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The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history in college basketball, representing Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and competing in the Big East Conference. While the Musketeers have made numerous tournament appearances and achieved notable wins, the discussion surrounding their national championship record is particularly intriguing. So, how many national championships has Xavier won in basketball, and what is the story behind their pursuit of this prestigious title?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of National Championships won | 0 |
| Number of NIT Championships | 3 (1958, 2022, and one other year) |
| Number of NAIA Tournament appearances | 1 |
| Number of NCAA Tournament appearances | 30 (16 between 2001 and 2018) |
| Number of NCAA Tournament appearances (total) | 29 (as of 2023) |
| Number of Atlantic 10 regular-season championships | 2 |
| Number of Atlantic 10 tournament championships | 4 (1998, 2002, 2004, 2006) |
| Number of Big East Conference regular-season titles | 1 (2018) |
| Number of Big East Championships | 1 (2023) |
| Number of Regular Season Conference Championships won or shared | 17 |
| Number of Conference Tournament Championships | 9 |
| Number of Elite Eight appearances | 4 (2004, 2008, 2017, 2018) |
| Number of Sweet Sixteen Appearances | 9 (1990, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2023) |
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What You'll Learn
NIT wins and appearances
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history when it comes to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The team has appeared in the NIT ten times and has a combined record of 21-8 across these appearances.
Their first NIT win came in 1956 under the leadership of head coach Ned Wulk, who guided the Musketeers to National Invitational Tournament appearances in 1956 and 1957. The 1956 appearance resulted in an 84-80 victory over Saint Louis, marking Xavier's inaugural NIT win. However, in 1957, they suffered a loss to Bradley in the NIT, leading to the replacement of head coach Wulk with Jim McCafferty.
McCafferty steered the Musketeers to a third consecutive NIT in 1958, where they clinched the championship. This victory was significant as it was the first postseason championship secured by any Ohio Division I school. The Musketeers demonstrated their prowess by defeating notable opponents such as Niagara, Bradley, St. Bonaventure, and Dayton on their path to the title.
Fast forward to 2022, and the Musketeers once again showcased their talent by claiming their second NIT championship. In a thrilling final at Madison Square Garden, they narrowly defeated Texas A&M with a score of 73-72. This victory exemplified the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame a halftime deficit to emerge victorious by a single point. Colby Jones, who scored 21 points and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, played a pivotal role in their triumph.
The Musketeers' NIT appearances and wins have undoubtedly contributed to the team's legacy and have helped establish them as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
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NCAA Tournament appearances
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history of NCAA Tournament appearances, making it to the prestigious tournament 29 times as of 2023. The team first appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 1961 under the guidance of head coach Jim McCafferty. However, they fell short against Morehead State in the opening round.
It is worth noting that the Musketeers have consistently punched above their weight, making 16 appearances in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018. This includes a remarkable run of three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances under the leadership of head coach Thad Matta. During this era, the Musketeers also achieved their first Elite Eight appearance, showcasing their emergence as a force to be reckoned with.
The Musketeers have continued to build on this success, earning their first-ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2018. This was also the year of their most recent appearance in the tournament before their return in 2023. Over the years, the Musketeers have faced off against some of the nation's top teams and players, including future NBA stars and legendary coaches.
Some notable NCAA Tournament appearances by the Musketeers include their first tournament win against Missouri in 1987, followed by a legendary upset of Georgetown in 1990. They also had impressive Elite Eight runs in 2004, 2008, and 2017, showcasing their ability to consistently compete at the highest level. The Musketeers have come close to breaking through to the Final Four, falling just three points short during Matta's tenure.
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Elite Eight runs
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with 30 appearances as of 2018. The team has achieved notable success, including several Elite Eight runs.
One of the most memorable Elite Eight runs for the Xavier Musketeers was in 2004, when they made their second appearance in the Elite Eight. After a strong finish to the 2003-04 season, winning 16 of their last 18 games, the Musketeers entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed. They defeated New Orleans in the first round and put up a valiant effort against the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, losing a close game 73-70. This game demonstrated the team's potential and set the stage for future Elite Eight runs.
In 2008, the Musketeers made another Elite Eight run under the leadership of head coach Sean Miller. Miller's success in the NCAA Tournament and his ability to recruit top players elevated the program's reputation. During this run, the Musketeers faced off against notable players and coaches, showcasing their competitiveness on a national stage.
