Goodrich · Kent Graham · Walt Hazzard · Jack Hirsch · Vaughn Hoffman · Mike Huggins · Rich Levin · Doug McIntosh · Fred Slaughter · Kim Stewart · Kenny Washington ·

Versatility Index: 52

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36

Georgia Tech1990

Record 28-7 ⋅ Coach Bobby Cremins

How they got here →

36

36 Georgia Tech1990

Record 28-7 Coach Bobby Cremins

We’re turning the description of this 28-7, Final Four team to its then-freshman point guard, the great Kenny Anderson. “Man, that was a special team. We went 10-0 to start the season,” recalls Chibbs, now the head coach at Fisk University. “Then we had a little dip. Dennis Scott was a junior, thinking about turning pro. Brian Oliver was a senior who had to turn pro. Coach [Bobby] Cremins called me in the office and spoke to me about how to handle the different personalities, and we got it together. Got on a roll for the tournament, and that’s when ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ really took over…Unfortunately, we ran into UNLV in the Final Four, and they were just awesome. We were actually up 7 at the half, but they wore us down in the second. You know, they had five great players. We had three. Give us two more and we would’ve won!”

Roster · Kenny Anderson · Darryl Barnes · Karl Brown · Brian Domalik · Malcolm Mackey · Johnny McNeil · James Munlyn · Dennis Scott · Brian Oliver · Greg White ·

Versatility Index: 83

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35

Kentucky2015

Record 38-1 ⋅ Coach John Calipari

How they got here →

35

35 Kentucky2015

Record 38-1 Coach John Calipari

The Huskies used the formidable inside-out pairing of center Emeka Okafor (17.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg) and guard Ben Gordon (18.5, 4.7) to win their record-tying sixth Big East Tournament and then captured coach Jim Calhoun’s second NCAA tourney championship. UConn cruised through the first four games of the tournament and rallied from 8 points down in the final three minutes to best Duke in the national semifinal. The Huskies topped Georgia Tech in the final.

Roster · Aaron Harrison · Andrew Harrison · Devin Booker · Willie Cauley-Stein · EJ Floreal · Dominique Hawkins · Dakari Johnson · Tod Lanter · Marcus Lee · Brian Long · Trey Lyles · Sam Malone · Alex Poythress · Karl-Anthony Towns · Tyler Ulis · Derek Willis ·

Versatility Index: 97

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34

Cincinnati1962

Record 29-2 ⋅ Coach Ed Jucker

How they got here →

34

34 Cincinnati1962

Record 29-2 Coach Ed Jucker Champ Yes

A bruising front line keyed the Bearcats’ second consecutive NCAA championship, with both title game wins coming over Ohio State. UC lost two games early but ripped off 18 straight to close the year, including a Missouri Valley Conference tiebreaker over Bradley to reach the NCAA tournament. Cincinnati was led by 6-9 senior center Paul Hogue (16.8 ppg, 12.4 rpg) and sophomore forward Ron Bonham (14.3, 5.0). Hogue had 22 points and 19 boards in the clincher.

Roster · Bill Abernethy · Ron Bonham · Jim Calhoun · Fred Dierking · Larry Elsasser · Dale Heidotting · Paul Hogue · Larry Shingleton · Tom Sizer · Ron Reis · Tom Thacker · George Wilson · Tony Yates ·

Versatility Index: 57

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33

Syracuse2003

Record 30-5 ⋅ Coach Jim Boeheim

How they got here →

33

33 Syracuse2003

Record 30-5 Coach Jim Boeheim Champ Yes

After more than 25 years of trying, ’Cuse coach Jim Boeheim finally won a national championship, behind the year-long excellence of freshman Carmelo Anthony (22.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg) and the stifling Orange zone. Syracuse fell in the Big East Tournament semifinals but regrouped to go on an NCAA run that ended with an 81-78 victory over Kansas highlighted by Anthony’s 20 points and 10 boards and Hakim Warrick’s block of a Jayhawk three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left.

Roster · Tyrone Albright · Carmelo Anthony · Josh Brooks · Kueth Duany · Billy Edelin · Craig Forth · Xzavier Gaines · Matt Gorman · Gary Hall · Ronneil Herron · Andrew Kouwe · Gerry McNamara · Jeremy McNeil · Josh Pace · Hakim Warrick ·

Versatility Index: 65

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32

North Carolina2005

Record 33-4 ⋅ Coach Roy Williams

How they got here →

32

32 North Carolina2005

Record 33-4 Coach Roy Williams Champ Yes

Their foil in the national title game, Illinois, had the once-in-a-lifetime season, the rabid fans and the one-name starters. UNC’s ’05 squad just happened to have the ballers. Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, Sean May and Rashad McCants all came to Chapel Hill as top-10 recruits. More remarkably, they all left the legendary campus after the ’05 season as top-14 picks in the draft. Dripping with all this talent, it was little shock that they built up through a 26-3 regular season and then jelled even more in the tourney. Illinois was a worthy opponent but UNC was too much, earning a 75-70 win that gave Ol’ Roy Williams his first championship as a head coach.

Roster · Charlie Everett · Raymond Felton · Brooks Foster · Damion Grant · Jesse Holley · CJ Hooker · Jackie Manuel · Sean May · Rashad McCants · Wes Miller · David Noel · Byron Sanders · Melvin Scott · Reyshawn Terry · Quentin Thomas · Jawad Williams · Marvin Williams ·

Versatility Index: 76

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31

St. John's1985

Record 31-4 ⋅ Coach Lou Carnesecca

How they got here →

31

31 St. John's1985

Record 31-4 Coach Lou Carnesecca

For all the wins (9th all-time with 1,871 and counting) and the New York City legends who have graced its courts, did you know St. John’s has only been to two Final Fours (including 1952, ancient history even for this #old writer)? The year 1985 though? That was Big Apple Dreams. Chris Mullin, Brooklyn native and soon-to-be-No. 7 Draft pick, was the leading scorer. Walter “The Truth” Berry, Manhattan native and future 14th pick in the draft, was No. 2. Mike Moses, from the Bronx, was the starting PG. The 6th man on this 31-4 powerhouse? Brooklyn’s own Mark Jackson, who would only go on to win NBA ROY and finish his career second all-time in assists. The misfortune of running into an equally elite Georgetown team in the Final Four may have kept this squad from true immortality, but it will always live on in the hearts of college hoopheads.

Roster · Bob Antonelli · Walter Berry · Terry Bross · Rob Cornegy · Willie Glass · John Hempel · Mark Jackson · Shelton Jones · Mike Moses · Chris Mullin · Ron Rowan · Steve Shurina · Ron Stewart · Bill Wennington ·

Versatility Index: 85

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30

Oklahoma1988

Record 35-4 ⋅ Coach Billy Tubbs

How they got here →

30

30 Oklahoma1988

Record 35-4 Coach Billy Tubbs

The best Sooners team in school history was led by three future first-round NBA Draft picks and scored 102.5 ppg while reaching the NCAA tournament final. Center Stacey King (22.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and forward Harvey Grant (20.9, 9.4) were powerhouses, while freshman guard Mookie Blaylock set the NCAA single-season record for steals. Oklahoma won the Big Eight regular season and conference tourney titles but dropped an 83-79 decision to league rival Kansas in the championship game.

Roster · Mike Bell · Mookie Blaylock · Harvey Grant · Ricky Grace · Tyrone Jones · Stacey King · Tony Martin · Terrence Mullins · Art Pollard · Dave Sieger · Jason Skurcenski · Andre Wiley ·

Versatility Index: 70

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29

Maryland2002

Record 32-4 ⋅ Coach Gary Williams

How they got here →

29

29 Maryland2002

Record 32-4 Coach Gary Williams Champ Yes

Despite its storied basketball history, Maryland didn’t win a national title until ’02, when a veteran team ripped to a 15-1 ACC record, shrugged off a loss in the conference tourney semifinals and won it all. Senior guard Juan Dixon (20.4 ppg) led the way, scoring from beyond the arc and off the dribble, with big man Lonny Baxter (15.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg) providing interior heft. The Terps beat Indiana, 64-52, in the national championship game.

Roster · Earl Badu · Lonny Baxter · Steve Blake · Andre Collins · Juan Dixon · Mike Grinnon · Tahj Holden · Calvin McCall · Byron Mouton · Drew Nicholas · Ryan Randle · Chris Wilcox ·

Versatility Index: 89

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28

Houston1968

Record 31-2 ⋅ Coach Guy Lewis

How they got here →

28

28 Houston1968

Record 31-2 Coach Guy Lewis

It was known as “The Game of the Century,” and for college basketball fans, it was definitely that. For the Houston Cougars, it was even more important. UH’s 71-69 victory over defending national champion UCLA not only snapped the Bruins’ 47-game winning streak; it also avenged the Cougars’ 15-point loss to John Wooden’s eventual national champions in the 1967 national semifinal. The Guy Lewis-coached Cougars were led by All-America center Elvin Hayes, who averaged 36.8 ppg and 18.9 rpg. Houston finished the regular season 28-0 and was ranked first in the polls. Hayes had plenty of help, including Ken Spain (14.2 ppg, 12.8 rpg), Theodis Lee (13.9, 7.9) and Don Chaney (13.0, 5.8). The Cougars thrashed Loyola-Chicago, Louisville and TCU in their first three tourney games to reach their rematch with the Bruins in the L.A. Sports Arena. Houston limited Lou Alcindor to 19 points, but Mike Lynn and Lucius Allen also had 19 in a 101-69 UCLA victory that ended a historic Cougar season.

