Kristian Ferrell
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represents the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. The team has a rich history in college basketball, with over 1800 all-time wins, two National Titles, and 36 players progressing to the NBA. The Bearcats compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference, previously playing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) until their move in July 2023. The team has experienced success in multiple conferences, including the Buckeye Athletic Association and the Mid-American Conference, and the Big East Conference. Cincinnati's main basketball rival is Xavier University, located just three miles away, with whom they compete annually in the Crosstown Shootout.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basketball Conference | Big 12 Conference |
| Former Conference | American Athletic Conference (AAC) |
| Number of Conference Championships | 25 (Regular Season), 12 (Tournament) |
| Number of NCAA Tournament Appearances | 33 |
| Number of Final Four Appearances | 6 |
| Number of NCAA Championships | 2 |
| Home Arena | Fifth Third Arena |
| Head Coach | Wes Miller |
| Former Head Coach | John Brannen |
| Notable Players | Oscar Robertson, Jack Twyman, Danny Fortson, Kenyon Martin, Steve Logan |
| Basketball Rivalries | Xavier University Musketeers, Miami University, Louisville, Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio Bobcats, Kentucky Wildcats |
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What You'll Learn
The Bearcats compete in the Big 12 Conference
The Bearcats joined the Big East Conference in 2005, which was rebranded as the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2013. During the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons, the Bearcats were AAC regular-season champions, and in the following two seasons, they won the AAC men's basketball tournament. The team has had several notable players progress to the NBA, including Sean Kilpatrick, Troy Caupain, Jacob Evans, and Gary Clark.
In July 2023, the Bearcats moved to the Big 12 Conference, leaving their former conference, the American Athletic Conference. The move was expected to put the series on hiatus, as the Bearcats would no longer be competing in the same conference as their rivals, Memphis. The Bearcats have had success in the early days of their move to the Big 12 Conference, with a narrow 59-58 win over Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio, in 2023.
The University of Cincinnati sponsors teams in eight men's and ten women's NCAA-sanctioned sports, all of which compete in the Big 12 Conference. When the Bearcats joined the Big 12, women's lacrosse played the spring 2024 season in the American Athletic Conference, as the Big 12 did not sponsor the sport at the time. However, with the addition of women's lacrosse to the Big 12 in the 2024-25 season, all of the University of Cincinnati's NCAA-sanctioned sports teams now compete in the Big 12 Conference.
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They have won 2 NCAA Championships
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has won two NCAA Championships, in 1961 and 1962, both times against Ohio State. The Bearcats won their first national title in 1960–61, and then, to prove that their 1961 championship was no fluke, they repeated as national champions in the 1961–62 season.
The 1961 championship was particularly improbable because Oscar Robertson, the team's best player and the best player in the nation, had graduated and been drafted by the NBA's Cincinnati Royals. After two trips to the Final Four, coach George Smith was promoted to UC's athletic director, and assistant Ed Jucker was made head coach. Jucker, a former Bearcat himself, inherited a good team with Bob Wiesenhahn, Paul Hogue, Carl Bouldin, Tom Thacker and Tony Yates – but no All-Americans.
The Bearcats won their first championship game against Ohio State, the defending champs, who were 27–0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation. It went to overtime, tied at 61, but Cincinnati, led by Hogue and Wiesenhahn, took the win, 70–65.
The Bearcats then successfully defended their title in 1962, proving their first championship was no fluke. However, they came close to a third consecutive title in 1963, losing by just two points in overtime to the Loyola Ramblers, 60–58.
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They have had a prolific era in the late 1950s and early 1960s
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has had a rich history, with over 1800 all-time wins, two National Titles, six Final Fours, and 33 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament appearances. They currently compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference.
The Bearcats experienced a prolific era in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period that cemented their legacy in college basketball. During these years, the Bearcats posted five consecutive Final Four appearances, an impressive feat that only a handful of programs have achieved. The team was led by the legendary Oscar Robertson, who dominated the courts and became the first player to lead the nation in scoring in three consecutive seasons from 1957 to 1960. Robertson, a unanimous three-time All-American, was college basketball's all-time leading scorer at the end of his stellar career, and his scoring average of 33.8 points per game is still among the best in NCAA history.
The Bearcats' success culminated in back-to-back National Championships in 1961 and 1962, both times defeating Ohio State. These triumphs were made even more remarkable as the 1961 championship was won under rookie coach Ed Jucker. The team's excellence during this era was further highlighted by their 37-game win streak and a remarkable 161-16 record over five seasons.
The late 1950s and early 1960s era produced some of the Bearcats' most memorable moments and laid the foundation for the program's long-standing success. This period saw the emergence of basketball greats, with Robertson leading the way and setting a standard of excellence for the program. The Bearcats' dominance during this time solidified their place as one of the nation's elite college basketball teams and contributed to their proud basketball history.
Following this golden era, the Bearcats continued to experience success in the 1970s, making four post-season appearances and compiling a strong record. However, they fell out of prominence in the early 1980s, struggling to replicate their previous achievements. Nonetheless, the Bearcats program would be revitalized under head coach Bob Huggins, who led a resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, setting the stage for more memorable chapters in Cincinnati Bearcats basketball history.
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Their main basketball rival is Xavier University
The University of Cincinnati's main basketball rival is Xavier University, located just three miles away. The rivalry between the two schools dates back to 1918 when they first played each other in a college football game. The first men's college basketball game between the two schools was played in 1927 and has since become the most famous sport in the rivalry, known as the Crosstown Shootout. The game alternates between the campuses of the two universities on a yearly basis and is widely regarded as one of the hottest tickets in Cincinnati.
The Crosstown Shootout is one of the most intense rivalries in college basketball, with national outlets covering the game each year. The Bearcats of Cincinnati and the Musketeers of Xavier have a long history of close competition, with Cincinnati currently leading the all-time series with a record of 52-40. The rivalry is fuelled by the proximity of the two schools, making it one of the closest major rivalries in the country. The Bearcats and the Musketeers are also two of the most successful college basketball programs in the country, with Cincinnati having over 1800 all-time wins and Xavier not far behind.
The history of the Crosstown Shootout is filled with memorable moments, including a bench-clearing brawl in the 2011 game that resulted in suspensions for players from both teams. The rivalry is also known for its passionate fans, who engage in friendly competitions such as the "Crosstown tipoff" during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, where they competed to leave bigger tips for restaurant workers in support of their respective teams. The Bearcats and the Musketeers have also faced off in other sports, including baseball, with both teams participating in the annual Joe Nuxhall Classic tournament since 2008.
The Bearcats and the Musketeers have had numerous notable players over the years, with 42 All-American honors issued to Bearcats and many players from both teams going on to successful careers in the NBA. The rivalry between the two schools shows no signs of slowing down, with both teams continuing to compete at the highest levels of college basketball and fuel the passion of their fans. The Crosstown Shootout remains one of the most highly anticipated events in college sports, with its intense competition and rich history contributing to its enduring popularity.
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They have had 42 All-American honours
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has a rich history of success, including 42 All-American honours bestowed upon its players. The Bearcats represent the University of Cincinnati and compete in the NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference.
One of the earliest standouts for the Bearcats was Jack Twyman, who earned All-America status in the 1954-55 season. Twyman went on to achieve NBA stardom and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Oscar Robertson, also known as "The Big O", is another legendary player who debuted for the Bearcats in 1957. He was a unanimous three-time All-American and is recognised as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. His scoring average of 33.8 points per game ranks third in NCAA career charts.
Danny Fortson, Kenyon Martin, and Steve Logan are also notable Bearcats who achieved All-American status. Fortson was a consensus first-team All-American in 1996-97, while Martin swept the national player of the year awards in the 1999-2000 season and was the number one overall NBA draft pick in 2000. Logan, a consensus All-American in 2001-02, was a finalist for every national player of the year award.
The Bearcats have enjoyed considerable success in conference play, winning the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season and tournament championships multiple times. They have also appeared in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament 33 times, reaching the Final Four on six occasions and winning back-to-back national championships in 1961 and 1962.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team competes in the Big 12 Conference. They joined the Big East Conference in 2005, which was rebranded as the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2013.
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has participated in 33 NCAA Division I tournaments.
The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team has won 2 NCAA Championships, in 1961 and 1962. They have also won 25 Regular Season Conference Championships and 12 Tournament Conference Championships.
The current coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team is Wes Miller.
The main rivals of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team are Xavier University Musketeers, located less than 3 miles from the University of Cincinnati's main campus. The two teams play annually in the Crosstown Shootout, with Cincinnati holding a 52-40 record in the matchup as of 2024.
