It’s surprising that a team that hasn’t advanced past the Sweet Sixteen is so high in the rankings, but Pittsburgh is certainly one of the top college basketball programs over the past 24 seasons.
In addition to four Sweet 16s, Pittsburgh has only lost four first round matchups and has consistently qualified for the NCAA tournament, except for an eight-year stretch from 1994 to 2001. Four Sweet 16 appearances is more than anyone else we have seen in the top 50 thus far, and also more than anyone else below the top 50 except for Vanderbilt (No. 57).
The outlook for the Panther basketball program looks very good for the future as well, as they have established themselves as a consistent contender in a Big East conference now stacked with prestigious programs. It shouldn’t be long before the Panthers finally advance past the Sweet 16 in an NCAA tournament.
34) Iowa Hawkeyes – Total Points: 404
- One Elite Eight Appearance, Two Sweet 16 Appearances, 10 Missed Tournaments
- ESPN Rank: 49
Iowa has only advanced to at least the Sweet 16 three times in the past 24 seasons, but they have qualified for the tournament 14 times and only lost their first round game four of those years.
The Hawkeyes made the Elite Eight in 1987 after losing first round games in both 1985 and 1986, and then didn’t lose another first round tournament game again until 2005.
Unfortunately for Hawkeye fans, Iowa has only made the tournament twice in the past seven seasons, and they lost both of those first round tournament games.
33) Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Total Points: 416
- One Elite Eight Appearance, Three Sweet 16 Appearances, 12 Missed Tournaments
- ESPN Rank: T-37
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Wake Forest was able to challenge UNC and Duke in the ACC and became one of the country’s top programs.
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