Top Five College Basketball Programs

Nov 26, 2007

Kidzworld ranks the top college basketball programs of all time. See if your fave school made the list!

#5. Basketball Programs - Kansas

The Kansas Jayhawks have one of the most historic programs. The inventor of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, was the first coach there. Over the past century, the Jayhawks have won 50 conference championships and two national championships. They have also produced 34 All Americans including Paul Pierce, Danny Manning, and the great Wilt Chamberlain. Currently there are nine Jayhawks in the NBA. The Kansas program is still strong today - as of November 2007, the Jayhawks are ranked fourth in the nation!

#4. Basketball Programs - Kentucky

If you are from the blue grass state, then there is no doubt you bleed blue and root for the Kentucky Wildcats. They are the winningest team in the history of college basketball. They have won seven national titles, appeared in 13 Final Fours and have taken home 24 conference championships. Some of the most famous alumni include Jamal Mashburn, Tayshaun Prince and Antoine Walker. Although the program has been on the decline for the past decade, they still reach the tournament every year and attract high school All Americans and still produce NBA players. There are also currently 12 'Cats in the NBA today.

#3. Basketball Programs - Duke

Home of the Cameron Crazies, the Duke basketball program is rich in history. This tiny school in Durham, NC has won three national championships, including winning back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992. The Dukies probably have the most famous coach in college basketball today in Coach Krzyzewski - who is nicknamed Coach K. Duke has produced 55 All Americans and over 70 NBA players. Elton Brand, Christian Laettner and Grant Hill are a few of the legendary players who have played in Durham.

#2. Basketball Programs - UCLA

There was a time the UCLA Bruins had the most dominant program in college basketball. Under legendary coach John Wooden, the Bruins won 10 titles in 12 seasons from 1964-1975. At one point, they won seven straight titles! In total, UCLA have won 11 National titles, been to 17 Final Fours and been conference champs 28 times. Reggie Miller, Baron Davis and Bill Walton are a few of the greats who have worn the blue and gold uniforms. As of December 2007, the Bruins are ranked number one in the nation and are led by freshman sensation Kevin Love.

#1. Basketball Programs - North Carolina

The greatest basketball player of time, Michael Jordan, once wore Tar Heel blue. Jordan was part of the 1984 NCAA Championship team led by the legendary Dean Smith. The Tar Heels have won four national championships and 16 ACC tournament titles. Other than MJ, North Carolina has had many superstars like Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, and James Worthy come through Chapel Hill, NC. This year UNC is a top two team, so look for them to possibly add a fifth national title to their resume this March!