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The Marshall Thundering Herd men's basketball team represents Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, United States. The team is currently part of the Sun Belt Conference and plays in the NCAA Division I. The Thundering Herd's home games are played at the on-campus Cam Henderson Center, which has been their home base since 1981. Marshall has a long history in basketball, with several notable achievements and appearances in the NCAA and NIT tournaments over the years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conference | Sun Belt |
| Nickname | Thundering Herd |
| Colors | Kelly Green & White |
| Stadium | Joan C. Edwards Stadium |
| Number of Conference Championships | 9-11 |
| Number of NCAA tournament Appearances | 6 |
| Number of NIT Tournament Appearances | 5 |
| Best Final Ranking | No. 12 (1972 Associated Press) |
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What You'll Learn
Marshall Thundering Herd's basketball conference
The Marshall Thundering Herd men's basketball team represents Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. They compete in the NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
The Thundering Herd play their home games at the on-campus Cam Henderson Center, which opened in 1981 and was named for the team's legendary coach, Cam Henderson. Henderson led the team from 1935 to 1955, during which time he won 358 games and lost just 158. Henderson is credited with inventing the fast break and the 2-3 zone defense. He also recruited the first African-American player to compete in West Virginia's formerly all-white colleges, signing Hal Greer in 1954. Henderson's 1947 team won the NAIA National Championship, and his teams produced two All-Americans: Jule Rivlin and Andy Tonkovich.
Marshall has enjoyed success in basketball over the years, advancing to the NCAA tournament five times and the NIT tournament five times. They have also won six Southern Conference titles under coach Rick Huckabay, who was at the helm from 1983 to 1989. The team has a budding rivalry with Appalachian State University, which competes in the same Sun Belt Conference.
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Cam Henderson's coaching achievements
Marshall University, also known as the Thundering Herd, is part of the Sun Belt Conference for all sports except women's swimming and diving, which compete in the American Conference.
Cam Henderson was the head basketball coach at Marshall University from 1935 to 1955, during which he compiled a record of 362-159, winning 358 games and losing just 158. Henderson's achievements as a coach include:
- Winning the 1947 NAIA National Championship, Marshall's only national championship in basketball.
- Winning the Buckeye Conference in 1936–37, 1937–38, and 1938–39, the final year for the league.
- Producing two All-Americans, Jule Rivlin and Andy Tonkovich, the latter being the #1 overall pick in the 1948 NBA draft.
- Recruiting the first African-American player, Hal Greer, to play at the formerly all-white colleges of West Virginia in 1954.
- Originating the fast break and the 2–3 zone defense, both of which are hallmarks of the modern game.
- Coaching the first undefeated (22–0) West Virginia collegiate basketball team (1924–25) at Davis & Elkins College.
- Winning 35 straight home games from 1944 to 1947 and starting the 1946–47 season 17–0.
- His championship team of 1947 spurred the move into the Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse, a 6,500-seat arena that was Marshall's basketball home from 1950 to 1980.
Henderson has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Helms Foundation Hall of Fame, the West Virginia Sports Writers Hall of Fame, the D&E Hall of Fame, the Marshall Hall of Fame, and the NAIA Hall of Fame. Marshall University also honoured Henderson by naming their basketball arena the Cam Henderson Center.
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The team's performance in tournaments
The Marshall Thundering Herd men's basketball team has had notable success in various tournaments throughout its history. The team represents Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and competes in the NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
The Thundering Herd has made six appearances in the NCAA tournament, most recently in 2018. Their other appearances were in 1956, 1972, 1984, 1985, and 1987 (vacated). In 1972, the team achieved its best final ranking at No. 12. Marshall has also reached the NIT Tournament five times, with appearances in 1967, 1968, 1973, 1988, and 2012.
