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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NEW ORLEANS – APRIL 5: Gerry McNamara of the Syracuse University Orangeman stands next to his teammate Carmelo Anthony. (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images) /

9. Syracuse Orange

Quite simply, there are very things more sure in life than knowing that Jim Boeheim is the head coach for Syracuse basketball. Now going on 42+ years at the helm of the program, Coach Boeheim has been an elite head coach for a number of seasons. However, in terms of this article, we are only going to take into account the accomplishments of the Orange during the 21st century.

During this time, Coach Boeheim seemingly had no trouble putting together the resume of a top-10 program in the country. Of course, the most important result of all, though, was the 2003 National Championship. With Carmelo Anthony, Gerry McNamara, and Hakim Warrick running the show, it was fitting that the young team capped off a 30-5 campaign by cutting down the final nets.

However, this result is not the only reason why Syracuse ranks so high on this list. In addition to the title, the Orange also reached two other Final Fours as well as several other Sweet 16’s. With Boeheim’s superb zone defensive scheme, it is incredibly difficult to gameplan for facing Syracuse and it is not a surprise that the program has been so successful in the Big Dance (29-12 record).

21st Century Highlights:

.720 winning percentage
6 AP All-America selections
13 NCAAT appearances (29-12)
8 Sweet 16’s
3 Final Fours
2003 National Championship

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