The Duke Blue Devils & the 50 Winningest Programs in College Basketball History
Most teams in college basketball have had a degree of success in their histories. Some teams have found more success than others, whether it be the UCLA Bruins from John Wooden or the Duke Blue Devils from Mike Krzyzewski.
To become a truly great, winning program, you must find success and maintain it.
The following 50 teams have all found success at different points, and they have maintained at least a degree of success for years.
A winning team may be defined by their success in the regular season, conference tournaments and postseason tournaments.
As Herm Edwards has told us, the great thing about all sports is, "You play to win the game!"
That is exactly what these teams have been doing for decades.
50. St. Joseph's University
1 of 50All-time Record: 1,499-1,008
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 23
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
St. Joseph's University belongs to the Atlantic-10. They have been very successful in the A-10, winning seven regular season titles and two A-10 tournaments.
The Hawks are 1,499-1,008 all-time, as mentioned above and that gives them the 35th most wins in D-I, and their .598 winning percentage is the 36th best.
The Hawks made it to the 1961 Final Four, and that was the farthest they have ever gotten in the NCAA tournament. They have come close to that mark two other times, reaching the Elite Eight in 1981 and 2004, but they have never matched it.
The Hawks were the last team to go undefeated in the regular season. In the 2003-04 season they went 27-0 and were ranked No. 5 in the nation. They were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament that year, but they were upset in the Elite Eight.
The Hawks have appeared in 23 NCAA tournaments, and they have a losing record in those, going 18-23. This losing record in the Big Dance, along with their slightly weak strength of schedule, has held them back.
49. Stanford
2 of 50All-time Record: 1,362-1,029
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 16
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Stanford Cardinal started in the Pacific Coast Conference, and they were highly successful there. The Cardinal won eight regular season conference titles and three conference tournaments. Since changing to the Pacific-10, they have won five regular season and two conference tournament titles.
The Cardinal's 0.570 winning percentage is one of the best all time. They also have a higher winning percentage in the Big Dance, going 21-15 for a .583 winning percentage.
The Cardinal has had success in the 1930s and '40s and again in present day. The Cardinal was national champion before the NCAA tournament was incorporated in 1937 and 1938. They also won the NCAA tournament in 1942.
The Cardinal has been very successful lately, including a Final Four appearance in 1998, a 30-2 season in 2004 and a new head coach who knows how to win in Johnny Dawkins. The Cardinal is looking to add even more success now, and they are poised to do so.
48. BYU
3 of 50All-time Record: 1,640-1,005
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 26
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The BYU Cougars were the pride and joy of the Mountain West Conference this season, led by America's Sweetheart, Jimmer Fredette. The Cougars have had a lot of success in the MWC, winning 30 regular season titles and three conference tournaments.
The Cougars may have a lot of success before the Big Dance, but they are 12-26 in the NCAA tournament. This pathetic record results in a winning percentage of only 0.316.
The Cougars struggle when it matters the most, and that holds them back, leading to their being only No. 48 on this list.
47. Xavier
4 of 50All-time Record: 1,306-909
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Xavier Musketeers started in the MCC, but have changed to the A-10. The Musketeers have found success in both conferences, winning a total of 17 regular season titles and 10 conference tournaments.
The Musketeer' 1,306-909 record is good enough for a winning percentage of 0.590, one of the best in D-I history.
In their 22 appearances, the Musketeers have gone 19-22. They have made it to two Elite Eights but never a Final Four. The Musketeers made it to their sixth straight NCAA tournament, their 10th out of 11, and their 24th postseason appearance in 28 seasons.
While they may not have the most success in the NCAA tournament, the Musketeers are a great team.
46. Wake Forest
5 of 50All-time Record: 1,429-1,094
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons started in the Southern Conference, but changed to the Atlantic Coast Conference in the 1953-54 season. The Deacons have won five regular season titles, and five conference tournaments.
The Deacons have not had overwhelming success in the regular season, but they are very successful in the NCAA tournament.
