Oregon State University Basketball Team
Oregon State University is a public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon. The university is home to many successful athletic programs across a variety of sports, including basketball. This article will explore the history and success of the Oregon State University basketball team.
History of the Team
The Oregon State University basketball program dates back to 1903, when the school was known as Oregon Agricultural College. The early teams were coached by Clarence E. “Doc” Spears, who led the team to a successful run in the early years of the program.
The team first joined a conference in 1910, when they joined the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC). The team had moderate success in the PCC, winning one conference championship in 1922 and making two trips to the NCAA tournament in the 1940s.
The Beavers joined the Pacific-10 Conference (now Pac-12) in 1978, and the team had their greatest success in the 1980s and 1990s under legendary coach Ralph Miller. The team won the Pac-10 regular season title in 1981 and made five trips to the NCAA tournament in the 1980s and 1990s.
Recent Success
The Beavers have had mixed success since the turn of the century. The team has reached the NCAA tournament just once since 2000, making it to the tournament in 2016. The team has also had success in the National Invitation Tournament, making five trips to the tournament since 2000.
Hall of Fame Coaches
The Oregon State basketball program has had a number of successful and legendary coaches over the years. The most successful and renowned of these coaches is Ralph Miller, who coached the team from 1971 to 1989. Miller is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and led the Beavers to five NCAA tournament appearances and nine conference titles.
Other successful coaches include Slats Gill (1917-1947), Paul Valenti (1947-1971), Craig Robinson (2008-2014), and Wayne Tinkle (2014-present).
Notable Players
The Oregon State basketball program has produced a number of successful and renowned players over the years. The most successful of these players is Gary Payton, who played for the Beavers from 1986 to 1990. Payton is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was a nine-time NBA All-Star.
Other notable players include A.C. Green, Steve Johnson, Charlie Sitton, and Brent Barry.
Facilities
The Oregon State basketball team plays their home games at Gill Coliseum, a 7,500-seat arena located on the campus of Oregon State University. The arena has been home to the Beavers since 1949 and has been host to numerous NCAA tournament games over the years.
Rivalries
The Oregon State Beavers have a number of rivalries with other Pac-12 schools, especially with Oregon and Washington. The Beavers have a long-standing rivalry with the Oregon Ducks, which dates back to 1903. The Beavers and Ducks have played over 200 times and the series is tied at 101-101.
The Beavers also have a rivalry with the Washington Huskies, which began in 1915. The series is tied at 138-138 and the two teams have met in the NCAA tournament four times.
Traditions
The Oregon State basketball team has a number of traditions that have been part of the program for many years. One of the most popular traditions is the “Gill-O-Ween” game, which is held every year on Halloween. The game features the Beavers in their traditional orange and black uniforms and is known for its festive atmosphere.
The team also has a tradition of having a live Beaver mascot at their games. The mascot is named Benny Beaver and has been a part of the program since the 1940s.
NCAA Championships
The Oregon State Beavers have not won an NCAA championship in men’s basketball. The team has made five trips to the NCAA tournament and has reached the Sweet Sixteen four times, but have never won the national championship.
Conclusion
Oregon State University is home to a successful and storied basketball program. The team has had success in the Pac-12 Conference and has made five trips to the NCAA tournament since 2000. The program is also home to a number of legendary coaches and players, and has a number of traditions that have been part of the program for many years.
Despite their success, the Beavers have yet to win an NCAA championship. However, the team is still a perennial contender in the Pac-12 and is always a threat to make the NCAA tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon State University has an active and successful basketball program.
- The team has had success in the Pac-12 Conference and has made five trips to the NCAA tournament since 2000.
- The program is home to a number of legendary coaches and players, and has a number of traditions that have been part of the program for many years.
- The Beavers have yet to win an NCAA championship, but are still a perennial contender in the Pac-12.