Amanda Knapp
The Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team has had its fair share of triumphs and setbacks over the years. In the 2022-23 season, the Buckeyes endured a challenging period, with an extended losing streak that resulted in criticism and a coaching change. However, the Buckeyes have a rich basketball history, dating back to the formation of their first team in 1898. They joined the Big Nine Conference in 1912, which later became known as the Big Ten. Under the leadership of coach Harold Olsen, they achieved their first significant success, winning their first conference championship in the 1922-23 season. The Buckeyes have since gone on to win one national championship in 1960, appeared in 10 Final Fours, and participated in numerous NCAA Tournaments. While they have experienced both highs and lows, the Buckeyes continue to be a prominent fixture in the world of college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of national championships | 1 (1960) |
| Number of Final Four appearances | 10 (1 additional appearance has been vacated) |
| Number of NCAA Tournament appearances | 27 (4 other appearances have been vacated) |
| Number of Big Ten championships | 5 |
| Number of conference championships | 7 |
| Overall record (as of March 13, 2025) | 17-15 |
| Result of the game against Iowa in the Big Ten tournament | Loss |
| Result of the game against Nebraska on March 5, 2025 | Win (116-114) |
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What You'll Learn
The Ohio State Buckeyes have won one national championship
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long and storied history in college basketball, with the team first formed in 1898. However, their greatest success came in the 1960 season when they won their first and only national championship.
Led by second-year coach Fred Taylor, the Buckeyes defeated California 75-55 in the final game to claim the title. Taylor's team featured future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame players Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek. This victory marked the pinnacle of Ohio State's basketball success and remains their sole national championship to date.
The 1960 season was a breakthrough for the Buckeyes, who had previously come close to winning the national championship but fell short. In the 1939 NCAA Championship tournament, the Buckeyes reached the final but lost to Oregon 33-46. Despite this initial setback, the Buckeyes continued to improve and establish themselves as a formidable basketball program.
During the Olsen era, which began in 1923, the Buckeyes won their first conference championship in the 1922-1923 season. Olsen's tenure lasted 24 seasons and included four Final Four appearances and five Big Ten championships. While Olsen laid the foundation for the program's success, it was Taylor who ultimately guided them to their first and only national championship.
Since their national championship win in 1960, the Buckeyes have had their share of ups and downs. They returned to the national championship game in 1961 and 1962 but lost both times to Cincinnati. More recently, the Buckeyes have struggled, with the team facing criticism and coaching changes. Despite these challenges, the 1960 national championship remains a shining moment in the history of the Ohio State Buckeyes, reminding fans and players of the team's potential for greatness.
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The Buckeyes have appeared in 10 Final Fours
The Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team has a rich history in NCAA Division I college basketball. The team has appeared in the Final Four, the penultimate round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, ten times. One of these appearances, in 1999, was vacated by the NCAA due to player Boban Savovic receiving improper benefits.
The Buckeyes first appeared in the Final Four in 1939, the first year of the tournament, facing Villanova University. They defeated Villanova to advance to the championship game, where they lost to the University of Oregon. The Buckeyes made three more Final Four appearances under head coach Harold Olsen, in 1944, 1945, and 1946. Olsen led the team to five Big Ten Championships during his tenure.
The Buckeyes returned to the Final Four in 1968, losing to North Carolina but winning the third-place game against the University of Houston. Their most recent Final Four appearance was in 2007, where they defeated Georgetown University.
In addition to their ten Final Four appearances, the Buckeyes have won one national championship (in 1960) and have been the national runner-up four times. They have also won the Big Ten regular-season championship five times and the Big Ten tournament championship four times.
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They have appeared in 27 NCAA tournaments
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a rich history in NCAA Division I basketball tournaments, with 27 appearances to their name. The team has demonstrated its prowess and determination in numerous tournaments, showcasing their skills and strategy on the court.
The Buckeyes' journey in the NCAA tournaments began in the early days of this prestigious competition. Their first appearance was in the inaugural tournament, which took place in 1939. Back then, the tournament featured eight teams, each representing a geographical district. The Buckeyes stepped up to the challenge, showcasing their talent and fighting spirit.