The Deacons have appeared in 22 NCAA tournaments and have lost in their first game in the tournament only four times. They have reached eight Sweet 16s, six Elite Eights and one Final Four.
The Deacons have gone 28-22 in the NCAA tournament, good enough for a .560 winning percentage. The Deacons have tested themselves, playing some of the hardest teams in the nation, and that has helped them be successful when it matters most.
45. Missouri
6 of 50All-time Record: 1,500-1,042
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Missouri Tigers started in the Missouri Valley Conference, until they changed to the Big Six/Seven/Eight/12 Conference for the 1928-29 season. The Tigers found success in both conferences, winning a total of 15 regular season titles and seven conference tournaments.
The Tigers have made it to 24 NCAA tournaments, going 22-24. They have made it to the second round 13 times, seven Sweet 16s and five Elite Eights. Even when vacating their run to the Elite Eight in 1994, the Tigers have an impressive resume.
The Tigers have had their success for a while now, and they continue to build on it.
44. California
7 of 50All-time Record: 1,440-1,087
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 17
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The California Golden Bears started their dominance in the 1920s, winning six conference titles in that decade. The Bears have won a total of 15 conference titles in their 104-year history.
The Bears have appeared in 17 NCAA tournaments and have gone a total of 19-16, winning their lone title in 1959.
The Bears have maintained their success for decades, and they have produced stars like Jason Kidd. The Bears have a tradition of winning, and they continue that tradition today.
43. Princeton
8 of 50All-time Record: 1,599-1,002
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Princeton Tigers started in the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League and won six championships in that conference.
They then switched to the Ivy League, and they have won 26 regular season conference titles there. Because there is no conference tournament for the Ivy League, they have been awarded their automatic bids from the regular season titles.
The Tigers have made it to six Sweet 16s in their history, but their last was in 1967. Since then, the Tigers have failed to reach the Sweet 16 in 16 straight appearances. In 1965, the Tigers made it to their only Final Four.
The Tigers are 13-27 all-time in the NCAA tournament, although that record would be higher if there was a tournament in 1925, when they were pre-tournament champions.
The Tigers have been successful for decades, and they always find a way to make it back to the NCAA tournament.
42. Bradley
9 of 50All-time Record: 1,565-1,041
NCAA Tournament Appearances: Eight
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Bradley Braves compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Braves have won eight regular season titles and one conference tournament.
The Braves have made eight appearances in the NCAA tournament and have gone 11-8 in their 19 games. They have made it to the Round of 32 five times, the Sweet 16 four times, the Elite Eight three times, Final Four twice and the championship game twice.
The Braves have not made it to the tournament a lot, but they have been very successful when they get there.
41. Iowa
10 of 50All-time Record: 1,487-1,048
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Iowa Hawkeyes belong to the Big Ten, and they have won eight regular season titles, and two conference tournaments.
In their NCAA tournament history, the Hawkeyes have been to seven Sweet Sixteens, four Elite Eights and three Final Fours. Iowa has gone 27-24 in the NCAA tournament, a truly impressive feat.
The Hawkeyes have found success, and they have maintained it for decades. They are truly one of the winningest teams in college basketball.
40. Houston
11 of 50All-time Record: 1,056-719
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 19
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Houston Cougars belong to Conference USA. The Cougars have won seven regular season titles and six conference tournaments. The Cougars may not have had a ton of success in conference, but they are great in the NCAA tournament.
The Cougars have been to 10 Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, five Final Fours and two championship games. They lost both of those games, but they have compiled 32 wins in their 19 appearances.
Their five Final Fours are also tied for eighth in history.
The Cougars get it done in the tournament, even if they did fail to win it all in both 1983 and 1984.
39. Kansas State
12 of 50All-time Record: 1,486-1,058
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 25
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Kansas State Wildcats have played in the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Big 12. The Wildcats have won 17 regular season titles and nine conference tournaments.
The Wildcats have made it to 25 NCAA tournaments in their history. They have made it to 16 Sweet 16s, 12 Elite Eights, four Final Fours and one championship game.
