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, LA – APRIL 02: Terrence Jones #3 and Doron Lamb #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrate in the second half. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

6. Kentucky Wildcats

Another extremely well-rounded resume, Kentucky has been absolutely dominant in the NCAA Tournament during the 21st century. While boasting a 41-15 record in the Big Dance, there are not many programs who can say they have been more successful when it comes to winning games on the biggest stage. Despite this, though, the reason why Kentucky is not rated in the top-5 for this list is that the ‘Cats have only secured one title.

Even though UK has reached four Final Fours over this time range, the 2012 title is the only one hanging in the rafters. Of course, the program should not necessarily be complaining about “only one title”, either. Wildcat fans have seen some incredible teams over the years, with the 2014-15 Final Four team possibly being the best (38-1), Head coaches Tubby Smith and John Calipari have run the show for the majority of the century and done a tremendous job (Billy Gillispie coached for two years).

With 14 AP All-America selections during this century, it is impossible to say who the best UK players have been. Yet, here are those that were named to the First Team: Tyler Ulis, Willie Cauley-Stein, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, and John Wall.

21st Century Highlights:

.765 winning percentage
14 AP All-America selections
16 NCAAT appearances (41-15)
11 Sweet 16’s
4 Final Fours
2012 National Championship

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