The United States Army and Navy both have a long history of fielding athletic teams in a variety of sports. Basketball is no exception, as both the Army and Navy have fielded basketball teams for decades. While both institutions have had their share of successes and struggles over the years, both the Army and Navy have produced successful basketball programs in the past, and continue to do so today.
Army Basketball Team History
The United States Army first fielded a basketball team in the early 1900s. The team was known as the “Cadets” and was coached by legendary coach Doc Alexander. The team played in the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League until World War II, when the team was disbanded. After the war, the team was reformed as the Army Cadets and competed in the now-defunct Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The Army Cadets enjoyed some success in the 1950s, but struggled in the 1960s. In 1968, the team moved to the NCAA’s Division I, and the program enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s. Led by coaches such as Bobby Knight, the Cadets were a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 1981 and 1982. The program has remained competitive in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2005 and 2007.
The Naval Academy’s basketball program was founded in 1891 and initially competed in the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League. Like the Army, the team was disbanded during World War II, but was reformed after the war in 1947. The team competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference until the league disbanded in the early 1960s.
Navy’s basketball program enjoyed some success in the 1960s and 1970s, but struggled in the 1980s. In 1992, the program joined the NCAA’s Division I, and the team found success in the next decade. Led by future NBA head coach Eddie Jordan, the Midshipmen reached the NCAA Tournament in 1997, 1998, and 2002. The team has remained competitive in recent years, and has reached the NCAA Tournament in 2005, 2007, and 2008.
Army Basketball Team Today
The Army Cadets are currently members of the NCAA’s Division I and compete in the Patriot League. The team is coached by Zach Spiker, who was hired in 2017 following the retirement of legendary coach Jim Crews. The Cadets have enjoyed some success in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and 2019.
The Navy Midshipmen are currently members of the NCAA’s Division I and compete in the Patriot League. The team is led by head coach Ed DeChellis, who was hired in 2018 following the retirement of legendary coach Billy Lange. The Midshipmen have experienced some success in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2017 and 2018.
Army Basketball Team Accomplishments
The Army Cadets have enjoyed a long and successful history on the basketball court. The team has won two conference championships, in 1978 and 1983, and has appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments. The Cadets have also won two conference tournament championships, in 2007 and 2018, and have won five conference regular season championships, in 1978, 1979, 1983, 2005, and 2007.
The Navy Midshipmen have also enjoyed a long and successful history on the basketball court. The team has won four conference championships, in 1988, 1997, 1998, and 2002, and have appeared in seven NCAA Tournaments. The Midshipmen have also won two conference tournament championships, in 1997 and 1998, and have won three conference regular season championships, in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Army Basketball Team Notable Players
The Army Cadets have produced some of the greatest players in basketball history, including:
- Bob Knight: Legendary coach who won three NCAA Championships with Indiana.
- Mike Krzyzewski: Legendary coach who won five NCAA Championships with Duke.
- Pat Knight: Former NBA player and son of Bob Knight.
- Ronald Steele: Former NBA player and 2008 NCAA Player of the Year.
- John Beilein: Former NBA coach and current Michigan head coach.
The Navy Midshipmen have also produced some of the greatest players in basketball history, including:
- Eddie Jordan: Legendary coach who won an NBA Championship with the Washington Wizards.
- David Robinson: Hall of Fame center who won two NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs.
- Kwame Brown: Former NBA player and first overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft.
- Kris Jenkins: Former NBA player and 2016 NCAA Champion with Villanova.
- Doug Wojcik: Former NBA assistant coach and current head coach at The Citadel.
Conclusion
Both the Army and Navy have fielded basketball teams for decades, and both programs have experienced success in the past and continue to do so today. While the teams have had their share of successes and struggles, both have produced some of the greatest players in basketball history. Whether it’s the Army Cadets or the Navy Midshipmen, both teams have a long and successful history on the basketball court.