They did not win it all in 1951, but they have been dominant in the tournament, and their 31-28 record in the tournament is very impressive.
The Wildcats have had a lot of success in the NCAA tournament, and they have had a tradition of excellence.
38. Washington
13 of 50All-time Record: 1,641-1,068
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 16
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Washington Huskies belong to the Pac-10 conference. They have won 19 regular season titles and three conference tournaments.
The Huskies have gone 17-16 in the NCAA tournament in their history. They have reached five Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights and one Final Four.
The Huskies found success in the 1950s and have continued it into today.
37. West Virginia
14 of 50All-time Record: 1,609-991
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The West Virginia Mountaineers belong to the Big East, and they have had a lot of success in that conference. They have won 14 regular season titles and 13 conference tournaments.
The Mountaineers have made it to eight Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours and one championship game. The team has never won the tournament, but they have come close a few times. Their success has been spread out, in both the 1950s and again in 2010.
Their ability to reach one of the highest points of success multiple times is part of what makes them (and many other teams on this list) special.
36. LSU
15 of 50All-time Record: 1,372-1,036
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 20
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The LSU Tigers are a member of the Southeastern Conference. They have won 10 regular season titles and one conference tournament.
The Tigers are 24-23 in the NCAA tournament. They have reached nine Sweet 16s, six Elite Eights and four Final Fours. The Tigers have never made it to a national championship game, but they were named National Champions in 1935.
The Tigers' Final Four trips have been spread out over 53 years, and they have had at least a degree of success during those years. The Tigers have maintained success for decades, and they are a winning program.
35. Pennsylvania
16 of 50All-time Record: 1,677-986
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 23
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Pennsylvania Quakers started in the Eastern Intercollegiate League (EIL), but then switched to the Ivy League. They have won 13 EIL titles and 26 Ivy League titles, tied for Princeton with the most of all time.
The Quakers have participated in 23 NCAA tournaments, making it to the Round of 32 five times. They are 5-0 in the Rounds of 32, however, and they have been to five Sweet 16s, two Elite eights and one Final Four.
The Quakers do have two national championships (1920,1921), but those came before the tournament was incorporated.
In their history of over 100 years, the Quakers have found a lot of success, and they are one of the winningest programs of all time.
34. Wisconsin
17 of 50All-time Record: 1,414-1,126
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 17
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Wisconsin Badgers belong to the Big Ten. They have won 17 regular season titles and two conference tournaments.
Wisconsin has made it to the Round of 32 11 times in their 17 appearances to go along with five Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours and one national championship. The Badgers would have three NCAA titles, but they won two before the tournament was installed.
Wisconsin has had success since the 1920s, and they continue to build on it today.
33. Marquette
18 of 50All-time Record: 1,467-905
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Marquette Golden Eagles belong to the Big East. They have not found overwhelming success in their conference like other teams on this list, but they have found success in the NCAA tournament.
They have gone 34-29 in the NCAA tournament. They have reached the Round of 32 18 times, the Sweet 16 14 times, the Elite Eight six times, the Final Four three times and the championship game twice. The Eagles won the NCAA tournament in 1977.
The Golden Eagles have found a lot of success starting in 1955 and continuing into today.
32. Western Kentucky
19 of 50All-time Record: 1,639-809
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 21
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers belong to the Sun Belt Conference have won 28 regular season conference titles and 30 conference tournaments. The Hilltoppers have dominated their conference and have therefore made it to a lot of NCAA tournaments.
The Hilltoppers have had a lot more success in their conference than in the NCAA tournament. They have gone only 18-22 in the NCAA tournament for a winning percentage of only .450. They have only made it to two Elite Eights and one Final Four in their 21 appearances.
The Hilltoppers have had a ton of success in their conference and in the regular season, with their 1,639 wins being good enough for 16th all-time. Their success before the NCAA tournament overshadows even that of their failures in the Big Dance.
31. St. John's
20 of 50All-time Record: 1,724-896
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 28
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The St. John's Red Storm belong to the Big East Conference, and they have found some success in one o the hardest conferences in the nation. They have won five regular season titles and three conference tournaments.
