Has Ohio State Ever Won The Ncaa Basketball Championship
Ohio State University is one of the most successful college basketball programs in history. The Buckeyes have made 29 NCAA Tournament appearances and have won 11 Big Ten titles. But has Ohio State ever won the NCAA basketball championship? Let's take a closer look at the program's history and find out.
The Early Years
The Ohio State men's basketball program began in 1898, and the team played its first game against Ohio Wesleyan University. In the early years, the Buckeyes played in small venues and did not have much success. However, in 1939, Ohio State made its first NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the championship game, where they lost to Oregon.
The 1960 Championship
Ohio State's first and only NCAA basketball championship came in 1960. Led by future NBA Hall of Fame player Jerry Lucas, the Buckeyes went 25-3 in the regular season and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. In the championship game, Ohio State faced off against the University of California, San Francisco and won the game 75-55.
The 1990s and 2000s
After the championship in 1960, Ohio State had some success in the 1990s and 2000s under head coach Jim O'Brien. The Buckeyes made six NCAA Tournament appearances during O'Brien's tenure, including a Final Four appearance in 1999. However, the team was forced to vacate some of its victories and appearances due to NCAA violations. In 2004, Ohio State hired Thad Matta as head coach, and he led the team to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and two Final Four appearances before being fired in 2017.
The Current State of Ohio State Basketball
Ohio State basketball is currently led by head coach Chris Holtmann. In his first three seasons, Holtmann has led the Buckeyes to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Round of 32 in 2019. The team has also won two Big Ten titles under Holtmann's leadership. While Ohio State has not won another NCAA championship since 1960, the program remains a perennial contender and one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio State has won one NCAA basketball championship in its history. The team's success extends beyond just the championship, however, as the Buckeyes have made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and won multiple Big Ten titles. With a new coach and talented players, Ohio State basketball looks poised to continue its winning ways in the years to come.