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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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 21: Dozier #2 of the Memphis Tigers looks on as head coach Calipari speaks during their second round game. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

24. Memphis Tigers

From 2002-03 through 2013-14, there were not many programs in the country as tremendous as Memphis. Even though this does not span the entire century, the Tigers built up an incredible enough resume during this string of years to warrant a spot on this list. Under head coach John Calipari, Memphis emerged as a national title contender for a number of years, securing either a No. 1 or 2 seed in four consecutive seasons. In addition, this four-year stretch also included a national championship appearance in 2007-08.

After Coach Cal left Memphis to take over the top job at Kentucky after the 2008-09 campaign, the program turned to Josh Pastner as the next head coach. And, after missing the Big Dance in his first season at the helm, Coach Pastner led the Tigers to four consecutive appearances. The program has not been able to make it back to the NCAAT since that stretch but it was still a great run for Memphis under Calipari/Pastner.

In total, the program reached 10 NCAA Tournaments in the span of 12 years during this century and also put together an outstanding winning percentage to go with their one Final Four appearance. Over the years, players like Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Rodney Carney posted sensational seasons with the Tigers.

21st Century Highlights:

.732 winning percentage
3 AP All-America selections
10 NCAAT appearances (16-10)
4 Sweet 16’s
1 Final Four

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