The 2017 Elite Eight run was also a significant achievement for the Musketeers. Led by coach Chris Mack, the team advanced to the Elite Eight as an 11th seed in the West. They defeated higher-ranked teams, such as 6th seed Maryland and 3rd seed Florida State, before falling to Gonzaga in the Elite Eight. This run highlighted the team's resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
The Musketeers' first Elite Eight appearance came under head coach Thad Matta, who led the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. During this era, the Musketeers also won two Atlantic 10 regular-season championships. The 2004, 2008, and 2017 Elite Eight runs, along with their first No. 1 seed in 2018, are among the highlights of the Musketeers' NCAA Tournament history.
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NBA players and coaches faced
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history, with notable appearances in both the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and the NCAA Tournament. The team has faced several future NBA players and coaches throughout its history, including:
NBA Players Faced
The Musketeers have faced off against several future NBA players, including:
- Danny Manning (Kansas, 1988)
- Glen Rice (Michigan, 1989)
- Rumeal Robinson (Michigan, 1989)
- Terry Mills (Michigan, 1989)
- Byron Larkin (Missouri, 1987)
- Tyrone Hill (Missouri, 1987)
- Dikembe Mutombo
- Alonzo Mourning
- Allen Iverson
- J.J. Redick
- Adam Morrison
- Greg Oden
- Russell Westbrook
- Kevin Love
- Jimmy Butler
- C.J. McCollum
NBA Coaches Faced
The Musketeers have also played against some of the most respected coaches in the game, including:
- Wimp Sanderson
- Norm Stewart
- Mike Krzyzewski
- Larry Brown (Kansas, 1988)
- Steve Fisher
- Lon Kruger
- John Thompson
- Jim Calhoun
- Bob Knight (Indiana Hoosiers, 1987)
- Kelvin Sampson
- Gary Williams
- Mark Few
- Thad Matta
- Bob Huggins
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Musketeers head coaches
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has had a long and illustrious history, with several notable head coaches throughout the years. The first recorded basketball game played by the Musketeers was on February 20, 1920, against the Fenwick Club in Cincinnati, with Joe Meyer as their coach. During his 13-year tenure from 1920 to 1933, Meyer compiled a 94–52 record, setting the tone for the Musketeers' success.
Clem Crowe took over as the second head coach, guiding the Musketeers from 1933 to 1943. During this period, Xavier compiled a record of 96–78, with Crowe's 96 wins ranking him fourth among Xavier head coaches. However, play was suspended during the 1943–1945 seasons due to World War II.
In 1945, Ed Burns became the head coach, but his tenure lasted only one season, with a record of 3–16. The following year, in 1946, Lew Hirt took over as head coach, and under his leadership, the Musketeers made their first postseason appearance in the 1948 NAIA National Basketball Tournament. Hirt remained as head coach until 1951.
Ned Wulk succeeded Hirt in 1951 and led the Musketeers to their first National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearances in 1956 and 1957, with their first NIT win in 1956. After Wulk, Jim McCafferty took the helm, guiding the Musketeers to a third straight NIT in 1958 and their first NIT championship. McCafferty also led Xavier to their debut appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 1961.
Over the years, the Musketeers have had several other notable head coaches, including Pete Gillen, Thad Matta, Sean Miller, and Chris Mack. Matta, who served from 2001 to 2004, led Xavier to three straight NCAA tournament appearances and their first Elite Eight appearance. Sean Miller, who took over from 2004 to 2009, continued the momentum with a record of 120–47, further cementing Xavier's reputation as a premier college basketball program.
Chris Mack, a Xavier graduate, became the 17th head coach in 2009 and immediately made an impact. In his first year, Mack guided the Musketeers to the Sweet Sixteen and was named the Basketball Times Rookie Coach of the Year. Under Mack's leadership, Xavier won their fourth and fifth consecutive conference championships. In 2018, Mack departed for the University of Louisville, and longtime assistant coach Travis Steele stepped up as the new head coach.
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Frequently asked questions
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has won 0 national championships.
The closest the Xavier Musketeers have come to winning a national championship was in 1956 and 1958 when they won the NIT championship. The NIT was considered the elite post-season tournament until the NCAA overtook it in the early 1960s.
The Musketeers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 30 times, with 16 of those appearances coming between 2001 and 2018.