When the Red Storm makes it to the Big Dance, they do well. They have made it to six Elite Eights and a pair of Final Fours. They lost to Kansas in their only championship game. Their two Final Fours came 33 years apart, proving that they have had true excellence multiple times.
The Johnnies have had a lot of success, holding the records for seventh most wins of all time and the eighth highest winning percentage of all time.
30. Oklahoma
21 of 50All-time Record: 1,526-977
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 27
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Oklahoma Sooners belong to the Big 12 conference. The Sooners have won 15 regular season titles and seven conference tournaments. They have enjoyed a lot of success in a tough conference.
The Sooners have made it to the Round of 32 15 times, and the Sweet Sixteen eight times. The Sooners are 8-0 in the Sweet 16, however, and they have eight Elite Eight appearances. The Sooners have made it to four Final Fours and two championship games as well.
The Sooners are tied for the 16th most Final Fours by any team. They may not have won an NCAA tournament yet, but they only lost by four to Kansas in the 1988 championship game.
The Sooners have had a lot of success, and they are in the top 30 for all-time wins, despite playing very good teams.
29. Temple
22 of 50All-time Record: 1,766-974
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Temple Owls belong to the Atlantic-10 conference. The Owls have won nine regular season conference titles and nine conference tournaments. They have not had unbelievable success in the A-10, but they are still one of the winningest teams of all time.
The Owls have gone 31-28 in the NCAA tournament. They have reached the Round of 32 14 times and the Sweet 16 five times and have never lost, going 5-0. They have reached five Elite Eights and two Final Fours in their history.
The Owls were National Champions in 1938, but the tournament was not incorporated yet. They have success since before the NCAA tournament, and they have continued it for decades.
28. Notre Dame
23 of 50All-time Record: 1,701-927
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 31
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are technically part of the Big East conference, yet they are also known as an independent. They have never won a Big East tournament, and they have only won one regular season title.
The Fighting Irish have reached 31 NCAA tournaments, which is the ninth most of all time. The Irish have only lost nine times in the first round, seven times in the Round of 32. They have reached 15 Sweet16s, five Elite Eights and one Final Four in 1978.
The Irish seem to make it to the NCAA tournament almost every year. While they are 30-34 in the tournament, they are still a great team with a long history of success.
27. UNLV
24 of 50All-time Record: 945-367
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 18
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are a part of the Mountain West Conference. They have won 12 regular season titles and 13 conference tournaments.
The Rebels have gone 33-16 in the NCAA tournament. They have reached nine Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, four Final Fours and one national championship game. They won their only championship game against Duke 103-73.
Their 30-point margin of victory remains the largest margin in the championship game in history. They were also the first team to break 100 points in a championship game.
The Rebels had about 15 to 20 years of true success. From about 1980-95, the Rebels were one of the best teams in the nation, but they have failed to maintain that success.
26. Purdue
25 of 50All-time Record: 1,620-941
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 25
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Purdue Boilermakers belong to the Big Ten, and they have found quite a bit of success in their conference. The Boilermakers have won 22 regular season titles. Their 22 titles is very impressive because the Big Ten is a power conference, and they have therefore played some of the best teams in the country.
Purdue is 33-25 in the NCAA tournament, going 13-12 in the First Round. The Boilermakers have made it to nine Sweet Sixteens, four Elite Eights, two Final Fours and one national championship game. They lost their only championship game by 20 points to UCLA, but everyone lost to UCLA at that point.
Purdue has a history of success, dating back to when they were named National Champions in 1932 and even before that. Their history has placed them 19th on the list of most wins in history.
25. Texas
26 of 50All-time Record: 1,638-963
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Texas Longhorns are a part of the Big 12 conference, but they started in the Southwest Conference. The Longhorns won 22 regular season titles and two conference tournaments in the Southwest Conference.
In the Big 12, they won three regular season titles in under 15 seasons.
