Helena Frye
As of February 2021, Drake men's basketball team, also known as the Bulldogs, has been ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008. The team checked in at No. 25 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll. They were ranked No. 13 in the NCAA's NET ranking and 61st in KenPom. The Bulldogs have had a successful history, with 10 conference championships and 8 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 1969.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking in 2021 | 25 |
| NCAA's NET ranking | 13 |
| KenPom ranking | 61 |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | 8 years |
| NCAA Tournament record | 7-8 |
| NCAA Final Four appearances | 1 |
| NCAA Championships | 0 |
| AP Poll rankings (preseason) | 2 |
| AP Poll rankings (final) | 5 |
| Total weeks ranked in AP Poll | 33 |
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What You'll Learn
Drake men's basketball ranked 25th in 2021
Drake Men's Basketball, also known as the Drake Bulldogs, was ranked 25th in 2021 for the first time since 2008. The team's success in 2021 can be attributed to several factors, including strong shooting and rebounding, as well as improved coaching.
The Bulldogs had a historic start to the 2021 season, beginning with a record of 16-0, the best start in the program's history. This early success caught the attention of the college basketball world and put Drake back on the map. The team's success continued throughout the season, with the Bulldogs appearing on 34 out of 64 ballots in the AP Poll, up from just 12 the previous week.
One of the key strengths of the 2021 team was their shooting ability. They boasted a field goal percentage of 53.5%, ranking them fifth in the nation. Additionally, they were a force to be reckoned with from beyond the arc, ranking third in 3-point shooting. The team's scoring was well distributed, with five players contributing 59.4% of the points. The team also excelled in rebounding, with a rebound margin ranking them in the top 20 in the nation.
The Bulldogs' success in 2021 can also be attributed to the leadership of head coach Darian DeVries, who took over the program in 2018. Under his guidance, the team's performance improved significantly, with a record of 60-24 in the three seasons prior to 2021. DeVries' expertise and strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in the team's rise.
The 2021 ranking of 25th by the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and coaching staff. It marked a significant milestone for the program and generated well-deserved recognition for Drake Men's Basketball.
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Drake's NCAA NET ranking
As of February 1st, 2021, Drake men's basketball was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008. The team checked in at No. 25 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll.
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KenPom rankings
As of 1 February 2021, Drake men's basketball was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008. The team checked in at No. 25 in both the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll. They received 67 votes in the former and 116 in the latter.
However, according to the Des Moines Register, the NCAA's NET ranking, which relies heavily on wins and losses, may not be the most reliable at that point in the season. The publication suggests that other metrics, including KenPom, are more reliable. At the time, Drake was ranked 61st in KenPom.
The KenPom rankings are widely respected and considered one of the most accurate and reliable systems for evaluating college basketball teams. They are often used by coaches, analysts, and fans to assess team performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and predict the potential success of a team or player.
While the exact formulas and weights of each factor are not publicly available, the rankings are known for their emphasis on efficiency metrics, such as effective field goal percentage, turnover rate, and rebound percentage. These metrics help evaluate a team's performance beyond just points scored and allowed, providing a more nuanced understanding of their offensive and defensive capabilities.
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Drake's NCAA Tournament appearances
The Drake Bulldogs men's basketball team has a rich history in NCAA Division I basketball competition. The team first fielded a men's basketball team in 1906-07 and has since appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments, with their most recent appearance in 2025.
The 1968-69 season was the most accomplished in the program's history, with the Bulldogs advancing to the NCAA Final Four. The team, under Coach John, won the Missouri Valley Conference outright and received a bye in the first round of the tournament. They went on to defeat Texas A&M in the Sweet Sixteen and Colorado State in the Elite Eight before falling to eventual champion UCLA in the national semifinal. The Bulldogs finished third, routing North Carolina in the third-place game.
In the 2001-02 season, despite having a depleted roster due to player suspensions, the Bulldogs nearly achieved a winning season. They entered the MVC tournament with a 14-14 record but fell just short, ending the season with a 14-15 record.
The 2020-21 season saw the Bulldogs make their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 13 years and marked the team's third consecutive 20-win season. They defeated former MVC foe Wichita State in the First Four, claiming their first win in the tournament in 50 years. However, their journey ended in the next round with a loss to the USC Trojans.
The Bulldogs have also appeared in three National Invitation Tournaments, with a combined record of 1-3, and one College Basketball Invitational. In 2021, the team was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008, showcasing their continued growth and success on the court.
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Drake Bulldogs' record
The Drake Bulldogs are the intercollegiate athletics teams of Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Bulldogs' athletic program competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
On February 1, 2021, the Drake men's basketball team was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008. They checked in at No. 25 in both the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Poll, receiving 67 and 116 votes, respectively. At that point in the season, they had begun the season 16-0, the best start in the program's history.
The team was ranked No. 13 in the NCAA's NET ranking, a metric used to help select teams for the NCAA Tournament. However, other metrics, such as KenPom, ranked them lower at 61st.
In the 2023-24 season, the Drake Bulldogs men's basketball team played a variety of opponents, including Drexel Dragons, Duke Blue Devils, Duquesne Dukes, and many more.
In the 2024-25 season, the team participated in the NCAA Tournament as the #11 seed in the West. They won the West First Round against #6 Missouri but lost in the West Second Round to #3 Texas Tech.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Drake Men's Basketball, also known as the Drake Bulldogs, is ranked.
In 2021, the team was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2008.
In the 2024-25 season, they were ranked 11th in the West.
They are currently ranked No. 13 in the NCAA's NET ranking.