Over the years, the Buckeyes have consistently proven their mettle, earning their place in the tournament time and again. Their appearances span across different eras of the tournament's evolution, from its early days with a smaller field to the more recent expansions. The format has undergone adjustments, with the introduction of at-large bids and the expansion beyond the initial eight teams.
The Buckeyes have navigated through the challenges presented by the evolving landscape of NCAA Division I basketball. Their 27 appearances are a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Each appearance has contributed to the team's legacy, writing new chapters in the history of Ohio State basketball.
The Buckeyes' presence in the NCAA tournaments has left an indelible mark, adding to the excitement and competition of this highly anticipated annual sporting event. Their performances have been a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff, solidifying their place in the annals of college basketball.
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The Buckeyes' first national championship was in 1960
The Ohio State Buckeyes have won several national championships in football and basketball. In 1960, the Buckeyes won their first national championship in men's basketball. The team was coached by Hall of Famer Fred Taylor and had three future Hall of Famers on its roster: centre Jerry Lucas, forward John Havlicek, and reserve forward Bob Knight, who went on to have a distinguished coaching career, most notably at Indiana.
The 1959-60 team was the best shooting, highest-scoring team in college basketball, averaging over 90 points per game. The key to their attack was Lucas' rebounding and outlet passing. The other four athletes, Nowell, Havlicek, Knight, and Gary Gearhart, routinely overwhelmed their opponents with fast-break baskets. This kind of offensive play was cutting edge at the time and a big reason why all five starters were later drafted into the NBA.
The team's shooting was exceptional, but their defence also played a crucial role in winning the championship. In the final, they beat defending national champion California 75-55. Lucas held Darrall Imhoff at bay, only giving him room when he was far away from the basket, and staying between Imhoff and the ball when he was close. The Buckeyes' defence limited their opponents to just .388 shooting over the course of the season.
The Buckeyes have also won national championships in football, including in 1942, 1954, 1968, 2002, 2014, and 2024.
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The Buckeyes lost their opening game in the Big Ten tournament in 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team has had a long and storied history, with their first basketball team formed in 1898. They joined the Big Nine Conference in 1912, which later became known as the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have had their fair share of successes and setbacks over the years. However, in 2025, they faced a significant setback in their opening game of the Big Ten tournament.
On March 13, 2025, the Buckeyes suffered a disappointing loss in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis, falling to Iowa. This defeat put the Buckeyes in a challenging position, with a 17-15 overall record. While they had strong quality metrics and multiple elite wins away from Columbus, their overall record was a concern. No team so close to neutral had ever received an at-large bid, and the Buckeyes found themselves in need of a minor miracle to continue in the tournament.
The Buckeyes' loss to Iowa was not an isolated incident. They had been struggling leading up to the Big Ten tournament, with a record of 9-15 against Q1/Q2. This loss, combined with their previous record, put the Buckeyes' chances of continuing in the tournament in jeopardy. The team needed more than just a few wins to secure their place.
The Buckeyes' performance in the 2025 Big Ten tournament stood in contrast to their achievements in previous years. The Buckeyes have won one national championship (in 1960), been the national runner-up four times, appeared in 10 Final Fours, and participated in 27 NCAA Tournaments. However, their performance in 2025 indicated that they were facing challenges and would need to regroup and refocus for future tournaments.
Despite the setback, the Buckeyes remained determined and hopeful. They understood that losses were part of the game and used them as learning opportunities to improve their skills and strategies. The team's resilience and dedication to the sport remained unwavering, and they continued to strive for success in future tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Buckeyes won the national championship in 1960, defeating California 75-55 in the final game.
The Buckeyes have won one NCAA Tournament championship, in 1960.
Yes, the Buckeyes have appeared in 27 NCAA Tournaments (excluding four vacated appearances) and have only won once, in 1960.
Yes, the Buckeyes won a double-OT thriller against Nebraska with a final score of 116-114.