The Longhorns have gone 33-31 in the NCAA tournament. They have reached 13 Sweet 16s, seven Elite Eights and three Final Fours. They have yet to reach a championship game, yet they have a winning record in the tournament.
Texas' 1,638 victories are enough for the 17th most in history. This, along with their ability to make it to the NCAA tournament so often, gives them a spot in our top 25.
24. Maryland
27 of 50All-time Record: 1,368-962
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Maryland Terrapins belong to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Maryland has won six regular season titles and four conference tournaments. Their success in one of the hardest conferences in the nation is still above average.
The Terrapins have always had a lot of preparation for the NCAA tournament by playing such good teams, and that has helped them amount the 18th most wins in the tournament and the 18th best winning percentage in the tournament. They have gone 38-23 for a winning percentage of .623.
The Terrapins have reached 13 Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, two Final Fours and one national championship game. They won their only national championship game by 12 points against Indiana in 2002.
The Terrapins have had tremendous success in the NCAA tournament, and they have achieved the ultimate goal of winning an NCAA tournament.
23. Arkansas
28 of 50All-time Record: 1,519-853
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Arkansas Razorbacks are a part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Razorbacks have had success both in the SEC and in the Southwestern Conference (SWC) before that.
They won 22 regular season titles and six conference tournaments in the SWC and two regular season titles and one conference tournament in the SEC.
Arkansas has made it to 10 Sweet 16s, and they are 10-0 in those games. They have made it to 10 Elite Eights, six Final Fours (T-10th most all-time) and two championship games. The Razorbacks won their only NCAA tournament against Duke in 1994.
The Razorbacks have had a lot of success both in conference and in the NCAA tournament.
22. Ohio State
29 of 50All-time Record: 1,498-993
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 28
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Ohio State Buckeyes belong to the Big Ten, and they have had a lot of success in conference play. They have won 21 regular season titles and four conference tournaments, including the last two.
The Buckeyes have the 12th most wins (45) and the 13th highest winning percentage (.643) in NCAA tournament history. They have reached 13 Sweet 16s, 12 Elite Eights, 10 Final Fours (sixth most all-time) and five national championship games.
The Buckeyes are 1-4 in national championship games, but they are still a dominant team and have been for decades.
21. Georgetown
30 of 50All-time Record: 1,520-946
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 26
NCAA Tournament Titles: 1
The Georgetown Hoyas are a part of the Big East conference. They have won eight regular season titles and 10 conference tournaments.
The Hoyas have made it to 26 NCAA tournaments, and they have won a total of 45 wins, good enough for the 12th most all-time. They have made it to five Final Fours (T-13th most all-time) and four national championship games.
The Hoyas are 1-3 in national championship games, beating Houston by nine points in 1984. Their 45-25 record in the NCAA tournament is identical to Ohio State's, yet they have had even more success throughout history.
20. Michigan
31 of 50All-time Record: 1,373*-928*
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Michigan Wolverines belong to the Big Ten, and they have had some success in their conference. They have won 12 regular season titles and one conference tournament.
The Wolverines have made it to the NCAA tournament 22 times. Of those 22 times, they made it to the Final Four six times and the national championship game five times. The Wolverines won the NCAA tournament in 1989.
The Wolverines have been surrounded by controversy since the Fab Five, but they have been successful nonetheless.
19. San Francisco
32 of 50All-time Record: 1,240-894
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 15
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The San Francisco Dons belong to the West Coast Conference (WCC). The Dons have won 16 regular season titles and one conference tournament in the WCC.
The Dons have gone 21-14 in the NCAA tournament for a winning percentage of .600. They have made it to 11 Sweet 16s, seven Elite Eights, three Final Fours and two national championship games. The Dons won both of their championship games (1955,1956).
The Dons found success in the 1950s, but they have slowly lost it since then and are almost an unknown program at this point.
18. North Carolina State
33 of 50All-time Record: 1,569-956
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The North Carolina State Wolfpack is a part of the ACC. The Wolfpack finds a way to hit their stride when it comes to tournament games, winning 17 conference tournaments.
