What Division is University of Buffalo Basketball?
University of Buffalo (UB) has a long and storied history in basketball, and the team plays at the NCAA Division I level. The Bulls have made a name for themselves in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which is part of Division I. The men’s basketball team has won 11 MAC regular season championships, four MAC tournament championships, and three NIT appearances. The women’s basketball team has won two MAC regular season championships and two MAC tournament championships.
History of the Program
The UB Bulls men’s basketball program started in the early 1900s, and the team has been playing competitively since 1941. Since then, they have experienced a number of successful seasons and have been a part of the MAC since 1997. The team has been to the NCAA tournament four times (1999, 2000, 2006, 2018).
The Bulls’ Head Coaches
The Bulls have had a number of successful head coaches over the years, including:
- Jim Baron (1999-2003): Baron led the Bulls to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1999 and the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2000.
- Reggie Witherspoon (2003-2009): Witherspoon led the Bulls to two MAC regular season championships and one MAC tournament championship.
- Bobby Hurley (2013-2015): Hurley led the Bulls to two NCAA tournament appearances and one NIT appearance.
- Nate Oats (2015-2020): Oats led the Bulls to two MAC regular season championships, two MAC tournament championships, and two NCAA tournament appearances.
- Jim Whitesell (2020-Present): Whitesell is the current head coach of the Bulls.
The Bulls’ Home Court
The Bulls play their home games at Alumni Arena, which has a capacity of 6,783. The arena opened in 1970 and has been the home court of the Bulls since it opened.
The Bulls’ Rivalries
The Bulls have a number of rivalries, including:
- Toledo Rockets: The Bulls and Rockets have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to the early 2000s. The two teams have met a number of times in the MAC tournament, with the Bulls having the edge in head-to-head matchups.
- Ohio Bobcats: The Bulls and Bobcats have met a number of times in the past, with the Bulls having the edge in head-to-head matchups.
- Akron Zips: The Bulls and Zips have met a number of times in the past, with the Bulls having the edge in head-to-head matchups.
- Bowling Green Falcons: The Bulls and Falcons have met a number of times in the past, with the Bulls having the edge in head-to-head matchups.
The Bulls’ Accolades
The Bulls have had a number of successful seasons over the years and have been a part of the MAC since 1997. They have won 11 MAC regular season championships, four MAC tournament championships, three NIT appearances, and four NCAA tournament appearances.
The Bulls’ Future
The Bulls have a bright future ahead of them. With the current head coach, Jim Whitesell, at the helm, the Bulls have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The team has a solid core of players and has the potential to be a major factor in the MAC for years to come.
The Bulls’ Fans
The Bulls have a passionate fan base that supports the team through thick and thin. Fans can show their support by attending home games, watching away games on TV, and following the team on social media.
How to Follow the Bulls
The Bulls can be followed on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Fans can also subscribe to the Bulls’ YouTube channel to watch highlights, game recaps, and player interviews.
Conclusion
The University of Buffalo basketball team is a proud member of the NCAA Division I and plays in the Mid-American Conference. The Bulls have had a number of successful seasons and have won 11 MAC regular season championships, four MAC tournament championships, three NIT appearances, and four NCAA tournament appearances. They have a passionate fan base that supports the team and a bright future ahead of them.