2.) 1999-00 Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s Basketball Season/Team
Arguably the most talented and fun to watch basketball team in school history was led by consensus National Player of the Year Kenyon Martin and a host of other talented players. The Cats’ already had returning starters Kenyon Martin, Jermaine Tate, and Pete Mickeal, but flanking them were three of the most talented freshman in the country, quite possibly the most talented freshman class ever for UC. McDonald’s All-American point guard Kenny Satterfield committed to UC, and helped bring along the 1999 Parade Magazine High School Player of the Year DerMarr Johnson. The icing on the cake was the acquisition of the 1999 New York Mr. Basketball Award winner Leonard Stokes. Oh, and in case you forgot future first team All-American Steve Logan was a starter on that team also and solid role players like program stalwart senior Ryan Fletcher made the Cats’ undoubtedly the most talented team in the nation during the 1999-00 season.
The Cats’ who started the season ranked No. 2 or No. 3 nationally depending on which poll you wished to acknowledge, spent 12 weeks ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation. They cruised to a 28-2 regular season mark, recording victories over ranked opponents North Carolina, Iowa State, Oklahoma, and Gonzaga. Their only regular losses were against rival Xavier and the No. 14 ranked Temple Owls. Even the famed ESPN college basketball hall of famer Dick Vitale touted the Cats’ as the nation’s best team and predicted at the very least an appearance in the Final Four for them.
Then tragedy struck in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament against Saint Louis, as the Cats’ leader Kenyon Martin fell breaking his leg while trying to set a pick. The loss of Martin was devastating to the psyche of the team and they never recovered losing to St. Louis 68-58, a team they had just beaten 84-41 five days previous. The fog over the team persisted into the NCAA tournament where the Cats’ were upset by Tulsa in the round of 32 by a score of 69-61. That season will forever be remembered as what could’ve been and perhaps the Cats’ best chance at winning it’s first national championship since 1962. However I along with most Cats’ fans who remember the 1999-00 season ultimately will think back on it with fond memories. It’s always a good feeling remembering what it was like to know your school, unequivocally had the best college basketball team in the country.
Alex, Dave would be so proud just as I am. Great writing keep up the good work.
Good list, only thing I’d have to add to this is Pike to Bings in ’09… I don’t know what I’d remove, but that would be No. 1 or 2 for me.