Roster · Billy Bane · Carlos Bell · Don Chaney · Larry Cooper · Tom Gribben · Niemer Hamood · Elvin Hayes · Theodis Lee · Vern Lewis · George Reynolds · Ken Spain · Kent Taylor ·

Versatility Index: 73

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27

Duke1999

Record 37-2 ⋅ Coach Mike Krzyzewski

How they got here →

27

27 Duke1999

Record 37-2 Coach Mike Krzyzewski

These Blue Devils rampaged through the ACC, posting a 16-0 mark, won the conference tournament with ease and reached the Final Four with a 36-1 record. After dispatching Michigan State by 6 in the national semis, Duke stumbled against Connecticut in the final and lost 77-74. Five members of the team played pro ball, including center Elton Brand (17.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg), guard Trajan Langdon (17.3 ppg) and sophomore Shane Battier, one of the program’s greatest players.

Roster · William Avery · Shane Battier · Elton Brand · D Bryant · Chris Burgess · Justin Caldbeck · Ryan Caldbeck · Chris Carrawell · Taymon Domzalski · Jay Heaps · Nate James · Trajan Langdon · Corey Maggette · JD Simpson ·

Versatility Index: 80

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26

Kentucky1978

Record 30-2 ⋅ Coach Joe B. Hall

How they got here →

26

26 Kentucky1978

Record 30-2 Coach Joe B. Hall Champ Yes

Instead of causing celebration, the Wildcats’ 1978 national title brought only relief. The expectations surrounding coach Joe B. Hall and his UK players were overwhelming, and when Jack “Goose” Givens scored 41 to lead Kentucky to the championship over Duke, Hall felt little joy. The ’Cats ripped through the year with a 30-2 record, thanks to a lineup that featured high-scoring Givens, star point guard Kyle Macy and the bruising interior duo of Rick Robey and Mike Phillips.

Roster · Chuck Aleksinas · Dwane Casey · Truman Claytor · Scott Courts · Fred Cowan · Jack Givens · Chris Gettelfinger · James Lee · Kyle Macy · Mike Phillips · Rick Robey · Jay Shidler · Tim Stephens · LaVon Williams ·

Versatility Index: 74

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25

Louisville1980

Record 33-3 ⋅ Coach Denny Crum

How they got here →

25

25 Louisville1980

Record 33-3 Coach Denny Crum Champ Yes

When high-flying guard Darrell Griffith chose to play for his hometown Cardinals, he promised a national title. His senior year, he delivered. The “Doctors of Dunk” ripped through the Metro Conference with a deep roster that included Griffith (22.9 ppg), guard Derek Smith (14.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and forward Wiley Brown (10.4, 5.6). When the Cards knocked off UCLA, 59-54, in the NCAA title game, U of L coach Denny Crum had his first national championship.

Roster · Tony Branch · Wiley Brown · Roger Burkman · Steve Clark · Daryl Cleveland · Greg Deuser · Jerry Eaves · Darrell Griffith · Rodney McCray · Scooter McCray · Marty Pulliam · Derek Smith · Poncho Wright ·

Versatility Index: 74

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24

Kansas2008

Record 37-3 ⋅ Coach Bill Self

How they got here →

24

24 Kansas2008

Record 37-3 Coach Bill Self Champ Yes

While the Jayhawks lacked true star power, seven players ended up on NBA rosters. Kansas won 37 games with balanced scoring and nasty defense. Junior guard Mario Chalmers (12.8 ppg, 4.3 apg) led the way, while guard Brandon Rush (13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and forward Darrell Arthur (12.8, 6.3) were other stalwarts. In the title game against Memphis, Chalmers hit a three-pointer with 3.7 seconds to force OT, and the Jayhawks pulled away for a 75-68 win.

Roster · Cole Aldrich · Darrell Arthur · Brennan Bechard · Chase Buford · Jeremy Case · Mario Chalmers · Sherron Collins · Darnell Jackson · Sasha Kaun · Matt · Kleinmann · Tyrel Reed · Russell Robinson · Brandon Rush · Rodrick Stewart · Conner Teahan · Brad Witherspoon ·

Versatility Index: 78

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23

North Carolina1957

Record 32-0 ⋅ Coach Frank McGuire

How they got here →

23

23 North Carolina1957

Record 32-0 Coach Frank McGuire Champ Yes

It didn’t matter that UNC was 31-0 when it faced Kansas for the ’57 national title. The Tar Heels were huge underdogs to Wilt Chamberlain and the Jayhawks. But coach Frank McGuire’s all-New York starting five kept the KU big man under control with a collapsing defense, and star forward Lennie Rosenbluth (28.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg) scored 20 points in a 54-53 triple-overtime win that is considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.

Roster · Pete Brennan · Bob Cunningham · Stan Groll · Bill Hathaway · Gehrmann Holland · Tommy Kearns · Danny Lotz · Joe Quigg · Tony Radovich · Ken Rosemond · Lennie Rosenbluth · Roy Searcy · Bob Young ·

Versatility Index: 52

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22

Ohio State1960

Record 25-3 ⋅ Coach Fred Taylor

How they got here →

22

22 Ohio State1960

Record 25-3 Coach Fred Taylor Champ Yes

After watching the Buckeyes rip through the NCAA tournament, winning their four games by an average of 19.5 ppg—including a 75-55 rout of defending champ California in the final—it’s tough to imagine how they lost three regular-season contests. OSU’s young squad was led by sophomore center Jerry Lucas (26.3 ppg, 16.4 rpg), junior guard Larry Siegfried (13.3 ppg) and sophs John Havlicek (12.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Mel Nowell (13.1 ppg) and scored 90.4 ppg.

Roster · James Allen · Dave Barker · John Cedargren · Dick Furry · Gary Gearhart · John Havlicek · Richie Hoyt · Bob Knight · JT Landes · Jerry Lucas · Nelson Miller · Gary Milliken · Howard Nourse · Mel Nowell · Joe Roberts · Larry Siegfried ·

Versatility Index: 37

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21

Michigan State1979

Record 26-6 ⋅ Coach Jud Heathcoate

How they got here →

21

21 Michigan State1979

Record 26-6 Coach Jud Heathcoate Champ Yes

Perhaps the most important team in college basketball history, the ’78-79 Spartans brought the sport into the national consciousness, thanks to the dazzling play of oversized point guard Magic Johnson. His flair and energy captivated fans and turned March mad. MSU lost its final regular season game to Wisconsin but was unstoppable in the NCAA tournament behind Johnson and forward Greg Kelser (18.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Its title game win over Indiana State remains a classic.

Roster · Don Brkovich · Mike Brkovich · Gerald Busby · Ron Charles · Terry Donnelly · Gerald Gilkie · Rob Gonzalez · Jaimie Huffman · Earvin “Magic” Johnson · Rick Kaye · Greg Kelser · Greg Lloyd · Mike Longaker · Jay Vincent ·

Versatility Index: 95

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20

Michigan1993

Record 31-5 ⋅ Coach Steve Fisher

How they got here →

20

20 Michigan1993

Record 31-5 Coach Steve Fisher

The Fab Five’s second—and last—season together featured overwhelming star power. Michigan finished second in the Big Ten with a 15-3 conference mark and needed overtime wins against UCLA and Kentucky to reach the final against North Carolina. Forward Chris Webber’s ill-fated timeout call (when the Wolverines had none left) was a key part of the 77-71 loss. But the legacy of Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson is substantial.

Roster · Jason Bossard · Leon Derricks · Sean Dobbins · Dugan Fife · Ricky Guzman · Juwan Howard · Ray Jackson · Jimmy King · Rob Pelinka · Eric Riley · Jalen Rose · Michael Talley · James Voskuil · Chris Webber ·

Versatility Index: 90

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19

Florida2007

Record 35-5 ⋅ Coach Billy Donovan

How they got here →

19

19 Florida2007

Record 35-5 Coach Billy Donovan Champ Yes

The Gators were that rare modern team: a proven, veteran squad. Even more interesting was that UF’s top players all returned even after winning the 2006 national title. Guards Taurean Green (13.3 ppg) and sniper Lee Humphrey (10.3 ppg), forwards Al Horford (13.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg) and Corey Brewer (13.2 ppg) and center Joakim Noah (12.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg) won the SEC regular season and conference crowns and then triumphed Ohio State, 84-75, to repeat as national champs.

Roster · Jack Berry · Corey Brewer · Taurean Green · Walter Hodge · Al Horford · Lee Humphrey · Jonathan Mitchell · Joakim Noah · Brandon Powell · Chris Richard · Brett Swanson · Marreese Speights · Garrett Tyler · Dan Werner ·

Versatility Index: 90

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18

UConn1999

Record 34-2 ⋅ Coach Jim Calhoun

How they got here →

18

18 UConn1999

Record 34-2 Coach Jim Calhoun Champ Yes

If the ’99 UConn team was around today, or even 10 years ago, it would have been the resounding favorite every day of the season. The Huskies were led by all-time college greats Rip Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin and went deep with athletes such as Kevin Freeman, Ricky Moore, Albert Mouring, Edmund Saunders and Jake Voskuhl. But it was a program that had never previously been to a Final Four and went into the championship against Duke as a 9.5-point (!) underdog. The Huskies may have been 33-2, but they still had doubters, while their opponent was 37-1 (19-0 in the epic ACC, including the conference tourney)...and already Duke. Far from a blowout, however, fans got a nail-biter of a championship as Rip scored 27 points to lead the Huskies to a 77-74 upset. From there, UConn’s legend (and title counting) only grew.

