Category: College Basketball

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a prominent role in college basketball. Many HBCUs have produced great players and exceptional teams that have left indelible marks on the college basketball landscape. In this article, we highlight the five best HBCU programs in college basketball history.

1. North Carolina A&T Aggies: In 1982, the North Carolina A&T Aggies made history by becoming the first HBCU program to win a game in the NCAA tournament. The Aggies won the MEAC tournament that season and advanced to the first round of the NCAA tournament, where they defeated Lafayette.

2. Grambling State Tigers: The Grambling State Tigers are one of the most storied programs in HBCU basketball history. In the 1970s, the Tigers were one of the most dominant teams in college basketball. They won six SWAC championships and made two appearances in the NCAA tournament.

3. Southern University Jaguars: The Southern University Jaguars have produced numerous standout players, including former NBA player Avery Johnson. The Jaguars have won 13 SWAC championships and made two appearances in the NCAA tournament.

4. Hampton Pirates: The Hampton Pirates made history in 2001 when they upset second-seeded Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Pirates won the MEAC tournament that season and advanced to the NCAA tournament for only the second time in program history.

5. Howard Bison: The Howard Bison have produced several noteworthy players, including former NBA player David Thompson. The Bison have won four MEAC championships and made two appearances in the NCAA tournament.

HBCU programs have faced challenges over the years, including a lack of resources and funding. However, these programs have persevered and have produced some of the greatest players and most memorable moments in college basketball history. As we celebrate the accomplishments of these programs, we look forward to seeing the next generation of HBCU basketball stars emerge. 

As March Madness approaches in 2023, fans and analysts alike are making their predictions for which teams will make it to the Final Four and ultimately win the NCAA tournament.

One of the top teams expected to contend for the title is Duke. Led by head coach Mike Krzyzewski and a talented roster of players, including standout guard Paolo Banchero and forward AJ Griffin, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

Another team to watch out for is Gonzaga, who were the runners-up in the 2021 NCAA tournament. With a strong recruiting class coming in and returning players like Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard, the Bulldogs are looking to make a statement this year.

Michigan is another team that is expected to perform well in the tournament. Led by head coach Juwan Howard and a talented group of young players, including Caleb Houstan and Musa Diabate, the Wolverines have exceeded expectations this season and could surprise many in March Madness.

Lastly, Kentucky is a team that has been underperforming recently but is expected to make a comeback in the 2023 tournament. With an incoming recruiting class that includes some of the top high school players in the country, the Wildcats are looking to return to their former glory under head coach John Calipari.

As always, there are inevitably surprises and upsets every year in March Madness, but these teams are some of the top contenders for the 2023 tournament. With talented players and experienced coaches leading the way, basketball fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament.