NCAA Basketball: 25 most successful programs of the 21st century

DURHAM, NC - MARCH 03: (L-R) Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils talks to head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 28: The Wisconsin Badgers celebrate. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

12. Wisconsin Badgers

Easily one of the most consistent programs of the entire 21st century, Wisconsin had an incredible stretch of consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Although that was snapped this past season (2018-19), the streak is still very commendable. Yet, for an extended period of time, many were wary of placing the Badgers too high on any list because of the lack of deep runs in the Big Dance.

However, that narrative was put to rest both in 2014 and 2015 when Wisconsin reached back-to-back Final Fours. Although they were unable to secure a national championship in either of these campaigns, this was an impressive feat. The head coach at the time, Bo Ryan, definitely earned those Final Fours after the incredible run of consistency he had with the program.

In addition, it is important to note that Wisconsin would have likely moved up even further on this list had the time range been extended back one more year to 1999-2000, when the Badgers also made the Final Four. In terms of the best Badgers in the century, players like Devin Harris, Alando Tucker, and Frank Kaminsky all deserve to be near the top of that list.

21st Century Highlights:

.713 winning percentage
5 AP All-America selections
17 NCAAT appearances (29-17)
9 Sweet 16’s
2 Final Fours

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