Roster · Khalid El-Amin · Kevin Freeman · Richard Hamilton · EJ Harrison · Rashamel Jones · Antric Klaiber · Richard Moore · Ricky Moore · Albert Mouring · Stanley Ocitti · Edmund Saunders · Ed Tonella · Jake Voskuhl · Souleymane Wane ·

Versatility Index: 74

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17

Duke2001

Record 35-4 ⋅ Coach Mike Krzyzewski

How they got here →

17

17 Duke2001

Record 35-4 Coach Mike Krzyzewski Champ Yes

Although the Blue Devils lost three ACC games, by the time the post-season rolled around, they were unstoppable. Five players reached the NBA, led by guard Jay Williams (21.6 ppg) and forwards Shane Battier (19.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Carlos Boozer (13.3, 6.5). Duke was scared by Maryland in the ACC tourney semis but cruised to the conference title and won each NCAA game by at least 10, including an 82-72 final decision over Arizona.

Roster · Shane Battier · Carlos Boozer · Andy Borman · Andre Buckner · Ryan Caldbeck · Matt Christensen · Chris Duhon · Mike Dunleavy · Nick Horvath · Nate James · Reggie Love · Casey Sanders · JD Simpson · Andre Sweet · Jay Williams ·

Versatility Index: 95

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16

UCLA1968

Record 29-1 ⋅ Coach John Wooden

How they got here →

16

16 UCLA1968

Record 29-1 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

For much of the ’67-68 season, the big story surrounding the Bruins was their nationally televised loss to Houston that snapped a 47-game winning streak. But when the two teams met in the Final Four, UCLA spanked the Cougars, 101-69, and then walloped North Carolina, 78-55, to win it all. Center Lew Alcindor (26.2 ppg, 16.5 rpg) led the way, with support from guards Lucius Allen and Mike Warren and a strong contingent of role players.

Roster · Lew Alcindor · Lucius Allen · Kenny Heitz · Edgar Lacey · Mike Lynn · Jim Nielsen · Neville Saner · Lynn Shackelford · Gene Sutherland · Bill Sweek · Mike Warren ·

Versatility Index: 100

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15

UCLA1973

Record 30-0 ⋅ Coach John Wooden

How they got here →

15

15 UCLA1973

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

UCLA’s 1973 national championship was the program’s seventh straight and ninth in 10 years. The Bruins were led by junior center Bill Walton, one of the best college players of all time. Forwards Keith Wilkes (14.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Larry Farmer (12.2, 5.0) were other key components. UCLA beat Indiana, 70-59, to reach the final against Memphis State, against which Walton scored 44 points, on 21-of-22 shooting, en route to a Bruins win, 87-66.

Roster · Vince Carson · Casey Corliss · Tommy Curtis · Ralph Drollinger · Larry Farmer · Gary Franklin · Larry Hollyfield · Greg Lee · Dave Meyers · Swen Nater · Pete Trgovich · Bill Walton · Bob Webb · Keith Wilkes ·

Versatility Index: 100

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14

Arkansas1994

Record 31-3 ⋅ Coach Nolan Richardson

How they got here →

14

14 Arkansas1994

Record 31-3 Coach Nolan Richardson Champ Yes

Coach Nolan Richardson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” philosophy hit rivals with waves of pressing players who lost just two regular-season games. Rugged forward Corliss Williamson (20.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg) led the way, supported by smooth wing Scotty Thurman (15.9 ppg) and a deep bench. In the Final Four, Arkansas bumped off Arizona. Against Duke in the final, Thurman hit a rainbow three-pointer to give Arkansas a lead it wouldn’t relinquish and a championship it would never forget.

Roster · Corey Beck · Ray Biggers · Ken Biley · Roger Crawford · Alex Dillard · John Engskov · Elmer Martin · Reggie Merritt · Clint McDanieL · Darnell Robinson · Davor Rimac · Dwight Stewart · Scotty Thurman · Corliss Williamson · Lee Wilson ·

Versatility Index: 78

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13

Houston1983

Record 31-3 ⋅ Coach Guy Lewis

How they got here →

13

13 Houston1983

Record 31-3 Coach Guy Lewis

Jimmy V’s NC State Wolfpack upset the Cougars in the NCAA final, but college basketball’s tallest fraternity—Phi Slama Jama—was one of the most exciting, wildest teams ever. Houston Post sportswriter Thomas Bonk coined the nickname, and the Cougars dunked their way into college history. Clyde “The Glide” Drexler led the way. Benny “Bomber from Bernice” Anders, Larry “Mr. Mean” Micheaux, Akeem “The Dream” Olajuwon and Michael “Silent Assassin” Young had great nicknames but no title.

Roster · Benny Anders · Dan Bunce · David Bunce · Eric Dickens · Clyde Drexler · Alvin Franklin · Reid Gettys · Derek Giles · Larry Micheaux · Akeem Olajuwon · Gary Orsak · Dave Rose · Renaldo Thomas · Bryan Williams · Michael Young ·

Versatility Index: 97

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12

Texas Western1966

Record 28-1 ⋅ Coach Don Haskins

How they got here →

12

12 Texas Western1966

Record 28-1 Coach Don Haskins Champ Yes

Coach Don Haskins’ squad did more than just interrupt UCLA’s decade-long dominance of college basketball. It also struck a blow for civil rights by featuring the first-ever all-Black starting five in a national title game. Guard Bobby Joe Hill (15.0 ppg) and forward David “Big Daddy Lattin (14.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg) teamed with Willie Worsley, Willie Cager and Orsten Artis in the historic quintet. In the national final, Texas Western bested all-white Kentucky, 72-65.

Roster · Jerry Armstrong · Orsten Artis · Louis Baudoin · Willie Cager · Harry Flournoy · Bobby Joe Hill · Dave Lattin · Dick Myers · David Palacio · Togo Railey · Nevil Shed · Willie Worsley ·

Versatility Index: 100

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11

Kentucky1996

Record 34-2 ⋅ Coach Rick Pitino

How they got here →

11

11 Kentucky1996

Record 34-2 Coach Rick Pitino Champ Yes

Rick Pitino’s 1995-96 squad featured a cool nine future NBA players. Derek Anderson, Tony Delk, Ron Mercer and Antoine Walker were pure ballers. Jeff Sheppard and Wayne Turner could play, too. There was so much talent that only three players averaged double figures. Kentucky lost just two before the NCAA tournament and blasted through the first four rounds. Massachusetts “scared” UK in a 7-point Wildcat win, and Kentucky topped Syracuse by 9 to win it all.

Roster · Derek Anderson · Tony Delk · Allen Edwards · Anthony Epps · Jason Lathrem · Walter McCarty · Ron Mercer · Cameron Mills · Nazr Mohammed · Mark Pope · Jared Prickett · Jeff Sheppard · Oliver Simmons · Wayne Turner · Antoine Walker ·

Versatility Index: 84

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10

Georgetown1985

Record 35-3 ⋅ Coach John Thompson

How they got here →

10

10 Georgetown1985

Record 35-3 Coach John Thompson

John Thompson’s Hoyas won the 1984 national title and were expected to repeat in ’85. Georgetown was led by center Patrick Ewing (14.6, 9.2 rpg), forwards Bill Martin (12.3, 6.2) and Reggie Williams (11.9, 5.7) and guards David Wingate (12.4, 3.6) and Michael Jackson (7.3, 6.7 apg), who intimidated foes on D and scored with tremendous efficiency. They beat St. John’s in the Final Four but lost the title game to Villanova, which needed an almost-perfect effort to prevail, 66-64.

Roster · Horace Broadnax · Ralph Dalton · Patrick Ewing · Kevin Floyd · Ronnie Highsmith · Michael Jackson · Tyrone Lockhart · Perry McDonald · Bill Martin · Grady Mateen · Reggie Williams · David Wingate ·

Versatility Index: 83

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9

San Francisco1956

Record 29-0 ⋅ Coach Phil Woolpert

How they got here →

9

9 San Francisco1956

Record 29-0 Coach Phil Woolpert Champ Yes

USF center Bill Russell had revolutionized the big man role in college basketball by dominating at both ends and owning the boards. In 1955-56, the Dons became the first-ever undefeated NCAA champion, thanks to a defense that allowed just 31.8 percent opponent field goal success. Even though star guard KC Jones couldn’t play in the tournament, San Francisco swept through its four contests, with Russell scoring 26 and grabbing 27 rebounds in the title game win over Iowa.

Roster · Steve Balchios · Warren Baxter · Carl Boldt · Vince Boyle · Gene Brown · Bill Bush · Mike Farmer · KC Jones · Jack King · John Koljian · Bill Mallen · Tom Nelson · Harold Payne · Hal Perry · Mike Preaseau · Bill Russell ·

Versatility Index: 89

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8

UNLV1991

Record 34-1 ⋅ Coach Jerry Tarkanian

How they got here →

8

8 UNLV1991

Record 34-1 Coach Jerry Tarkanian

Larry Johnson led the way for towel-chomping coach Jerry Tarkanian, with Stacey “Plastic Man” Augmon, Greg Anthony and Anderson Hunt riding right next to him. They scored big. They defended with attitude. And they cruised into a Final Four matchup with Duke looking ready to repeat. Alas, the Blue Devils pulled the upset, and a great team that everyone thought would repeat as champs became a footnote.

Roster · George Ackles · Greg Anthony · Stacey Augmon · Travis Bice · Bryan Emerzian · Evric Gray · Anderson Hunt · Chris Jeter · Larry Johnson · Bobby Joyce · Melvin Love · Dave Rice · Elmore Spencer · H Waldman ·

Versatility Index: 95

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7

Kentucky2012

Record 38-2 ⋅ Coach John Calipari

How they got here →

7

7 Kentucky2012

Record 38-2 Coach John Calipari Champ Yes

It’s incredible that this is John Calipari’s only championship. What a team. There was the transcendent future NBA star, Anthony Davis. Fellow highly touted freshmen Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer. Super sophs Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones. The ’Cats went 30-1 in the regular season and made it to Nawlins for the title game against Kansas. AD handled the D and the boards, and Lamb put up 22 in a 67-59 championship win, UK’s eighth.

