Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have produced some of the greatest basketball players of all time. From Earl “The Pearl” Monroe to Charles Oakley to Ben Wallace to Kyle O’Quinn, these players have left indelible marks on the game of basketball. This is no surprise, as HBCUs have a long tradition of excellence when it comes to basketball.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best HBCU basketball teams of all time.
1. Texas Southern Tigers:
The Texas Southern Tigers have consistently been one of the best HBCU basketball teams in the country. The team has made six NCAA tournament appearances and four NIT appearances. The Tigers have also won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) tournament nine times since 2003. The team is led by head coach Johnny Jones, who was the head coach at LSU and North Texas before joining Texas Southern.
2. North Carolina Central Eagles:
The North Carolina Central Eagles have also made a name for themselves in the world of HBCU basketball. The team has made three NCAA tournament appearances since 2014 and has won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) six times since 2011. The Eagles are led by head coach LeVelle Moton, who has been with the team since 2009.
3. Hampton Pirates:
The Hampton Pirates have also had a lot of success in recent years. The team has made six NCAA tournament appearances since 2001 and has won the MEAC four times since 2010. The Pirates are led by head coach Buck Joyner, who has been with the team since 2016.
4. Howard Bison:
The Howard Bison have a rich basketball history dating back to the 1960s when they were led by the legendary A.B. Williamson. The team has made two NCAA tournament appearances and won the MEAC regular-season championship in 2020. The Bison are led by head coach Kenneth Blakeney, who has been with the team since 2019.
5. Norfolk State Spartans:
The Norfolk State Spartans have also had their fair share of success in recent years. The team made a memorable upset of Missouri in the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2012. The Spartans have also won the MEAC tournament three times since 2012. The team is led by head coach Robert Jones, who has been with the team since 2013.
These five teams have cemented their place in HBCU basketball history. Whether it’s winning conference championships, making NCAA tournament appearances, or producing great NBA players, these teams have all left a lasting impression on the game of basketball. It’s important to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these teams, as they continue to pave the way for future generations of HBCU basketball players. 6:07 PM