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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SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 24: Sherron Collins #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks talks with teammates Mario Chalmers #15 and Brandon Rush #25. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /

3. Kansas Jayhawks

There are just some moments that are forever engrained in long-term memory. When it comes to Kansas basketball, Mario Chalmers burying the tying three in the 2008 national title game is one of those moments. One of the most iconic college basketball shots of the century, Chalmers’ shot will forever go down in history.

In regards to that championship’s relevance in the grand scheme of college basketball, it is extremely important because it represents Kansas’ only title of the century. As surprising as they might sound because the program has reached the Final Four on four other occasions, it is true. Regardless of this, though, Kansas definitely belongs near the top of this list due to other factors.

Most notably, there has not been a more consistent regular-season team in the country. The Big 12 is one of the better conferences in the nation year in and year out, yet the Jayhawks make winning the conference look easier than a wide-open lay-up. In addition, Kansas has made every NCAA Tournament during the century (18) and reached the Sweet 16 a ridiculous 13 times.

21st Century Highlights:

.823 winning percentage
18 AP All-America selections
18 NCAAT appearances (48-17)
13 Sweet 16’s
5 Final Fours
2008 National Championship

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