Indiana basketball is an iconic college basketball program with a long and storied history. The Hoosiers have won five NCAA titles and have been to the Final Four an astonishing 18 times. The Hoosiers have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, including Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, and Bob Knight. But is Indiana basketball truly a “blue blood”? In this article, we will explore the history of Indiana basketball and examine whether or not the program is indeed a blue blood.
History Of Indiana Basketball
Indiana first began playing basketball in 1901, and the program quickly established itself as a powerhouse. The Hoosiers won their first NCAA title in 1940 and went on to win four more in total, the last of which came in 1987. They have also appeared in the Final Four 18 times, the most recent being in 2002. Indiana has had some of the greatest players in the history of the game, including the aforementioned Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas, as well as Scott May, Steve Alford, and Calbert Cheaney.
Indiana’s Success In The Big Ten
Indiana basketball has been just as successful in the Big Ten conference as they have in the NCAA tournament. The Hoosiers have won 33 regular season Big Ten titles and 19 conference tournament championships. They have also had five Big Ten Player of the Year award winners, the most recent being Victor Oladipo in 2013.
The Bob Knight Era
The most successful era in Indiana basketball history came under the legendary Bob Knight. Knight took over the program in 1971 and quickly transformed it into one of the most successful programs in the country. Knight won three national titles in 1976, 1981, and 1987, and he also won 11 Big Ten titles. He also had a knack for producing NBA talent, with nine of his players going on to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft.
The Post-Knight Era
After Knight’s departure in 2000, Indiana basketball had a few down years, but the program has recently seen a resurgence. The Hoosiers won the Big Ten title in 2013 and have been in the NCAA tournament four times since then. They have also been able to produce NBA talent, with Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller both being drafted in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft.
Is Indiana Basketball A Blue Blood?
So, is Indiana basketball a blue blood? It is certainly safe to say that the Hoosiers have earned their place among the elite programs in college basketball. They have won five national titles and have been to the Final Four an impressive 18 times. They have also had some of the greatest players in the history of the game, including Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas.
Criteria For A Blue Blood
While Indiana basketball certainly has all the credentials of a blue blood, there are some other criteria that must be met in order for a program to truly be considered a blue blood. These include:
- Consistent Success: The program must have a history of consistent success over a long period of time.
- Historical Significance: The program must have an established history of producing great players and coaches.
- Impact On The Game: The program must have had a major impact on the game of basketball, both at the collegiate and professional levels.
- Cultural Relevance: The program must have a strong cultural relevance, with its players and teams becoming almost iconic figures in the sport.
Does Indiana Basketball Fit The Criteria?
When it comes to the criteria for a blue blood, Indiana basketball certainly fits the bill. The Hoosiers have had a long history of success, with five national titles and 18 Final Four appearances. They have also had some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game, including Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, and Bob Knight. Indiana has also had a major impact on the game of basketball, both at the collegiate and professional levels. And finally, the Hoosiers have a strong cultural relevance, with their players becoming almost iconic figures in the sport.
Other Blue Blood Programs
While Indiana basketball is certainly a blue blood, there are a few other programs that could also be considered blue bloods. These include:
- Kentucky: The Wildcats have won eight national titles and have been to the Final Four 17 times. They have also had some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game, including John Calipari, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Duke: The Blue Devils have won five national titles and have been to the Final Four 16 times. They have also had some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game, including Mike Krzyzewski, Christian Laettner, and Grant Hill.
- North Carolina: The Tar Heels have won six national titles and have been to the Final Four 18 times. They have also had some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game, including Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and James Worthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indiana basketball is undoubtedly a blue blood. The Hoosiers have a long and storied history of success, producing some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game. They have also had a major impact on the game of basketball, both at the collegiate and professional levels. And finally, the Hoosiers have a strong cultural relevance, with their players becoming almost iconic figures in the sport. While there are certainly a few other programs that could be considered blue bloods, there is no denying that Indiana basketball is one of the elite programs in college basketball.
References
- Aldridge, J. (2018, May 8). Indiana Basketball: The Hoosiers’ All-Time Starting 5. Retrieved from bleacherreport.com/articles/2775910-indiana-basketball-the-hoosiers-all-time-starting-5
- Mellinger, S. (2013, March 10). Bob Knight was the greatest college basketball coach of all time. Retrieved from kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article1403038.html
- Maxwell, B. (2018, August 16). Who are the Blue Bloods of College Basketball? Retrieved from bleacherreport.com/articles/2785293-who-are-the-blue-bloods-of-college-basketball