Introduction
Delaware is a small state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes. But what many people may not know is that Delaware has had a long and proud tradition of college basketball. In fact, the state has had a basketball team in the NCAA Tournament since the tournament’s inception in 1939. The question remains: has Delaware ever won an NCAA Tournament game?
History of Delaware Basketball
The University of Delaware has been a part of the NCAA Tournament since the tournament’s inception in 1939. The Blue Hens, as they are affectionately known, have had some success over the years. They have made it to the Sweet Sixteen four times (1941, 1954, 1970, and 1975). They have also made it to the Elite Eight once (1975). However, despite their impressive run in the tournament, they have never won an NCAA Tournament game.
Prominent Players from Delaware
Despite never winning an NCAA Tournament game, Delaware has produced some outstanding basketball players throughout its history. Two of the most prominent players to come out of the state are Mike Pegues and Ryan Daly. Pegues is a former Blue Hen who was the team’s leading scorer in the 1975 NCAA Tournament. He went on to have a successful professional career, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons. Daly is a current player for the Blue Hens who was named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year in 2020.
Delaware’s NCAA Tournament Record
The Blue Hens have made 18 appearances in the NCAA Tournament since 1939, with their best finish coming in 1975 when they reached the Elite Eight. They have a total record of 0-18 in the tournament, never once winning a game. The Blue Hens have not made the tournament since 1999, when they were defeated by Tennessee in the first round.
Notable Coaches at Delaware
Throughout the years, the Blue Hens have had some very successful coaches. Two of the most notable are Hugh Durham and Mike Brey. Durham was the head coach of the Blue Hens from 1968-1972, leading them to the Elite Eight in 1975. Brey was the head coach from 1995-2000, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1999.
Delaware’s Postseason Appearances
Though Delaware has never won an NCAA Tournament game, the team has made appearances in other postseason tournaments. The team was invited to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) six times, most recently in 2011. They also made three appearances in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), most recently in 2018.
Reasons for Delaware’s Lack of Success in the NCAA Tournament
There are a few reasons why Delaware has not been successful in the NCAA Tournament. For one, the Blue Hens have not been able to consistently recruit top talent to the program. This has been a challenge due to the team’s low profile and lack of media attention. Additionally, the team has struggled to compete against top teams in the tournament due to their lack of size and depth.
Future Outlook for Delaware Basketball
Despite the team’s lack of success in the NCAA Tournament, there is hope for the future of Delaware basketball. The team is in the process of building a new arena, which will help attract top recruits and put the Blue Hens in a better position to compete. Additionally, the team has some promising young players on the roster, such as Ryan Daly, who could help the team make a run in the tournament in the near future.
Conclusion
Despite its long history of college basketball, Delaware has yet to win an NCAA Tournament game. The Blue Hens have been close on a few occasions, but have never been able to get over the hump. However, there is hope for the future of Delaware basketball. With a new arena in the works and some promising young players on the roster, the team may finally be able to break through and win its first NCAA Tournament game.
Delaware has never won an NCAA Tournament game despite its long history of college basketball. The Blue Hens have made 18 appearances in the tournament since 1939, with their best finish coming in 1975 when they reached the Elite Eight. They have also made appearances in the NIT and CBI, but have yet to win a game. The team is in the process of building a new arena, which could help them attract top talent and make a run in the tournament in the near future.