In a recent appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, former NBA star Antoine Walker asserted that the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats, with whom he clinched an NCAA championship, stand as the greatest college basketball team in history. Let's take a look at who we think are the top 10 teams of all time.
Top 10 Greatest College Basketball Teams in History
1. 1996 Kentucky Wildcats
On this night in 1996, behind 24 points and an NCAA title game record seven 3s from Tony Delk, Kentucky defeats Syracuse 76-67 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey to take its place among the greatest teams in college basketball history. #BBN pic.twitter.com/iRDDeo5WHv
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) April 1, 2024
Known for their "Comeback Cats" identity, they won the NCAA Championship with a 34-2 record, featuring future NBA stars Ron Mercer, Antoine Walker, and Derek Anderson.
2. 1972 UCLA Bruins
March 23, 1972 - Final 4 - Louisville vs UCLA at the LA Sports Arena.
— UCLA🏀Memories (@UCLA_HoopsStuff) April 26, 2024
With UCLA leading 22-16 in the 1st half, John Wooden calls a timeout to let the team know he's had it with all the turnovers. He even has a back-and-forth exchange with Bill Walton. 🔊 @CoachMickCronin pic.twitter.com/Cyu9QaTylc
Won their 7th consecutive NCAA championship, concluding a 30-0 season and being part of an 88-game winning streak.
3. 1976 Indiana Hoosiers
On this date in 1976, Indiana beats Michigan to go 32-0 and win the National Championship.
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) March 29, 2023
pic.twitter.com/kMnMVUDcOP
Finished with a perfect 32-0 record, the only undefeated season in NCAA Division I basketball since the tournament expanded.
4. 1967 UCLA Bruins
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1967, when he was a sophomore at UCLA. Kareem was an early customer of custom tailors. His tailor, who had to stand on a chair to measure his chest, noted that he had an inseam of 51". Note the high-rise trousers and longer jacket. pic.twitter.com/w39Ux1wMZs
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) April 28, 2024
The first team in their legendary run, led by Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), finishing 30-0.
5. 1990 UNLV Runnin' Rebels
This Date In 1990: UNLV beats Duke by 30 in NCAA title game pic.twitter.com/Do5f50hjDC
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 3, 2016
With a flashy and effective style, they went 30-5 and won the NCAA title, scoring an NCAA tournament record 112 points in the championship game.
6. 2011-12 Kentucky Wildcats
In honor of #SelectionSunday, I’m posting the playing of My Old Kentucky Home after @KentuckyMBB won the 2012 National Championship in New Orleans. @vaughtsviews @gbbcountry @UKAthletics @UKTix @UK_KFund @MKG14 @AntDavis23 @TerrenceJones1 @CameronMillz @KySportsRadio #bbn #ksr pic.twitter.com/nc9eZ2OPEZ
— Michael Rains (@RuppArenaMike) March 15, 2020
Anthony Davis led this team to a 38-2 record, combining youth and talent to secure the national title, John Calipari's only one.
7. 2006-07 Florida Gators
11 Years Ago Today: Florida beats Nova to advance to the 2006 Final Four pic.twitter.com/E6Scsh8QjR
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 26, 2017
Billy Donovan led the Gators to back-to-back titles behind a team that did a little of everything.
8. 1983-84 Georgetown Hoyas
35 years ago today, The Georgetown Hoyas won the 1984 National Championship. #WeAreGeorgetown #HoyaSaxa 🏀🐶🏆 pic.twitter.com/5oM8Zs2oHu
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) April 2, 2019
Patrick Ewing's presence was central to Georgetown's 1984 championship, with Coach John Thompson Jr. steering the team to one of the most memorable runs in college basketball history.
9. UCONN (1998-1999)
Top 5 #UConn Title Games
— Mr. Smith 👑 (@BadChoiceMilk) April 2, 2023
1) Connecticut 77- Duke 74 (1999)
*The greatest game in Husky history. Despite being 33-2, UConn entered as 9.5 pt underdogs against 37-1 Duke. “Just when people say you can’t, you can…” pic.twitter.com/C66QObmIDd
UConn broke through with their first NCAA title in 1999 under Jim Calhoun with a team featuring Richard Hamilton, showcasing a balanced attack and defensive tenacity.
10. Duke Blue Devils (2000-2001)
Best Duke comeback ever?#DukeOnThisDay 2001
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 28, 2021
🤯😱⏰ pic.twitter.com/B57NNYH0h0
Won their tournament games by an average of 17 points, Duke was lead by Shane Battier, Jay Williams, and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
While the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats are undeniably one of the greatest teams, the debate over the "best ever" is subjective and here we believe he is right. The rich history of college basketball offers several contenders for the top spot. See the full convo below: