Ayrton Oneill
Elon University's basketball team, the Elon Phoenix, has had a presence in several conferences over the years. The men's team concluded an 11-year run in the Southern Conference in 2013-14 before transferring to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in July 2014, where they continue to compete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University | Elon University |
| Location | Elon, North Carolina, United States |
| Division | Division I |
| Conference | Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) |
| Nickname | Phoenix |
| Colors | Maroon & Gold |
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What You'll Learn
Elon Phoenix men's basketball team history in the Southern Conference
The Elon Phoenix men's basketball team has a rich history, with the sport first introduced at the university in 1911. The team was first called the Fightin' Christians in 1921, a moniker coined by a sportswriter during a contest between Elon and the nearby Quaker school, Guilford College.
In 1930, Elon became a charter member of the North State Conference and remained part of the conference and its successors until 1989 when it joined the South Atlantic Conference. In 1993, the South Atlantic Conference transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition, and Elon remained in this division through the 1996-1997 season.
In 1997, Elon initiated its transition to NCAA Division I, becoming a full member in 1999 and joining the Big South Conference. This move marked a significant shift in competition level, but the men's basketball team rose to the challenge, winning the Big South Conference Championship and securing a spot in the NCAA tournament in their inaugural Division I season.
Elon remained in the Big South Conference until 2003 when it became a member of the Southern Conference. The team competed in the Southern Conference for 11 seasons, from 2003-04 to 2013-14, before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2014. This transition proved pivotal, as Elon quickly established dominance within the CAA, claiming the conference championship in 2018 and returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time since their 1999 appearance.
Throughout its history, the Elon Phoenix men's basketball team has made appearances in various tournaments, including the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT), the NCAA Division II tournament, and the NAIA tournament.
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Elon University's basketball team's recent conference standings
Elon University's basketball team, known as the Elon Phoenix, competes in the NCAA's Division I. The team's colours are maroon and gold. The Phoenix moved to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) on July 1, 2014, after an 11-season tenure in the Southern Conference.
In recent years, the Phoenix men's basketball team has seen mixed results in their conference standings. In the 2024-25 season, they finished 11th in the CAA with a record of 13-19. This placed them near the bottom of the conference, indicating a challenging season.
Prior to this, the team had several notable results in various tournaments. They participated in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT), the NCAA Division II tournament, and the NAIA tournament. However, their records in these tournaments were not as successful, with a 0-1 record in the CBI and CIT, and a 0-3 record in the NAIA tournament.
The women's basketball team has also competed in the CAA and has had varying levels of success. While their recent conference standings are not readily available, the team has a history of participation in postseason tournaments.
Overall, while Elon University's basketball teams have experienced some setbacks, they continue to compete in their respective conferences and strive for improved performances in the future.
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Elon's move to the Colonial Athletic Association
Elon University's basketball team, the Elon Phoenix, previously competed in the Southern Conference for 11 seasons. However, on July 1, 2014, they made the move to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), where they have remained ever since.
The decision to switch conferences was likely a strategic one for Elon, as it provided an opportunity to face new opponents and expand the team's reach. The CAA is a highly competitive basketball conference, and joining it offered Elon Phoenix the chance to test themselves against different competition and potentially raise their profile in the sport.
Prior to their time in the Southern Conference, Elon Phoenix had a rich basketball history. They had appeared in several prestigious tournaments, including the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT), the NCAA Division II tournament, and the NAIA tournament. Although their records in these tournaments were not particularly noteworthy, the experience gained was invaluable for the team's development.
Since their move to the CAA, Elon Phoenix has continued to build its basketball program and establish itself as a competitive force in the conference. While their standing in the CAA has varied over the years, they have consistently sought to improve and make their mark in their new conference home.
The move to the Colonial Athletic Association marked a new chapter in the history of Elon University's basketball program. It presented new challenges and opportunities for the team, and it demonstrated the university's commitment to elevating its athletic programs to compete with the best.
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Elon's basketball jersey retirements
Elon University's basketball team, the Elon Phoenix, is based in Elon, North Carolina. The team has competed in Division I of the NCAA and previously played in the Southern Conference for 11 seasons until 2013-14. On July 1, 2014, they moved to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
On February 9, 2009, Elon University retired its first basketball jerseys, honouring All-Americans Jesse Branson (#40 jersey) and Tommy Cole (#34 jersey). This ceremony was held during halftime of the Phoenix's game against Appalachian State at Alumni Gym. Both players were recognised for their significant contributions to Elon's basketball history, proudly representing the university's colours of Maroon and Gold.
Jesse Branson, a two-time All-American, played for the Fightin' Christians from 1961 to 1965. During his illustrious career, he set 17 Elon records, 11 of which remained unbroken for over 40 years. These records include career points (2,241) and points-per-game (20). Branson led his teams to a remarkable 74-39 record, including a conference tournament title in his senior year. He earned all-conference recognition three times, conference all-tournament honours, all-state status twice, and all-district distinction twice. Branson's #40 jersey now hangs proudly in the rafters of the Alumni Gym.
Tommy Cole, also a two-time All-American, played for Elon from 1968 to 1972. Cole left an indelible mark on the program by setting the Elon records for field goals made (828) and assists (705) in a career. He ranks second in Elon's history for career points (2,214) and points-per-game (19.1). Cole's #34 jersey retirement ceremony was an emotional moment for him, as he considered it the greatest accomplishment an athlete could achieve. His jersey now hangs alongside Branson's in the north end of the Alumni Gym.
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Elon Phoenix's tournament appearances
The Elon Phoenix men's basketball team represents Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. The team has had a presence in several basketball tournaments, including:
College Basketball Invitational (CBI)
The Elon Phoenix men's basketball team has appeared in the CBI once, in 2009, with a record of 0-1. This tournament appearance coincided with the retirement of the team's first basketball jerseys, honouring All-Americans Jesse Branson ('65) and Tommy Cole ('72).
CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT)
The Phoenix has had one appearance in the CIT, with a record of 0-1.
NCAA Division II Tournament
The team has participated in the NCAA Division II tournament on one occasion, although they were unsuccessful, with a record of 0-1.
NAIA Tournament
The Phoenix has had more experience in the NAIA tournament, having appeared three times. However, they have yet to win a game, with a combined record of 0-3.
Conference Movement
The Elon Phoenix men's basketball team has undergone conference transitions. They were members of the Southern Conference for 11 seasons, starting in 2003, before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association on July 1, 2014. The university's athletic teams now compete in the Coastal Athletic Association, with separate membership in CAA Football for the football program.
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Frequently asked questions
Elon University's basketball team, the Elon Phoenix, is in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Elon University joined the CAA on July 1, 2014.
Before joining the CAA, Elon University completed an 11-season tenure in the Southern Conference.
The colours of the Elon Phoenix are maroon and gold.
The Elon University basketball team is nicknamed the Phoenix.
