Kristian Ferrell
Drake University's basketball team, the Bulldogs, has been making waves in the world of college basketball. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the team has gone from relative obscurity to being in the national spotlight. Despite being unranked, the Bulldogs have had an impressive winning streak, going undefeated in several seasons and making a name for themselves with their impressive performances on the court. With a strong starting lineup and key reserves, the team from Drake University is one to watch, and their ranking in the highly competitive world of college basketball is a topic of much discussion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking in AP poll | 34th |
| Number of teams named in the ballot before Drake | 63 |
| Number of consecutive home non-conference games won | 23 |
| Number of points scored in the game against Kansas State | 80 |
| Previous number of wins at Kansas State | 0 since 1923 |
| Number of wins against Southern Illinois | 2 |
| Winning margin against Southern Illinois | 18 and 31 points |
| Winning margin in the Missouri Valley Conference | 31 points |
| Previous number of wins | 14 in two seasons |
| Drake University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges | National Universities, #179 |
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What You'll Learn
- Drake's basketball team, the Bulldogs, were ranked 34th in 2021
- The team went 13-0 at the start of the 2021 season
- The team is based in Des Moines
- The Bulldogs had a notable 86-55 win in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2021
- Drake University, where the team is based, is ranked 179th in the 2025 Best Colleges list
Drake's basketball team, the Bulldogs, were ranked 34th in 2021
Drake University's basketball team, the Bulldogs, were ranked 34th in 2021. The team had gone 13-0, with 12 of those victories by double figures, including an 86-55 win—their largest winning margin in the Missouri Valley Conference in 27 years.
The Bulldogs had not been ranked in 13 years, and their success in the 2020-21 season was a significant improvement on their record in recent years. In the two seasons prior, they had gone 14-48, and they hadn't won 13-0 in their history.
The team's success in the 2020-21 season was driven by strong performances from several players. Five of the team's players—four of the five starters and one of the top reserves—grew up within four miles of one another in the northwest corner of Indiana and an adjacent Illinois county nicknamed "the Region." These five players were responsible for 59.4% of the points, 50.8% of the rebounds, and 68.8% of the assists. The previous season's leading scorer and rebounder, Liam Robbins, had transferred to Minnesota, but the Bulldogs were still able to find success on the court.
The Bulldogs' strong start to the season earned them recognition from college basketball writer Mike Lopresti, who predicted that they would be ranked 15th if they swept Loyola Chicago.
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The team went 13-0 at the start of the 2021 season
The Drake Bulldogs men's basketball team has a long history in NCAA Division I basketball competition, representing Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. While the team has had its ups and downs over the years, the 2021 season started with an impressive winning streak.
The Bulldogs' success can be attributed in part to the strong performance of their starters, four of whom grew up within four miles of one another in the northwest corner of Indiana and an adjacent Illinois county nicknamed the "Region". This group of players, known as the "Regioneers", contributed significantly to the team's point, rebound, and assist totals. In addition to the starters, the Bulldogs' success can also be attributed to the team's coaching staff and their ability to work together effectively.
The 2021 season marked a significant turnaround for the Drake Bulldogs, who had previously gone through a difficult period. From 1987 to 2006, the team did not have a single winning season, and they struggled with coaching changes and player disciplinary issues. However, the 2021 season showed that the Bulldogs had turned a corner and were once again a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. While their undefeated start to the season eventually came to an end, the Bulldogs' strong performance put them back on the map and served as a testament to their determination and hard work.
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The team is based in Des Moines
The Drake University Bulldogs men's basketball team is based in Des Moines, Iowa. The team has a rich history in NCAA Division I basketball competition, with several notable achievements and appearances in the national rankings over the years.
The Bulldogs first fielded a men's basketball team during the 1906-07 season, and they joined the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in the following season. Drake experienced success in the 1930s, winning three conference titles during that decade. The program is particularly renowned for its performance in the 1969 season, when it made the Final Four. During the 1960s through the mid-1980s, the Bulldogs were consistently ranked nationally, and the MVC was one of the premier conferences in men's basketball.
However, there were also periods of struggle for the team. From 1987 to 2006, Drake did not have a winning season in men's basketball, and they went through a stretch of four different coaches during this period. It was only in the 2003-04 season that a massive rebuilding project of Bulldog basketball was initiated by coach Davis, who eventually led the team to a winning record in the 2006-07 season.