The Wolfpack has done well in the NCAA tournament too, making it to 10 Sweet 16s, six Elite Eights, three Final Fours and two national championship games. The Wolfpack has won both of their national championship games.
NC State has been very successful in tournaments, but they also have the 25th most wins in the regular season too. This program succeeds in every level of the game.
17. Florida
34 of 50All-time Record: 1,233-1,022
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 16
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The Florida Gators help make up the SEC. The Gators have been moderately successful in their conference, winning five regular season titles and three conference tournaments.
The Gators have gone 29-13 in the NCAA tournament, and they have the eighth best winning percentage in the tournament (.691). They have reached seven Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, four Final Fours and three national championship games. The Gators have won two NCAA tournaments in their history.
The Gators are one of only 14 teams with multiple championships, but they have not maintained success. The Gators' success has just about all come since 1990, yet they began to play basketball a little under a century ago.
Because they have not maintained their success, they are only No. 17 on this list.
16. Oklahoma State (A&M)
35 of 50All-time Record: 1,517-1,055
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were previously known as the Oklahoma A&M Aggies. The Cowboys belong to the Big 12, where they have found success to a degree. They have won three regular season titles and four conference tournaments.
The Cowboys have made it to six Final Fours (T-10th all-time) and have won two NCAA tournaments in their 24 appearances.
The Cowboys' 1,517 wins are good enough for the 34th most all-time. They have had success since the 1940s, and they have continued that success into the present.
15. Utah
36 of 50All-time Record: 1,664-893
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 27
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Utah Utes are a member of the PAC-10 conference. The Utes have dominated the conference for decades, winning a ridiculous 36 regular season conference titles.
The Utes have also found some success in the NCAA tournament. They have made it to 15 Sweet 16s, five Elite Eights, four Final Fours and two championship games. The Utes won their only NCAA tournament in 1944, but they also came close in 1998.
The Utes have found success for the past seven decades or so, and they have won the 11th most games in history. They truly have a passion for winning.
14. Villanova
37 of 50All-time Record: 1,551-807
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 32
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Villanova Wildcats used to be a part of the Atlantic-10, but they now belong to the Big East. They have won a total of seven regular season titles and three conference tournaments in their history.
The Wildcats have made it to 16 Sweet 16s, 12 Elite Eights, four Final Fours and one national championship game. The Wildcats won their only NCAA title in 1985 as the lowest seed to ever win it all.
They were considered a Cinderella-team from the Sweet 16 on, being a No. 8 seed and upsetting the No. 1 overall Michigan Wolverines.
The Wildcats have proven to us that the impossible is possible, and they are one of the winningest programs in all of college basketball history.
13. Michigan State
38 of 50All-time Record: 1,496-1,019
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 25
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The Michigan State Spartans belong to the Big Ten conference, and they have won 16 regular season titles and a pair of conference tournaments.
The Spartans are 18-7 in the first round, 14-4 in the Round of 32, 10-4 in the Sweet 16, 8-3 in the Elite Eight, 3-5 in the Final Four and 2-1 in the championship game.
Their eight Final Fours is tied for seventh all-time, and they are one of only 14 teams to ever win multiple championships.
The Spartans are 52-23 in the tournament. Their 52 wins are the eighth most all-time, and their .693 winning percentage is the fifth best all-time.
The Spartans have found a lot of success over their history, and they are one of the top programs in college basketball in any category.
12. Illinois
39 of 50All-time Record: 1,650-882
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: Zero
The Illinois Fighting Illini belong to the Big Ten. They have won 15 regular season titles and two conference tournaments.
The Illini have gone 38-29 in the NCAA tournament, and they have yet to actually win a tournament. They do have five Final Fours appearances and a loss in the national championship game, however. They also have a national championship before the tournament was incorporated.
The Illini have the 13th most wins all-time (1,650) and the 10th best winning percentage in history (.652). They have been highly successful, even if they haven't won it all in the Big Dance.