Roster · Twany Beckham · Anthony Davis · Terrence Jones · Michael Kidd-Gilchrist · Doron Lamb · Brian Long · Sam Malone · Darius Miller · Jarrod Polson · Marquis Teague · Eloy Vargas · Kyle Wiltjer ·

Versatility Index: 98

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6

UCLA1967

Record 30-0 ⋅ Coach John Wooden

How they got here →

6

6 UCLA1967

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

Lew Alcindor’s first year with the Bruins produced a 30-0 season that included the first of seven straight national titles. The 7-2 big man could do it all at both ends and averaged 29.0 ppg and 15.5 rpg. Wing Lucius Allen scored 15.5 a night, point guard Mike Warren put up 12.7 ppg and forward Lynn Shackleford scored 11.4 each time out. The Bruins trampled their tournament foes, with a 79-64 win over Dayton clinching the championship.

Roster · Lew Alcindor · Lucius Allen · Joe Chrisman · Kenny Heitz · Dick Lynn · Jim Nielsen · Don Saffer · Neville Saner · Lynn Shackelford · Gene Sutherland · Bill Sweek · Kent Taylor · Mike Warren ·

Versatility Index: 100

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5

NC State1974

Record 30–1 ⋅ Coach Norm Sloan

How they got here →

5

5 NC State1974

Record 30–1 Coach Norm Sloan Champ Yes

The Wolfpack’s ’74 national championship came courtesy of a win over Marquette, but State’s Final Four triumph over UCLA snapped the Bruins’ seven-year title run. The ’Pack was led by 6-4 human pogo stick David “Skywalker” Thompson (26.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg) who teamed with 7-2 giant Tom Burleson (18.1, 12.2) and 5-7 distributor Monty Towe in a juggernaut. State beat the Bruins, 80-77, in OT, behind 28 from Thompson, who scored 21 in the title game to bring the Wolfpack the trophy.

Roster · Tom Burleson · Mike Buurma · Bruce Dayhuff · Ken Gehring · Greg Hawkins · Jerry Hunt · Dwight Johnson · Craig Kuszmaul · Bill Lake · Mark Moeller · Steve Nuce · Morris Rivers · Steve Smith · Phil Spence · Tim Stoddard · David Thompson · Monte Towe ·

Versatility Index: 87

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4

North Carolina1982

Record 32–2 ⋅ Coach Dean Smith

How they got here →

4

4 North Carolina1982

Record 32–2 Coach Dean Smith Champ Yes

It took a while, but it finally hit me how good the 1982 Tar Heels were. They had the GOAT, Michael Jordan. And the No. 1 pick in the ’82 Draft, James Worthy. And the No. 4 pick in the’84 Draft, Sam Perkins. Oh, and their coach was just Dean Smith. No wonder they went 32-2. The Heels won the ACC Tourney and rolled to the national final against Georgetown, winning when Jordan hit that famous jumper.

Roster · Jeb Barlow · Jimmy Black · Jim Braddock · John Brownlee · Chris Brust · Cecil Exum · Matt Doherty · Michael Jordan · Timo Makkonen · Warren Martin · Sam Perkins · Buzz Peterson · Lynwood Robinson · James Worthy ·

Versatility Index: 95

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3

Duke1992

Record 34–2 ⋅ Coach Mike Krzyzewski

How they got here →

3

3 Duke1992

Record 34–2 Coach Mike Krzyzewski Champ Yes

The Blue Devils became the first repeat champions since UCLA (1967-73), but their last-second win over Kentucky in the East regional final defined their season. Christian Laettner (21.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg) led the way and hit the big shot against UK. Point guard Bobby Hurley (13.2 ppg, 7.6 apg) and Grant Hill (14.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.1 apg) added to Laettner to form the team’s nucleus. Duke dumped Indiana in the national semifinal and routed Michigan’s Fab Five to win it all.

Roster · Christian Ast · Kenny Blakeney · Ron Burt · Marty Clark · Brian Davis · Grant Hill · Thomas Hill · Bobby Hurley · Christian Laettner · Antonio Lang · Erik Meek · Cherokee Parks ·

Versatility Index: 96

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2

Indiana1976

Record 32-0 ⋅ Coach Bob Knight

How they got here →

2

2 Indiana1976

Record 32-0 Coach Bob Knight Champ Yes

A near-miss in the ’75 tournament left Indiana coach Bob Knight wanting perfection the following season. So, the Hoosiers went 32-0. Forward Scott May (23.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg), center Kent Benson (17.3, 8.8) and guard Quinn Buckner led the way. IU posted its second straight perfect (18-0) Big Ten mark, beat St. John’s, Alabama and Marquette to reach the Final Four, and after handling UCLA, used a big second half to best Michigan and claim the crown.

Roster · Tom Abernethy · Bob Bender · Kent Benson · Quinn Buckner · Jim Crews · Scott Eells · Mark Haymore · Scott May · Wayne Radford · Jim Roberson · Bob Wilkerson · Jim Wisman · Rich Valavicius ·

Versatility Index: 76

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1

UCLA1972

Record 30-0 ⋅ Coach John Wooden

How they got here →

1

1 UCLA1972

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

UCLA was so dominant in 1971-72 that it defeated opponents by an average of 30.3 ppg. Sophomore center Bill Walton (21.1 ppg, 15.5 rpg) won every Player of the Year award out there, and senior guard Henry Bibby (15.7 ppg) and smooth sophomore forward Keith (later Jamaal) Wilkes (13.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg) were strong pieces of the juggernaut. UCLA routed Louisville in the national semifinal and then overcame Florida State, 81-76, to complete an overpowering season.

Roster · Henry Bibby · Vince Carson · Jon Chapman · Tommy Curtis · Larry Farmer · Gary Franklin · Andy Hill · Larry Hollyfield · Greg Lee · Swen Nater · Bill Walton · Keith Wilkes ·

Versatility Index: 100

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50

50 Indiana State1979

Record 33-1 Coach Bill Hodges

The season started tragically when coach Bob King suffered a stroke and brain aneurysm before pre-season practices commenced. Assistant Bill Hodges guided the Sycamores to a perfect regular season campaign, thanks to remarkable forward Larry Bird, who averaged 28.6 ppg, 14.9 rpg and 5.5 apg. ISU ripped through Virginia Tech and Oklahoma to begin the NCAA tourney and earned two-point wins over Arkansas and DePaul before falling, 75-64, in an epic title game battle with Michigan State.

Roster · Larry Bird · Tom Crowder · Eric Curry · Alex Gilbert · Bob Heaton · Rod McNelly · Brad Miley · Rich Nemcek · Carl Nicks · Steve Reed · Bob Ritter · Leroy Staley · Scott Turner ·

Versatility Index: 87

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49

49 UMass1996

Record 35-2 Coach John Calipari

The Minutemen were a bruising bunch who wore down opponents with their physical play and excellent defense that exemplified coach John Calipari’s “Refuse to Lose” mantra. Center Marcus Camby (20.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.9 bpg) brought tremendous energy inside, while wing Donta Bright and guards Carmelo Travieso and Edgar Padilla provided support. UMass lost only one regular season game—to George Washington—and then dropped a Final Four slugfest to eventual national champ Kentucky.

Roster · Donta Bright · Ross Burns · Marcus Camby · Charlton Clarke · Ted Cottrell · Dana Dingle · Andrew Maclay · Inus Norville · Rigoberto Nunez · Edgar Padilla · Giddel Padilla · Carmelo Travieso · Tyrone Weeks ·

Versatility Index: 70

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48

48 LMU1990

Record 26-6 Coach Paul Westhead

The high-flying Lions set an NCAA record with 122.4 ppg but were hit hard by tragedy when second-team All-America forward Hank Gathers collapsed and died during a West Coast Conference tournament semifinal against Portland. LMU somehow regrouped and made a run to the Elite Eight on the strength of guard Bo Kimble, himself a second-team All-American, and long-range marksman Jeff Fryer. Included in the tourney success was a 149-115 dismantling of defending national champ Michigan.

Roster · Jeff Fryer · Hank Gathers · Bo Kimble · Chris Knight · Marcellus Lee · Terrell Lowery · John O’Connell · Tom Peabody · Jeff Roscoe · Christian Scott · Marcus Slater · Per Stumer · Greg Walker · Tony Walker ·

Versatility Index: 81

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47

47 Illinois2005

Record 37-2 Coach Bruce Weber

It’s a shame these guys had to face a UNC powerhouse in the ’05 title game, because this was a regular-season team for the ages. I did a SLAM feature on them during the season and got to attend their late-January home game against Iowa. The Illini won in OT to move to 19-0, and the school’s since-retired “War Chant” is still ringing in my head. Bruce Weber’s bunch, featuring Dee (Brown), Deron (Williams) and Luther (Head), would reach 29-0 before losing the last game of the regular season. They then rolled to a B1G title and reached the Final Four thanks to a miraculous Elite 8 comeback over Arizona. The loss to UNC in the Championship did little to diminish the memories of this team, which was equally rich in talent and personality.

Roster · James Augustine · Dee Brown · Warren Carter · Luther Head · Jack Ingram · Rich McBride · Fred Nkemdi · Roger Powell · Shaun Pruitt · Nick Smith · Deron Williams ·

Versatility Index: 82

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46

46 North Carolina1993

Record 34-4 Coach Dean Smith Champ Yes

Dean Smith’s second national championship squad lacked the star power of some its predecessors but worked extremely well together and featured an eight-man rotation that was clearly better than the sum of its parts. Center Eric Montross, forward George Lynch and guard Donald Williams led the way for the Heels, who won the ACC regular-season crown, outlasted Cincinnati in a classic overtime regional final battle, and then knocked off Michigan’s “Fab Five” to take the national title.