The team's early success was largely shaped by coach Cam Henderson, who led the program from 1935 to 1955. Henderson is credited with inventing the fast break and the 2-3 zone defense. During his tenure, the Thundering Herd won three consecutive Buckeye Conference titles from 1936 to 1939. Henderson's 1946–47 team set numerous records, including a 35-game home winning streak, en route to winning the National Championship in the National Association for Intercollegiate Basketball (now known as NAIA). Henderson also recruited Hal Greer, the first African-American player at West Virginia's previously all-white colleges, who went on to become an NBA Hall of Famer.
In more recent years, Rick Huckabay guided the Thundering Herd to six Southern Conference titles, including three regular-season championships and three conference tournament titles. During Huckabay's tenure, from 1983 to 1989, the team made three NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT Tournament appearance. However, they were unable to advance beyond the first round in any of these postseason contests.
The Thundering Herd continues to compete in the Sun Belt Conference, facing rivals such as Appalachian State University. Their home games are played at the Cam Henderson Center, named after their legendary coach, which opened in 1981 and has a capacity of 9,048 seats.
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Rivalries with other universities
Marshall University's basketball team, the Thundering Herd, competes in the Sun Belt Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I. The team's colours are kelly green and white.
Marshall University has several rivalries with other universities, with some of the most notable ones being:
Ohio University
Ohio University is Marshall's oldest and most tenured rival, with whom they compete for the Battle for the Bell trophy. The rivalry is due to the proximity of the two universities and their shared history in the MAC conference.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is another significant rival of Marshall University, with an in-state rivalry that goes back a long way. However, the two universities do not play each other as often anymore, and West Virginia University largely refuses to play Marshall unless it is on their terms.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is also a rival, dating back to their mutual time in Conference USA.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a budding rival of Marshall University within the Sun Belt Conference. This rivalry is a carry-over from when both teams were part of the SoCon conference.
These rivalries fuel the competitive spirit and add excitement to the games and matches between these universities. The competitions and trophies associated with these rivalries further intensify the competition and create lasting traditions for the universities involved.
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Fundraising initiatives for the team
Marshall University's basketball team, the Marshall Thundering Herd, competes in the Sun Belt Conference. The team has a rich history, with 11 conference championships and 6 NCAA tournament appearances.
Digital Fundraising Campaigns
Create an online fundraising campaign and share it via email, text, and social media. Digital fundraising is profitable and efficient, allowing you to reach a wide audience. You can set a fundraising goal and offer incentives for donors. Platforms like eTeamSponsor offer personalized campaigns that are easy to set up and effective in raising funds.
Discount Card Sales
Sell physical or virtual discount cards to supporters. These cards offer various deals and discounts at local stores, restaurants, movie theatres, museums, and more. Supporters can access these deals anytime, and your team keeps a significant portion of the sales revenue.
Food Sales
Partner with companies like Krispy Kreme or Chipotle to sell doughnuts or host in-restaurant fundraisers. Alternatively, you can sell popcorn or cookie dough online through platforms like Team Butter. These treats are popular, especially around the holidays, and offer supporters a fun incentive for their donations.
Car Wash Fundraiser
Host a car wash event in a parking lot or large area. Advertise in advance, and charge a set fee for each car wash. This classic fundraiser is effective and can be made more enjoyable with music and a friendly atmosphere.
Tournaments and Trivia Nights
Host a basketball tournament to raise funds and promote the sport. You can also organize a trivia night, bringing team members and the community together for a fun and competitive evening. Raffles during halftime or throughout the event can also be a great way to raise additional funds.
These initiatives will not only raise funds for the Marshall Thundering Herd but also engage the local community and foster team spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
The Marshall Thundering Herd men's basketball team represents Marshall University and competes in the NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
The team colours are Kelly Green and White.
Marshall has reached the NCAA tournament six times, with their 1987 appearance later being vacated.
Cornelius Jackson is the current head coach of the Marshall Thundering Herd.
The Marshall Thundering Herd play their home games at the Cam Henderson Center.