11. Cincinnati
40 of 50All-time Record: 1,598-940
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
NCAA Tournament Titles:
The Cincinnati Bearcats are a member of the Big East. They have won 10 conference tournaments in arguably the best conference in NCAA history.
The Bearcats have made it to nine Sweet 16s, seven Elite Eights, six Final Fours and three Championship Games. They are 2-1 in championship games and are tied for eighth most titles. They are also tied for the 10th most Final Fours.
The Bearcats may not have overwhelming success that other top-notch teams have in the regular season and conference play, but they excel in the NCAA tournament, and that's where it matters the most.
10. Syracuse
41 of 50All-time Record: 1,810-819
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 34
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Syracuse Orange play in the Big East, and they have found some success in their conference. They have won eight regular season titles and five conference tournaments.
The Orange have made it to 19 Sweet 16s, seven Elite Eights, four Final Fours and three championship games. The Orange won it all in 2003, and they came close in both 1987 and 1996. They also were named the national champions in 1918 and 1926, before the tournament had been put in place.
The Orange have the fifth most wins in history (1,810) and the the sixth best winning percentage in history (.688). The Orange are 52-33 in the NCAA tournament, and they are tied for the eighth most wins in the tournament. They also have a superb .612 winning percentage in the tournament.
The Orange have had success for about a century, and they continue to build on it.
9. Arizona
42 of 50All-time Record: 1,595-890
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 29
NCAA Tournament Titles: One
The Arizona Wildcats belonged to the BIAA, the WAC and now are part of the Pac-10. The Wildcats have won a total of 25 regular season titles and four conference tournaments.
The Wildcats have been a part of 15 Sweet 16s, nine Elite Eights, four Final Fours and two national championship games. They have won one NCAA tournament, and that came in 1997.
They have gone 43-27 in the NCAA tournament for a .614 winning percentage.
The Wildcats' success has lasted them 80 years, and they are a truly successful program.
8. Connecticut
43 of 50All-time Record: 1,549-864
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 30
NCAA Tournament Titles: Three
The Connecticut Huskies are part of the Big East. They have found a successful niche in their conference, winning 28 regular season titles and seven conference tournaments.
The Huskies have gone 46-28 in the NCAA tournament in their history, and they have made some impressive runs, including their title run this past season.
The Huskies have reached 16 Sweet 16s, 10 Elite Eights and four Final Fours. They have made it to three NCAA tournament championship games, and have won all three.
The Huskies' three titles is good enough for tied for the sixth most in history. They have had unbelievable success, and they are one of the greatest programs of all time.
7. Louisville
44 of 50All-time Record: 1,632-854
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 37
NCAA Tournament Titles: Two
The Louisville Cardinals help to make up the Big East. The Cardinals have found some success in conference, yet it is their success in the NCAA tournament that is truly worth talking about.
The Cardinals have reached the Final Four eight times, which is tied for the seventh all-time. They have won 62 games in the NCAA tournaments, good enough for sixth most on the all-time list. Their 37 NCAA tournament appearances are the fifth most in history.
The Cardinals' two NCAA tournament titles place them in an elite group of only 13 other teams. The Cardinals have had success since the 1950s, and they have continuously built upon that success at a much faster rate than most other teams.
6. Kansas
45 of 50All-time Record: 2,038-799
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 40
NCAA Tournament Titles: Three
The Kansas Jayhawks are a part of the Big 12, and they have found a great deal of success there. They have won 54 regular season conference titles and 25 conference tournaments.
The Jayhawks have dominated the Big 12 for decades, and it truly shows through their ability to consistently win honors in their conference.
The Jayhawks have the fifth most wins (85) and the seventh highest winning percentage (.691) in the NCAA tournament. They have also reached 13 Final Fours, the fifth most in history.
The Jayhawks have made it to eight championship games and won three. Their appearances begin in 1940, and continue into today.
Their success for over seven decades is truly impressive. To add to this, the Jayhawks were also named the national champions twice before the tournament was incorporated (1922,1923).