Roster · Dante Calabria · Scott Cherry · Larry Davis · Ed Geth · Pearce Landry · George Lynch · Eric Montross · Derrick Phelps · Henrik Rodl · Brian Reese · Kevin Salvadori · Travis Stephenson · Pat Sullivan · Matt Wenstrom · Donald Williams ·

Versatility Index: 51

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45

45 Kansas1997

Record 34-2 Coach Roy Williams

Because it had a deep rotation that included five double-figure scorers, including forwards Raef LaFrentz (18.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Paul Pierce (16.3, 6.8), some think Kansas underachieved by losing to eventual national champion Arizona in the Southeast Regional semifinal. The Jayhawks dropped only one contest all season before the tourney defeat, a double-OT thriller at Missouri. Kansas sat atop the AP rankings for much of the season and won the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles.

Roster · Nick Bradford · Joel Branstrom · Jerod Haase · Raef LaFrentz · CB McGrath · Terry Nooner · Paul Pierce · Scot Pollard · TJ Pugh · Steve Ransom · Ryan Robertson · Billy Thomas · Jacque VaughnBJ Williams ·

Versatility Index: 71

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44

44 DePaul1980

Record 26-2 Coach Ray Meyer

The Blue Demons entered the ’80 NCAA tournament with a 26-1 record, the top ranking in the AP poll and a No. 1 seed in the West Region. DePaul dropped its second-round contest to UCLA, but it still had a formidable roster that featured sophomore forward Mark Aguirre (26.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and freshman Terry Cummings (14.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg), both future top-two NBA draft choices. Skip Dillard and Clyde Bradshaw comprised a tough backcourt.

Roster · Mark Aquirre · Clyde Bradshaw · Brett Burkholder · Terry Cummings · Skip Dillard · Teddy Grubbs · Jim Mitchem · Sam Manella · Dennis McGuire · Dennis Moore · Chris Nikitas · Bernard Randolph ·

Versatility Index: 69

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43

43 Memphis2008

Record 38-2 Coach John Calipari

The Tigers didn’t win it all, but they did set the NCAA record for victories in a season, with 38. Memphis won its first 26 games before falling to Tennessee, and captured the Conference USA regular-season and tournament titles. Led by all-America wing Chris Douglas-Roberts (18.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and outstanding freshman point guard Derrick Rose (14.9 ppg, 4.7 apg), the Tigers reached the NCAA tournament championship game but fell in overtime to Kansas.

Roster · Andre Allen · Antonio Anderson · Hashim Bailey · Joey Dorsey · Chris Douglas-Roberts · Robert Dozier · Willie Kemp · Doneal Mack · Chance McGrady · Pierre Niles · Jeff Robinson · Derrick Rose · Shawn Taggart ·

Versatility Index: 72

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42

42 Michigan State2000

Record 32-7 Coach Tom Izzo Champ Yes

The Spartans weren’t pristine during the regular season but closed the year with 11 straight wins to take the Big Ten tourney crown and NCAA Tournament championship. Nicknamed “The Flintstones,” due to several players on the roster from Flint, MSU won each of its NCAA games by double digits, including the national final over Florida, and was led by charismatic point guard Mateen Cleaves and versatile forward Morris Peterson (16.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg).

Roster · Aloysius Anagonye · Adam Ballinger · Charlie Bell · Mike Chappell · Steve Cherry · Mateen Cleaves · AJ Granger · Andre Hutson · Mat Ishbia · Morris Peterson · Jason Richardson · Brandon Smith · David Thomas ·

Versatility Index: 75

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41

41 Notre Dame1974

Record 26-3 Coach Digger Phelps

Even though the Fighting Irish lost in the NCAA regional semifinal, they made history during the regular season by bumping off UCLA, 71-70, in South Bend to snap the Bruins’ 88-game winning streak. Led by forwards John Shumate (24.2 ppg, 11.0 rpg) and Adrian Dantley (18.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg), ND went 24-2 in the regular season, but after ripping Austin Peay in its NCAA tourney opener, the Irish lost to Michigan in the next round.

Roster · Roger Anderson · Gary Brokaw · Dwight Clay · Peter Crotty · Adrian Dantley · Bill Drew · Thomas Hansen · Toby Knight · Dave Kuzmicz · Gary Novak · Ray Martin · Bill Paterno · Greg Schmelzer · Myron Schuckman · John Shumate · Chris Stevens · Ken Wolbeck · Tom Varga ·

Versatility Index: 68

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40

40 Villanova2018

Record 36-4 Coach Jay Wright Champ Yes

Villanova won its second NCAA title in three years with a team that led the nation in scoring, with 86.6 ppg. The 36-4 Wildcats had six players average double figures in points, topped by guard Jalen Brunson (18.9 ppg) and forward Mikal Bridges (17.7). ’Nova’s smallest margin of victory during the NCAA tournament was 12 points, and it routed Michigan in the final, 79-62 to cap a dominant run. Five members of the roster reached the NBA.

Roster · Phil Booth · Jalen Brunson · Mikal Bridges · Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree · Tim Delaney · Donte DiVincenzo · Collin Gillespie · Denny Grace · Peyton Heck · Matt Kennedy · Tom Leibig · Eric Paschall · Jermaine Samuels · Omari Spellman ·

Versatility Index: 90

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39

39 UConn2004

Record 33-6 Coach Jim Calhoun Champ Yes

The Huskies used the formidable inside-out pairing of center Emeka Okafor (17.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg) and guard Ben Gordon (18.5, 4.7) to win their record-tying sixth Big East Tournament and then captured coach Jim Calhoun’s second NCAA tourney championship. UConn cruised through the first four games of the tournament and rallied from 8 points down in the final three minutes to best Duke in the national semifinal. The Huskies topped Georgia Tech in the final.

Roster · Rashad Anderson · Hilton Armstrong · Jason Baisch · Josh Boone · Denham Brown · Taliek Brown · Justin Evanovich · Ben Gordon · Emeka Okafor · Ryan Swaller · Shamon Tooles · Charlie Villanueva · Marcus White · Marcus Williams ·

Versatility Index: 84

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38

38 Indiana1987

Record 30-4 Coach Bob Knight Champ Yes

Even though the Hoosiers were led by Big Ten Player of the Year Steve Alford (22.0 ppg) and had sturdy forward Daryl Thomas (15.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) inside, the name people most remember about that squad is Keith Smart. Smart hit a pair of big jumpers, the last with five seconds remaining, to propel IU to a 74-73 national title win over Syracuse, giving coach Bob Knight his third and final NCAA championship.

Roster · Steve Alford · Rick Calloway · Steve Eyl · Tony Freeman · Dean Garrett · Joe Hillman · Todd Meier · Dave Minor · Jeff Oliphant · Magnus Pelkowski · Brian Sloan · Keith Smart · Kreigh Smith · Daryl Thomas ·

Versatility Index: 42

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37

37 UCLA1964

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

The first of John Wooden’s 10 national title teams rolled to a 30-0 record and jetted past rivals with an offense that scored 88.9 ppg. UCLA was powered by the lethal guard tandem of Gail Goodrich (21.5 ppg) and Walt Hazzard (18.6), while Jack Hirsch and Keith Erickson handled things up front. UCLA won three tight NCAA tourney games before marching through third-ranked Duke, 98-83, in the national final, behind 27 points from Goodrich.

Roster · Steve Brucker · Chuck Darrow · Keith Erickson · Gail Goodrich · Kent Graham · Walt Hazzard · Jack Hirsch · Vaughn Hoffman · Mike Huggins · Rich Levin · Doug McIntosh · Fred Slaughter · Kim Stewart · Kenny Washington ·

Versatility Index: 52

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36

36 Georgia Tech1990

Record 28-7 Coach Bobby Cremins

We’re turning the description of this 28-7, Final Four team to its then-freshman point guard, the great Kenny Anderson. “Man, that was a special team. We went 10-0 to start the season,” recalls Chibbs, now the head coach at Fisk University. “Then we had a little dip. Dennis Scott was a junior, thinking about turning pro. Brian Oliver was a senior who had to turn pro. Coach [Bobby] Cremins called me in the office and spoke to me about how to handle the different personalities, and we got it together. Got on a roll for the tournament, and that’s when ‘Lethal Weapon 3’ really took over…Unfortunately, we ran into UNLV in the Final Four, and they were just awesome. We were actually up 7 at the half, but they wore us down in the second. You know, they had five great players. We had three. Give us two more and we would’ve won!”

Roster · Kenny Anderson · Darryl Barnes · Karl Brown · Brian Domalik · Malcolm Mackey · Johnny McNeil · James Munlyn · Dennis Scott · Brian Oliver · Greg White ·

Versatility Index: 83

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35

35 Kentucky2015

Record 38-1 Coach John Calipari

The Huskies used the formidable inside-out pairing of center Emeka Okafor (17.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg) and guard Ben Gordon (18.5, 4.7) to win their record-tying sixth Big East Tournament and then captured coach Jim Calhoun’s second NCAA tourney championship. UConn cruised through the first four games of the tournament and rallied from 8 points down in the final three minutes to best Duke in the national semifinal. The Huskies topped Georgia Tech in the final.

Roster · Aaron Harrison · Andrew Harrison · Devin Booker · Willie Cauley-Stein · EJ Floreal · Dominique Hawkins · Dakari Johnson · Tod Lanter · Marcus Lee · Brian Long · Trey Lyles · Sam Malone · Alex Poythress · Karl-Anthony Towns · Tyler Ulis · Derek Willis ·

Versatility Index: 97

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34

34 Cincinnati1962

Record 29-2 Coach Ed Jucker Champ Yes

A bruising front line keyed the Bearcats’ second consecutive NCAA championship, with both title game wins coming over Ohio State. UC lost two games early but ripped off 18 straight to close the year, including a Missouri Valley Conference tiebreaker over Bradley to reach the NCAA tournament. Cincinnati was led by 6-9 senior center Paul Hogue (16.8 ppg, 12.4 rpg) and sophomore forward Ron Bonham (14.3, 5.0). Hogue had 22 points and 19 boards in the clincher.

