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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INDIANAPOLIS – MARCH 22: Diener #34 of Marquette celebrates with his teammates during the NCAA Tournament (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

23. Marquette Golden Eagles

Even though Marquette has struggled a bit in recent years (just one NCAAT appearance in the last five seasons), this does not mean we should gloss over the successes of the program when taking into account the entire century. Specifically, the Golden Eagles had a stretch of years from 2005-05 through 2012-13 in which they did not miss a single NCAA Tournament and reached the Sweet 16 in each of the last three years in that span.

Regardless of this stretch, though, 2002-03 was clearly the most memorable Marquette basketball season thanks to the tremendous play of superstar junior Dwyane Wade. Now a lock to make the Basketball Hall of Fame, “The Flash” tore through the competition both of the CUSA and the NCAA Tournament to the tune of 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Perhaps his most notable college performance also came on the biggest stage when Wade dropped 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on Kentucky in the Elite Eight.

Wade is clearly the most famous player to take the court for Marquette during this century but he was not the only elite player to come through the program. More specifically, players such as Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Jerel McNeal, and Travis Diener also were excellent Golden Eagles.

21st Century Highlights:

.648 winning percentage
3 AP All-America selections
11 NCAAT appearances (13-11)
4 Sweet 16’s
1 Final Four

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