Their 2,038 victories are the second most in history, and they have dominated every facet of the game for decades. The Jayhawks' history has been magnificent, and they continue to build on it today by continuing to dominate both in their conference and in the NCAA tournament.
5. Indiana
46 of 50All-time Record: 1,663-950
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 35
NCAA Tournament Titles: Five
The Indiana Hoosiers are one of the best-known programs in the country. They belong to the Big Ten and have won 20 regular season titles in their conference.
The Hoosiers have had success when it was expected, and inspirational runs when it was not. They have gone 60-30 in the NCAA tournament, and they have won five national championship games.
They started with a victory and their first national championship in 1940, and they have continued to win four others.
The Hoosiers have made it to six national championship games and have gone 5-1 in those games. Their five titles are the third most in history, and their eight Final Fours are tied for the seventh most.
The Hoosiers have inspired many fans, and they are an outstanding program.
4. Duke
47 of 50All-time Record: 1,944-827
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 35
NCAA Tournament Titles: Four
The Duke Blue Devils have been one of two teams to dominate the ACC for a little under a century. The Blue Devils have won 22 regular season titles, and 24 conference tournaments.
They have made it hard for other ACC teams on this list to impress in conference, and they continue to find success under Mike Krzyzewski.
Duke has gone 94-30 in the NCAA tournament. That gives them the fourth most wins and the highest winning percentage (.758) in tournament history.
They have made it to 26 Sweet 16s, 18 Elite Eights, 15 Finals Fours (third most all-time) and 10 national championship games. The Blue Devils have won four NCAA tournaments, including one in 2010.
The Blue Devils have had success in conference play and more for just under 75 years, and they are still one of the best programs in the game today.
3. North Carolina
48 of 50All-time Record: 2,033-729
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 42
NCAA Tournament Titles: Five
The North Carolina Tar Heels are the other team that has dominated the ACC. UNC has won 35 regular season titles and 25 conference tournaments. Their success in conference play dates back to the early 1920s, and it continues into today.
The Tar Heels have gone 102-39 in the NCAA tournament, which gives them the second most wins and the third highest winning percentage of all-time.
UNC has won an impressive five NCAA tournaments, tied for the third most in history. Their 18 Final Four appearances are good enough for the most all-time. Speaking of records, their 2,033 wins are also the third most in history.
UNC has found a way to win for decades at a time, and they have developed the best rivalry in college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils from the previous slide.
It is the best because it features two of the most successful, winningest programs in college basketball.
2. Kentucky
49 of 50All-time Record: 2,052-647
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 51
NCAA Tournament Titles: Seven
The Kentucky Wildcats have found a ridiculous amount of success in the SEC. They have won 46 regular season titles and 28 conference tournaments. It is even more impressive considering that there was no SEC tournament for a period of 26 years.
The Wildcats have made it to 42 Sweet 16s, 33 Elite Eights, 14 Final Fours (fourth most all-time) and 10 national championship games. They have gone 7-3 in the national championship game, and that gives them the second most titles in history.
The Wildcats have found and maintained success since the 1920s and have won the most games in history with 2,052. They also have the highest winning percentage at .760.
The Wildcats have had arguably the winningest program in history, but there is one team that tops them because of their success in the NCAA tournament.
1. UCLA
50 of 50All-time Record: 1,709-755
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 44
NCAA Tournament Titles: 11
The UCLA Bruins belong to the Pac-10, and they have won 40 regular season titles to go along with three conference tournaments. The Bruins have had a lot of success in conference, but their success behind John Wooden was incredible.
The Bruins have the third most wins in NCAA tournament history (99) and the second highest winning percentage (.733). They have been to 18 Final Fours (the most all-time) and 13 national championship games.
The Bruins won have won 11 national championships, including nine in 10 years and 10 in 12 years under John Wooden.
The Bruins may not have more wins than Kentucky in the regular season, and they may not have the most wins in the NCAA tournament, but they have the most titles, and that is what really defines a winning team.
Their 11 titles are four more than the next closest (Kentucky), and they are on a different level than any other team.


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