Roster · Bill Abernethy · Ron Bonham · Jim Calhoun · Fred Dierking · Larry Elsasser · Dale Heidotting · Paul Hogue · Larry Shingleton · Tom Sizer · Ron Reis · Tom Thacker · George Wilson · Tony Yates ·

Versatility Index: 57

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33

33 Syracuse2003

Record 30-5 Coach Jim Boeheim Champ Yes

After more than 25 years of trying, ’Cuse coach Jim Boeheim finally won a national championship, behind the year-long excellence of freshman Carmelo Anthony (22.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg) and the stifling Orange zone. Syracuse fell in the Big East Tournament semifinals but regrouped to go on an NCAA run that ended with an 81-78 victory over Kansas highlighted by Anthony’s 20 points and 10 boards and Hakim Warrick’s block of a Jayhawk three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left.

Roster · Tyrone Albright · Carmelo Anthony · Josh Brooks · Kueth Duany · Billy Edelin · Craig Forth · Xzavier Gaines · Matt Gorman · Gary Hall · Ronneil Herron · Andrew Kouwe · Gerry McNamara · Jeremy McNeil · Josh Pace · Hakim Warrick ·

Versatility Index: 65

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32

32 North Carolina2005

Record 33-4 Coach Roy Williams Champ Yes

Their foil in the national title game, Illinois, had the once-in-a-lifetime season, the rabid fans and the one-name starters. UNC’s ’05 squad just happened to have the ballers. Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, Sean May and Rashad McCants all came to Chapel Hill as top-10 recruits. More remarkably, they all left the legendary campus after the ’05 season as top-14 picks in the draft. Dripping with all this talent, it was little shock that they built up through a 26-3 regular season and then jelled even more in the tourney. Illinois was a worthy opponent but UNC was too much, earning a 75-70 win that gave Ol’ Roy Williams his first championship as a head coach.

Roster · Charlie Everett · Raymond Felton · Brooks Foster · Damion Grant · Jesse Holley · CJ Hooker · Jackie Manuel · Sean May · Rashad McCants · Wes Miller · David Noel · Byron Sanders · Melvin Scott · Reyshawn Terry · Quentin Thomas · Jawad Williams · Marvin Williams ·

Versatility Index: 76

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31

31 St. John's1985

Record 31-4 Coach Lou Carnesecca

For all the wins (9th all-time with 1,871 and counting) and the New York City legends who have graced its courts, did you know St. John’s has only been to two Final Fours (including 1952, ancient history even for this #old writer)? The year 1985 though? That was Big Apple Dreams. Chris Mullin, Brooklyn native and soon-to-be-No. 7 Draft pick, was the leading scorer. Walter “The Truth” Berry, Manhattan native and future 14th pick in the draft, was No. 2. Mike Moses, from the Bronx, was the starting PG. The 6th man on this 31-4 powerhouse? Brooklyn’s own Mark Jackson, who would only go on to win NBA ROY and finish his career second all-time in assists. The misfortune of running into an equally elite Georgetown team in the Final Four may have kept this squad from true immortality, but it will always live on in the hearts of college hoopheads.

Roster · Bob Antonelli · Walter Berry · Terry Bross · Rob Cornegy · Willie Glass · John Hempel · Mark Jackson · Shelton Jones · Mike Moses · Chris Mullin · Ron Rowan · Steve Shurina · Ron Stewart · Bill Wennington ·

Versatility Index: 85

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30

30 Oklahoma1988

Record 35-4 Coach Billy Tubbs

The best Sooners team in school history was led by three future first-round NBA Draft picks and scored 102.5 ppg while reaching the NCAA tournament final. Center Stacey King (22.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and forward Harvey Grant (20.9, 9.4) were powerhouses, while freshman guard Mookie Blaylock set the NCAA single-season record for steals. Oklahoma won the Big Eight regular season and conference tourney titles but dropped an 83-79 decision to league rival Kansas in the championship game.

Roster · Mike Bell · Mookie Blaylock · Harvey Grant · Ricky Grace · Tyrone Jones · Stacey King · Tony Martin · Terrence Mullins · Art Pollard · Dave Sieger · Jason Skurcenski · Andre Wiley ·

Versatility Index: 70

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29

29 Maryland2002

Record 32-4 Coach Gary Williams Champ Yes

Despite its storied basketball history, Maryland didn’t win a national title until ’02, when a veteran team ripped to a 15-1 ACC record, shrugged off a loss in the conference tourney semifinals and won it all. Senior guard Juan Dixon (20.4 ppg) led the way, scoring from beyond the arc and off the dribble, with big man Lonny Baxter (15.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg) providing interior heft. The Terps beat Indiana, 64-52, in the national championship game.

Roster · Earl Badu · Lonny Baxter · Steve Blake · Andre Collins · Juan Dixon · Mike Grinnon · Tahj Holden · Calvin McCall · Byron Mouton · Drew Nicholas · Ryan Randle · Chris Wilcox ·

Versatility Index: 89

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28

28 Houston1968

Record 31-2 Coach Guy Lewis

It was known as “The Game of the Century,” and for college basketball fans, it was definitely that. For the Houston Cougars, it was even more important. UH’s 71-69 victory over defending national champion UCLA not only snapped the Bruins’ 47-game winning streak; it also avenged the Cougars’ 15-point loss to John Wooden’s eventual national champions in the 1967 national semifinal. The Guy Lewis-coached Cougars were led by All-America center Elvin Hayes, who averaged 36.8 ppg and 18.9 rpg. Houston finished the regular season 28-0 and was ranked first in the polls. Hayes had plenty of help, including Ken Spain (14.2 ppg, 12.8 rpg), Theodis Lee (13.9, 7.9) and Don Chaney (13.0, 5.8). The Cougars thrashed Loyola-Chicago, Louisville and TCU in their first three tourney games to reach their rematch with the Bruins in the L.A. Sports Arena. Houston limited Lou Alcindor to 19 points, but Mike Lynn and Lucius Allen also had 19 in a 101-69 UCLA victory that ended a historic Cougar season.

Roster · Billy Bane · Carlos Bell · Don Chaney · Larry Cooper · Tom Gribben · Niemer Hamood · Elvin Hayes · Theodis Lee · Vern Lewis · George Reynolds · Ken Spain · Kent Taylor ·

Versatility Index: 73

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27

27 Duke1999

Record 37-2 Coach Mike Krzyzewski

These Blue Devils rampaged through the ACC, posting a 16-0 mark, won the conference tournament with ease and reached the Final Four with a 36-1 record. After dispatching Michigan State by 6 in the national semis, Duke stumbled against Connecticut in the final and lost 77-74. Five members of the team played pro ball, including center Elton Brand (17.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg), guard Trajan Langdon (17.3 ppg) and sophomore Shane Battier, one of the program’s greatest players.

Roster · William Avery · Shane Battier · Elton Brand · D Bryant · Chris Burgess · Justin Caldbeck · Ryan Caldbeck · Chris Carrawell · Taymon Domzalski · Jay Heaps · Nate James · Trajan Langdon · Corey Maggette · JD Simpson ·

Versatility Index: 80

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26

26 Kentucky1978

Record 30-2 Coach Joe B. Hall Champ Yes

Instead of causing celebration, the Wildcats’ 1978 national title brought only relief. The expectations surrounding coach Joe B. Hall and his UK players were overwhelming, and when Jack “Goose” Givens scored 41 to lead Kentucky to the championship over Duke, Hall felt little joy. The ’Cats ripped through the year with a 30-2 record, thanks to a lineup that featured high-scoring Givens, star point guard Kyle Macy and the bruising interior duo of Rick Robey and Mike Phillips.

Roster · Chuck Aleksinas · Dwane Casey · Truman Claytor · Scott Courts · Fred Cowan · Jack Givens · Chris Gettelfinger · James Lee · Kyle Macy · Mike Phillips · Rick Robey · Jay Shidler · Tim Stephens · LaVon Williams ·

Versatility Index: 74

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25

25 Louisville1980

Record 33-3 Coach Denny Crum Champ Yes

When high-flying guard Darrell Griffith chose to play for his hometown Cardinals, he promised a national title. His senior year, he delivered. The “Doctors of Dunk” ripped through the Metro Conference with a deep roster that included Griffith (22.9 ppg), guard Derek Smith (14.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and forward Wiley Brown (10.4, 5.6). When the Cards knocked off UCLA, 59-54, in the NCAA title game, U of L coach Denny Crum had his first national championship.

Roster · Tony Branch · Wiley Brown · Roger Burkman · Steve Clark · Daryl Cleveland · Greg Deuser · Jerry Eaves · Darrell Griffith · Rodney McCray · Scooter McCray · Marty Pulliam · Derek Smith · Poncho Wright ·

Versatility Index: 74

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24

24 Kansas2008

Record 37-3 Coach Bill Self Champ Yes

While the Jayhawks lacked true star power, seven players ended up on NBA rosters. Kansas won 37 games with balanced scoring and nasty defense. Junior guard Mario Chalmers (12.8 ppg, 4.3 apg) led the way, while guard Brandon Rush (13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and forward Darrell Arthur (12.8, 6.3) were other stalwarts. In the title game against Memphis, Chalmers hit a three-pointer with 3.7 seconds to force OT, and the Jayhawks pulled away for a 75-68 win.

