Ayrton Oneill
The UAB Blazers basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The Blazers play home games at the Bartow Arena, which is named after Coach Gene Bartow, who built the men's basketball program from scratch in 1978. UAB has had many successful seasons, with 31 winning seasons in 34 years of basketball, and has made 17 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. The team moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2023, after previously being affiliated with Conference USA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Division | I |
| University | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Team Name | Blazers |
| Nickname | Blaze |
| Colours | Forest Green and Old Gold |
| Home Games Arena | Bartow Arena |
| Coach | Andy Kennedy |
| Number of Appearances in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament | 17 |
| Number of Appearances in the National Invitational Tournament | 13 |
| Number of Appearances in the WNIT | 5 |
| Number of Conference Championships | 4 |
| Number of Winning Seasons | 31 |
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What You'll Learn
The UAB Blazers basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham
UAB has had a successful basketball program, with 31 winning seasons in 34 years of play, including notable wins over Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, and Alabama, among others. The Blazers have been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and have amassed one of the best all-time winning percentages in college basketball. Their success has continued in recent years, with a conference championship in the 2021-2022 season and a strong start to the 2025-26 season, with wins over Santa Clara and Saint Joseph's.
The UAB Blazers have a rich history and a passionate following, with their athletic events being broadcast across multiple radio stations in Alabama. The team's mascot is a green dragon named Blaze, and they compete in the American Athletic Conference, having previously been affiliated with Conference USA. UAB's women's basketball team has also achieved success, with conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and a strong history of their own.
The Blazers have a passionate rivalry with Auburn, with the series currently standing at 11-10 in Auburn's favour. UAB's basketball program has produced several professional NBA players and has seen only three jerseys retired, honouring players who earned AP All-American honours and graduated from the university. The team is currently coached by Andy Kennedy, who received a contract extension ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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UAB Blazers play in NCAA Division I
The UAB Blazers basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and plays in the NCAA Division I. The Blazers play their home games at the Bartow Arena, which was originally known as the UAB Arena until 25 January 1997 when it was renamed after their coach, Gene Bartow. Bartow is considered the "Father of UAB athletics" and is responsible for starting the Blazers' basketball programme from scratch in 1978.
The UAB Blazers have been highly successful in NCAA Division I, with 40 winning seasons in 46 years of basketball. Their win percentage ranks 28th among NCAA Division I basketball programmes with at least 40 seasons. The Blazers have amassed one of the best all-time winning percentages in college basketball, with memorable wins over Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, Alabama, Florida, Villanova, Indiana, and Memphis, among others.
The UAB men's basketball team has been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll many times in its history, as recently as 2010, and as high as #9 in the nation. The Blazers have made 17 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament and 13 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament. They have also reached the Elite Eight once and the Sweet Sixteen three times.
The UAB Blazers women's basketball team has also been successful, winning 4 conference championships, making 2 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 5 WNIT appearances as recently as 2013. The Blazers have advanced to the Elite Eight of the WNIT and won the WBI championship in 2011.
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The team has been in the American Athletic Conference since 2023
The UAB Blazers basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The team has been in the American Athletic Conference since 2023, marking their first season as members of the conference.
UAB began its athletics program with the creation of a men's basketball team in 1978. The Blazers play their home games at the Bartow Arena, which is named after Coach Gene Bartow, who is known as the "Father of UAB athletics." Bartow was instrumental in building the men's basketball program from scratch and guiding the team to early success.
Over the years, UAB has achieved notable success in Division I basketball, with 31 winning seasons in 34 years of play. They have amassed one of the best all-time winning percentages in college basketball and have defeated several prestigious basketball programs, including Kentucky, North Carolina, and Indiana. The Blazers have made 17 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament and 13 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament.
The 2023-24 season marked UAB's first season as a member of the American Athletic Conference, adding a new chapter to their basketball program's history. The Blazers' success and reputation in Division I basketball continue to be a source of pride for the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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UAB has had 31 winning seasons in 34 years of basketball
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers men's basketball team has had a rich history of success in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. With 31 winning seasons in their first 34 years of basketball, UAB has established itself as a prominent force in the sport.
The Blazers set high standards from the very beginning, hiring former UCLA, University of Illinois, and Memphis head coach Gene Bartow, who is known as the "Father of UAB athletics." Under Coach Bartow's leadership, UAB achieved early success, reaching the NCAA tournament in just their third season. This set the tone for the program's future accomplishments.
Over the years, UAB has made 17 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, including memorable wins over renowned teams such as Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, Alabama, Florida, Villanova, Indiana, and Memphis. The Blazers have also made 13 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), showcasing their consistent competitiveness.
UAB's home games are played at the Bartow Arena, which was previously known as the UAB Arena. The arena was renamed in honour of Coach Gene Bartow, who built the men's basketball program from scratch, starting in 1978. The Blazers have an impressive record at their home arena, winning more than 80% of their games.
The success of the men's basketball program has contributed to UAB's overall athletic prowess, with the Blazers excelling in various sports. The women's basketball team, although sometimes overshadowed by their male counterparts, has achieved notable success, including conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. UAB has also established a strong football program and a dominant synchronized swimming team, showcasing their well-rounded athletic capabilities.
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The Blazers play home games at the Bartow Arena
The UAB Blazers basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The team has been in the American Athletic Conference since 2023, marking their first season as members of the conference.
The Blazers play their home games at the Bartow Arena, which is an on-campus facility. The arena was originally known as the UAB Arena but was renamed on January 25, 1997, to honour Gene Bartow, the coach who built the men's basketball program from scratch. The 8,508-seat arena has been the home of the Blazers since the 1988-89 season, when they moved from the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex.
The Blazers have achieved notable success in their basketball program, with one of the best all-time winning percentages in college basketball. They have had numerous memorable wins over prestigious programs and have been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll several times. The team has made 17 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament and 13 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament.
The Bartow Arena holds a special significance for the UAB Blazers and their fans, with retired jerseys of notable players hanging from the rafters. The Blazers have an impressive record at their home arena, winning more than 80% of their games. The arena has undergone renovations over the years, with projects such as the Mike and Gillian Goodrich contribution and the Craft O'Neal commitment, ensuring that the facility remains in top condition.
The Blazers' home games at the Bartow Arena have become a staple of UAB's athletic program, attracting fans and supporters from across the region. The arena's atmosphere, coupled with the team's success, has contributed to the growth and popularity of UAB basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
UAB Blazers basketball represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham in NCAA Division I men's college basketball.
The UAB Blazers basketball team started in 1978.
The current coach of the UAB Blazers is Andy Kennedy.
The UAB Blazers play their home games at the Bartow Arena.
The UAB Blazers have had 31 winning seasons in 34 years of basketball.