The Bulldogs play their home games in Des Moines, providing a source of local pride and excitement for the community. The team's success has brought attention to the city, with their dedicated fan base and notable victories, such as their record-breaking performance in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2021. The team's location in Des Moines has also influenced its roster, with several players hailing from the nearby northwest corner of Indiana and an adjacent Illinois county, an area nicknamed "the Region." This local talent has significantly contributed to the team's success on the court.
Overall, the Drake Bulldogs men's basketball team's base in Des Moines has played a crucial role in shaping the team's identity, fan base, and achievements throughout its history in NCAA Division I basketball.
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The Bulldogs had a notable 86-55 win in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2021
The Drake Bulldogs have had a rich history in college basketball, with the team first formed in the 1906-07 season. Over the years, they have had their fair share of successes and setbacks. One of their notable achievements was a significant 86-55 victory in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in 2021. This triumph marked a turning point for the team, as they had not been ranked in 13 years up until that point.
The 2021 season started with a bang for the Bulldogs, as they went undefeated in their first 13 games, a feat never before achieved in the team's history. They dominated their opponents, with 12 of those 13 victories by double-digit margins. The 86-55 win, in particular, stood out as their most substantial margin of victory in the MVC in 27 years. This success put the Bulldogs in the spotlight, and they began to receive recognition in the polls, ranking 34th in the AP poll during the sixth week, a significant improvement from their absence in the initial polls.
The team's success in the 2021 season can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Bulldogs had a strong core of players from the same region, with four of their five starters and one top reserve growing up within four miles of each other in the northwest corner of Indiana and an adjacent Illinois county, known as the "Region." This familiarity and camaraderie undoubtedly fostered a strong team dynamic. Additionally, the Bulldogs had a high-performing leading scorer and rebounder, Liam Robbins, who contributed significantly to their victories.
However, despite their impressive start, the Bulldogs faced setbacks in the MVC tournament. In 2021, they lost in the title game to Loyola 75-65, and in a rematch the following year, they again fell short, losing the championship to Loyola for the second consecutive time. It wasn't until 2023 that the Bulldogs, led by Tucker DeVries, finally claimed the MVC championship title, defeating Bradley 77-51 and securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
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Drake University, where the team is based, is ranked 179th in the 2025 Best Colleges list
Drake University, home of the Bulldogs basketball team, is ranked 179th out of 436 National Universities in the US News Best Colleges list for 2025. The University was also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 private school in Iowa. Drake University received high marks in several categories, including having the #1 projected graduation rate among all Iowa schools, being ranked 67th nationally for "Best Value School", and having the #1 smallest student-to-faculty ratio among Iowa schools at 10.1 to 1.
The Drake University Bulldogs basketball team has also received rankings in the past. In 2021, the team was ranked 34th in the AP poll, and they were previously ranked 15th after sweeping Loyola Chicago. The Bulldogs have also been recognised as one of college basketball's undefeated teams, starting the season 13-0, with 12 of those victories by double figures.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University is recognised for its academic excellence and its successful basketball team, the Bulldogs. The University's high rankings in various categories showcase its well-rounded nature and commitment to providing a quality education.
The University's ranking as the top private school in Iowa by U.S. News and its high placement in the Best Colleges list reflect the academic standards and opportunities it offers. Additionally, its recognition as a "Best Value School" underscores the University's commitment to accessibility and affordability. Drake University's small student-to-faculty ratio further emphasises its dedication to creating a supportive and personalised learning environment for its students.
The Drake University Bulldogs basketball team has also gained recognition for their athletic achievements. Their undefeated streak in the 2020-2021 season, with a record of 13-0, showcased their talent and determination. The team's high rankings in the AP poll and their victories over notable opponents, such as Kansas State, further emphasised their success on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Drake University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #179. However, it is unclear if this ranking pertains to basketball specifically. In terms of basketball, Drake did not get a single vote in the AP poll until the sixth week, but by then, 63 other teams had already been named in a ballot.
Yes, in 2021, Drake was ranked 34th in the AP poll.
As of 2021, Drake may be unranked, but the undefeated 13-0 Bulldogs have made a name for themselves this season.
The mascot for Drake Basketball is the Bulldogs.