Roster · Cole Aldrich · Darrell Arthur · Brennan Bechard · Chase Buford · Jeremy Case · Mario Chalmers · Sherron Collins · Darnell Jackson · Sasha Kaun · Matt · Kleinmann · Tyrel Reed · Russell Robinson · Brandon Rush · Rodrick Stewart · Conner Teahan · Brad Witherspoon ·

Versatility Index: 78

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23

23 North Carolina1957

Record 32-0 Coach Frank McGuire Champ Yes

It didn’t matter that UNC was 31-0 when it faced Kansas for the ’57 national title. The Tar Heels were huge underdogs to Wilt Chamberlain and the Jayhawks. But coach Frank McGuire’s all-New York starting five kept the KU big man under control with a collapsing defense, and star forward Lennie Rosenbluth (28.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg) scored 20 points in a 54-53 triple-overtime win that is considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.

Roster · Pete Brennan · Bob Cunningham · Stan Groll · Bill Hathaway · Gehrmann Holland · Tommy Kearns · Danny Lotz · Joe Quigg · Tony Radovich · Ken Rosemond · Lennie Rosenbluth · Roy Searcy · Bob Young ·

Versatility Index: 52

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22

22 Ohio State1960

Record 25-3 Coach Fred Taylor Champ Yes

After watching the Buckeyes rip through the NCAA tournament, winning their four games by an average of 19.5 ppg—including a 75-55 rout of defending champ California in the final—it’s tough to imagine how they lost three regular-season contests. OSU’s young squad was led by sophomore center Jerry Lucas (26.3 ppg, 16.4 rpg), junior guard Larry Siegfried (13.3 ppg) and sophs John Havlicek (12.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Mel Nowell (13.1 ppg) and scored 90.4 ppg.

Roster · James Allen · Dave Barker · John Cedargren · Dick Furry · Gary Gearhart · John Havlicek · Richie Hoyt · Bob Knight · JT Landes · Jerry Lucas · Nelson Miller · Gary Milliken · Howard Nourse · Mel Nowell · Joe Roberts · Larry Siegfried ·

Versatility Index: 37

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21

21 Michigan State1979

Record 26-6 Coach Jud Heathcoate Champ Yes

Perhaps the most important team in college basketball history, the ’78-79 Spartans brought the sport into the national consciousness, thanks to the dazzling play of oversized point guard Magic Johnson. His flair and energy captivated fans and turned March mad. MSU lost its final regular season game to Wisconsin but was unstoppable in the NCAA tournament behind Johnson and forward Greg Kelser (18.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Its title game win over Indiana State remains a classic.

Roster · Don Brkovich · Mike Brkovich · Gerald Busby · Ron Charles · Terry Donnelly · Gerald Gilkie · Rob Gonzalez · Jaimie Huffman · Earvin “Magic” Johnson · Rick Kaye · Greg Kelser · Greg Lloyd · Mike Longaker · Jay Vincent ·

Versatility Index: 95

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20

20 Michigan1993

Record 31-5 Coach Steve Fisher

The Fab Five’s second—and last—season together featured overwhelming star power. Michigan finished second in the Big Ten with a 15-3 conference mark and needed overtime wins against UCLA and Kentucky to reach the final against North Carolina. Forward Chris Webber’s ill-fated timeout call (when the Wolverines had none left) was a key part of the 77-71 loss. But the legacy of Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson is substantial.

Roster · Jason Bossard · Leon Derricks · Sean Dobbins · Dugan Fife · Ricky Guzman · Juwan Howard · Ray Jackson · Jimmy King · Rob Pelinka · Eric Riley · Jalen Rose · Michael Talley · James Voskuil · Chris Webber ·

Versatility Index: 90

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19

19 Florida2007

Record 35-5 Coach Billy Donovan Champ Yes

The Gators were that rare modern team: a proven, veteran squad. Even more interesting was that UF’s top players all returned even after winning the 2006 national title. Guards Taurean Green (13.3 ppg) and sniper Lee Humphrey (10.3 ppg), forwards Al Horford (13.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg) and Corey Brewer (13.2 ppg) and center Joakim Noah (12.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg) won the SEC regular season and conference crowns and then triumphed Ohio State, 84-75, to repeat as national champs.

Roster · Jack Berry · Corey Brewer · Taurean Green · Walter Hodge · Al Horford · Lee Humphrey · Jonathan Mitchell · Joakim Noah · Brandon Powell · Chris Richard · Brett Swanson · Marreese Speights · Garrett Tyler · Dan Werner ·

Versatility Index: 90

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18

18 UConn1999

Record 34-2 Coach Jim Calhoun Champ Yes

If the ’99 UConn team was around today, or even 10 years ago, it would have been the resounding favorite every day of the season. The Huskies were led by all-time college greats Rip Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin and went deep with athletes such as Kevin Freeman, Ricky Moore, Albert Mouring, Edmund Saunders and Jake Voskuhl. But it was a program that had never previously been to a Final Four and went into the championship against Duke as a 9.5-point (!) underdog. The Huskies may have been 33-2, but they still had doubters, while their opponent was 37-1 (19-0 in the epic ACC, including the conference tourney)...and already Duke. Far from a blowout, however, fans got a nail-biter of a championship as Rip scored 27 points to lead the Huskies to a 77-74 upset. From there, UConn’s legend (and title counting) only grew.

Roster · Khalid El-Amin · Kevin Freeman · Richard Hamilton · EJ Harrison · Rashamel Jones · Antric Klaiber · Richard Moore · Ricky Moore · Albert Mouring · Stanley Ocitti · Edmund Saunders · Ed Tonella · Jake Voskuhl · Souleymane Wane ·

Versatility Index: 74

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17

17 Duke2001

Record 35-4 Coach Mike Krzyzewski Champ Yes

Although the Blue Devils lost three ACC games, by the time the post-season rolled around, they were unstoppable. Five players reached the NBA, led by guard Jay Williams (21.6 ppg) and forwards Shane Battier (19.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Carlos Boozer (13.3, 6.5). Duke was scared by Maryland in the ACC tourney semis but cruised to the conference title and won each NCAA game by at least 10, including an 82-72 final decision over Arizona.

Roster · Shane Battier · Carlos Boozer · Andy Borman · Andre Buckner · Ryan Caldbeck · Matt Christensen · Chris Duhon · Mike Dunleavy · Nick Horvath · Nate James · Reggie Love · Casey Sanders · JD Simpson · Andre Sweet · Jay Williams ·

Versatility Index: 95

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16

16 UCLA1968

Record 29-1 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

For much of the ’67-68 season, the big story surrounding the Bruins was their nationally televised loss to Houston that snapped a 47-game winning streak. But when the two teams met in the Final Four, UCLA spanked the Cougars, 101-69, and then walloped North Carolina, 78-55, to win it all. Center Lew Alcindor (26.2 ppg, 16.5 rpg) led the way, with support from guards Lucius Allen and Mike Warren and a strong contingent of role players.

Roster · Lew Alcindor · Lucius Allen · Kenny Heitz · Edgar Lacey · Mike Lynn · Jim Nielsen · Neville Saner · Lynn Shackelford · Gene Sutherland · Bill Sweek · Mike Warren ·

Versatility Index: 100

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15

15 UCLA1973

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

UCLA’s 1973 national championship was the program’s seventh straight and ninth in 10 years. The Bruins were led by junior center Bill Walton, one of the best college players of all time. Forwards Keith Wilkes (14.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Larry Farmer (12.2, 5.0) were other key components. UCLA beat Indiana, 70-59, to reach the final against Memphis State, against which Walton scored 44 points, on 21-of-22 shooting, en route to a Bruins win, 87-66.

Roster · Vince Carson · Casey Corliss · Tommy Curtis · Ralph Drollinger · Larry Farmer · Gary Franklin · Larry Hollyfield · Greg Lee · Dave Meyers · Swen Nater · Pete Trgovich · Bill Walton · Bob Webb · Keith Wilkes ·

Versatility Index: 100

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14

14 Arkansas1994

Record 31-3 Coach Nolan Richardson Champ Yes

Coach Nolan Richardson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” philosophy hit rivals with waves of pressing players who lost just two regular-season games. Rugged forward Corliss Williamson (20.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg) led the way, supported by smooth wing Scotty Thurman (15.9 ppg) and a deep bench. In the Final Four, Arkansas bumped off Arizona. Against Duke in the final, Thurman hit a rainbow three-pointer to give Arkansas a lead it wouldn’t relinquish and a championship it would never forget.

Roster · Corey Beck · Ray Biggers · Ken Biley · Roger Crawford · Alex Dillard · John Engskov · Elmer Martin · Reggie Merritt · Clint McDanieL · Darnell Robinson · Davor Rimac · Dwight Stewart · Scotty Thurman · Corliss Williamson · Lee Wilson ·

Versatility Index: 78

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13

13 Houston1983

Record 31-3 Coach Guy Lewis

Jimmy V’s NC State Wolfpack upset the Cougars in the NCAA final, but college basketball’s tallest fraternity—Phi Slama Jama—was one of the most exciting, wildest teams ever. Houston Post sportswriter Thomas Bonk coined the nickname, and the Cougars dunked their way into college history. Clyde “The Glide” Drexler led the way. Benny “Bomber from Bernice” Anders, Larry “Mr. Mean” Micheaux, Akeem “The Dream” Olajuwon and Michael “Silent Assassin” Young had great nicknames but no title.

Roster · Benny Anders · Dan Bunce · David Bunce · Eric Dickens · Clyde Drexler · Alvin Franklin · Reid Gettys · Derek Giles · Larry Micheaux · Akeem Olajuwon · Gary Orsak · Dave Rose · Renaldo Thomas · Bryan Williams · Michael Young ·

Versatility Index: 97

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12

12 Texas Western1966

Record 28-1 Coach Don Haskins Champ Yes

Coach Don Haskins’ squad did more than just interrupt UCLA’s decade-long dominance of college basketball. It also struck a blow for civil rights by featuring the first-ever all-Black starting five in a national title game. Guard Bobby Joe Hill (15.0 ppg) and forward David “Big Daddy Lattin (14.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg) teamed with Willie Worsley, Willie Cager and Orsten Artis in the historic quintet. In the national final, Texas Western bested all-white Kentucky, 72-65.

Roster · Jerry Armstrong · Orsten Artis · Louis Baudoin · Willie Cager · Harry Flournoy · Bobby Joe Hill · Dave Lattin · Dick Myers · David Palacio · Togo Railey · Nevil Shed · Willie Worsley ·

Versatility Index: 100

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11

11 Kentucky1996

Record 34-2 Coach Rick Pitino Champ Yes

Rick Pitino’s 1995-96 squad featured a cool nine future NBA players. Derek Anderson, Tony Delk, Ron Mercer and Antoine Walker were pure ballers. Jeff Sheppard and Wayne Turner could play, too. There was so much talent that only three players averaged double figures. Kentucky lost just two before the NCAA tournament and blasted through the first four rounds. Massachusetts “scared” UK in a 7-point Wildcat win, and Kentucky topped Syracuse by 9 to win it all.

Roster · Derek Anderson · Tony Delk · Allen Edwards · Anthony Epps · Jason Lathrem · Walter McCarty · Ron Mercer · Cameron Mills · Nazr Mohammed · Mark Pope · Jared Prickett · Jeff Sheppard · Oliver Simmons · Wayne Turner · Antoine Walker ·

Versatility Index: 84

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10

10 Georgetown1985

Record 35-3 Coach John Thompson

John Thompson’s Hoyas won the 1984 national title and were expected to repeat in ’85. Georgetown was led by center Patrick Ewing (14.6, 9.2 rpg), forwards Bill Martin (12.3, 6.2) and Reggie Williams (11.9, 5.7) and guards David Wingate (12.4, 3.6) and Michael Jackson (7.3, 6.7 apg), who intimidated foes on D and scored with tremendous efficiency. They beat St. John’s in the Final Four but lost the title game to Villanova, which needed an almost-perfect effort to prevail, 66-64.

Roster · Horace Broadnax · Ralph Dalton · Patrick Ewing · Kevin Floyd · Ronnie Highsmith · Michael Jackson · Tyrone Lockhart · Perry McDonald · Bill Martin · Grady Mateen · Reggie Williams · David Wingate ·

Versatility Index: 83

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9

9 San Francisco1956

Record 29-0 Coach Phil Woolpert Champ Yes

USF center Bill Russell had revolutionized the big man role in college basketball by dominating at both ends and owning the boards. In 1955-56, the Dons became the first-ever undefeated NCAA champion, thanks to a defense that allowed just 31.8 percent opponent field goal success. Even though star guard KC Jones couldn’t play in the tournament, San Francisco swept through its four contests, with Russell scoring 26 and grabbing 27 rebounds in the title game win over Iowa.

Roster · Steve Balchios · Warren Baxter · Carl Boldt · Vince Boyle · Gene Brown · Bill Bush · Mike Farmer · KC Jones · Jack King · John Koljian · Bill Mallen · Tom Nelson · Harold Payne · Hal Perry · Mike Preaseau · Bill Russell ·

Versatility Index: 89

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8

8 UNLV1991

Record 34-1 Coach Jerry Tarkanian

Larry Johnson led the way for towel-chomping coach Jerry Tarkanian, with Stacey “Plastic Man” Augmon, Greg Anthony and Anderson Hunt riding right next to him. They scored big. They defended with attitude. And they cruised into a Final Four matchup with Duke looking ready to repeat. Alas, the Blue Devils pulled the upset, and a great team that everyone thought would repeat as champs became a footnote.

Roster · George Ackles · Greg Anthony · Stacey Augmon · Travis Bice · Bryan Emerzian · Evric Gray · Anderson Hunt · Chris Jeter · Larry Johnson · Bobby Joyce · Melvin Love · Dave Rice · Elmore Spencer · H Waldman ·

Versatility Index: 95

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7

7 Kentucky2012

Record 38-2 Coach John Calipari Champ Yes

It’s incredible that this is John Calipari’s only championship. What a team. There was the transcendent future NBA star, Anthony Davis. Fellow highly touted freshmen Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer. Super sophs Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones. The ’Cats went 30-1 in the regular season and made it to Nawlins for the title game against Kansas. AD handled the D and the boards, and Lamb put up 22 in a 67-59 championship win, UK’s eighth.

Roster · Twany Beckham · Anthony Davis · Terrence Jones · Michael Kidd-Gilchrist · Doron Lamb · Brian Long · Sam Malone · Darius Miller · Jarrod Polson · Marquis Teague · Eloy Vargas · Kyle Wiltjer ·

Versatility Index: 98

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6

6 UCLA1967

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

Lew Alcindor’s first year with the Bruins produced a 30-0 season that included the first of seven straight national titles. The 7-2 big man could do it all at both ends and averaged 29.0 ppg and 15.5 rpg. Wing Lucius Allen scored 15.5 a night, point guard Mike Warren put up 12.7 ppg and forward Lynn Shackleford scored 11.4 each time out. The Bruins trampled their tournament foes, with a 79-64 win over Dayton clinching the championship.

Roster · Lew Alcindor · Lucius Allen · Joe Chrisman · Kenny Heitz · Dick Lynn · Jim Nielsen · Don Saffer · Neville Saner · Lynn Shackelford · Gene Sutherland · Bill Sweek · Kent Taylor · Mike Warren ·

Versatility Index: 100

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5

5 NC State1974

Record 30–1 Coach Norm Sloan Champ Yes

The Wolfpack’s ’74 national championship came courtesy of a win over Marquette, but State’s Final Four triumph over UCLA snapped the Bruins’ seven-year title run. The ’Pack was led by 6-4 human pogo stick David “Skywalker” Thompson (26.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg) who teamed with 7-2 giant Tom Burleson (18.1, 12.2) and 5-7 distributor Monty Towe in a juggernaut. State beat the Bruins, 80-77, in OT, behind 28 from Thompson, who scored 21 in the title game to bring the Wolfpack the trophy.

Roster · Tom Burleson · Mike Buurma · Bruce Dayhuff · Ken Gehring · Greg Hawkins · Jerry Hunt · Dwight Johnson · Craig Kuszmaul · Bill Lake · Mark Moeller · Steve Nuce · Morris Rivers · Steve Smith · Phil Spence · Tim Stoddard · David Thompson · Monte Towe ·

Versatility Index: 87

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4

4 North Carolina1982

Record 32–2 Coach Dean Smith Champ Yes

It took a while, but it finally hit me how good the 1982 Tar Heels were. They had the GOAT, Michael Jordan. And the No. 1 pick in the ’82 Draft, James Worthy. And the No. 4 pick in the’84 Draft, Sam Perkins. Oh, and their coach was just Dean Smith. No wonder they went 32-2. The Heels won the ACC Tourney and rolled to the national final against Georgetown, winning when Jordan hit that famous jumper.

Roster · Jeb Barlow · Jimmy Black · Jim Braddock · John Brownlee · Chris Brust · Cecil Exum · Matt Doherty · Michael Jordan · Timo Makkonen · Warren Martin · Sam Perkins · Buzz Peterson · Lynwood Robinson · James Worthy ·

Versatility Index: 95

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3

3 Duke1992

Record 34–2 Coach Mike Krzyzewski Champ Yes

The Blue Devils became the first repeat champions since UCLA (1967-73), but their last-second win over Kentucky in the East regional final defined their season. Christian Laettner (21.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg) led the way and hit the big shot against UK. Point guard Bobby Hurley (13.2 ppg, 7.6 apg) and Grant Hill (14.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.1 apg) added to Laettner to form the team’s nucleus. Duke dumped Indiana in the national semifinal and routed Michigan’s Fab Five to win it all.

Roster · Christian Ast · Kenny Blakeney · Ron Burt · Marty Clark · Brian Davis · Grant Hill · Thomas Hill · Bobby Hurley · Christian Laettner · Antonio Lang · Erik Meek · Cherokee Parks ·

Versatility Index: 96

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2

2 Indiana1976

Record 32-0 Coach Bob Knight Champ Yes

A near-miss in the ’75 tournament left Indiana coach Bob Knight wanting perfection the following season. So, the Hoosiers went 32-0. Forward Scott May (23.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg), center Kent Benson (17.3, 8.8) and guard Quinn Buckner led the way. IU posted its second straight perfect (18-0) Big Ten mark, beat St. John’s, Alabama and Marquette to reach the Final Four, and after handling UCLA, used a big second half to best Michigan and claim the crown.

Roster · Tom Abernethy · Bob Bender · Kent Benson · Quinn Buckner · Jim Crews · Scott Eells · Mark Haymore · Scott May · Wayne Radford · Jim Roberson · Bob Wilkerson · Jim Wisman · Rich Valavicius ·

Versatility Index: 76

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1

1 UCLA1972

Record 30-0 Coach John Wooden Champ Yes

UCLA was so dominant in 1971-72 that it defeated opponents by an average of 30.3 ppg. Sophomore center Bill Walton (21.1 ppg, 15.5 rpg) won every Player of the Year award out there, and senior guard Henry Bibby (15.7 ppg) and smooth sophomore forward Keith (later Jamaal) Wilkes (13.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg) were strong pieces of the juggernaut. UCLA routed Louisville in the national semifinal and then overcame Florida State, 81-76, to complete an overpowering season.

Roster · Henry Bibby · Vince Carson · Jon Chapman · Tommy Curtis · Larry Farmer · Gary Franklin · Andy Hill · Larry Hollyfield · Greg Lee · Swen Nater · Bill Walton · Keith Wilkes ·

Versatility Index: 100

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