Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball

Last updated
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Basketball current event.svg 2024–25 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wordmark.svg
UniversityWestern Kentucky University
First season1914;110 years ago (1914)
Head coach Hank Plona (1st season)
Conference C-USA
Location Bowling Green, Kentucky
Arena E. A. Diddle Arena
(capacity: 7,500)
NicknameHilltoppers
ColorsRed and white [1]
   
Uniforms
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Kit shorts thinsidesonwhite.png
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Home
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Away


NCAA tournament Final Four
1971
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
1940, 1971
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
1940, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1971, 1978, 1993, 2008
NCAA tournament round of 32
1940, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1995, 2008, 2009
NCAA tournament appearances
1940, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2024
Conference tournament champions
1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1965, 1966, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2024
Conference regular season champions
1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009
Conference division season champions
Sun Belt East: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009,
C-USA East: 2021
* - vacated by NCAA

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team is the men's basketball team that represents Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Hilltoppers currently compete in Conference USA. The team's most recent appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was in 2024. Hank Plona was announced as the team's current head coach on April 2, 2024. [2]

Contents

The men's basketball program has the 16th most victories in the history of the NCAA [3] and has attained the eighth best winning percentage in NCAA history. [3] The school made an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1971, which was later vacated, and has made four NIT Final Four appearances, including three in the early days of the NIT when it was on par with the NCAA tournament. The program has won numerous Ohio Valley Conference championships and was very competitive in its previous conference, the Sun Belt Conference, regularly finishing near the top of the conference and competing for the conference championship. In 2014, the Hilltoppers joined Conference USA following conference realignment.

Street & Smith's publication "100 Greatest Programs", ranked WKU #31. WKU has had 30 All Americans and 56 Hilltoppers have played professionally following their collegiate careers. [4]

Conference affiliation history

Postseason

WKU has appeared in 41 national postseason tournaments and in five national final fours. The school currently has a policy of only accepting invitations to the NCAA or NIT tournaments, which precludes participation in other tournaments such as the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament and College Basketball Invitational. [5]

NCAA tournament results

The Hilltoppers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 24 times. Their combined record is 19–25. Their appearance in the 1971 NCAA Tournament and third-place finish were later vacated by the NCAA due to a player, Jim McDaniels, having signed a professional contract and accepted money during the season. [6]

WK game in 2018 Jon Davis Taveion Hollingsworth.jpg
WK game in 2018
YearSeedRoundOpponentResult
1940 Elite EightDuquesneL 29–30
1960 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd Place Game		Miami (FL)
Ohio State
Ohio		W 107–84
L 79–98
W 97–87
1962 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd Place Game		Detroit
Ohio State
Butler		W 90–81
L 73–93
L 86–87
1966 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd Place Game		Loyola (IL)
Michigan
Dayton		W 105–86
L 79–80
W 82–62
1967 First RoundDaytonL 67–69 OT
1970 First RoundJacksonvilleL 96–109
1971*First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
Final Four
National 3rd Place Game		Jacksonville
Kentucky
Ohio State
Villanova
Kansas		W 74–72
W 107–83
W 81–78 OT
L 89–92 2OT
W 77–75
1976 First RoundMarquetteL 60–79
1978 First Round
Sweet Sixteen		Syracuse
Michigan State		W 87–86 OT
L 69–90
1980 No. 10First RoundNo. 7 Virginia TechL 85–89 OT
1981 No. 10First RoundNo. 7 UABL 68–93
1986 No. 8First Round
Second Round		No. 9 Nebraska
No. 1 Kentucky		W 67–59
L 64–71
1987 No. 10First Round
Second Round		No. 7 West Virginia
No. 2 Syracuse		W 64–62
L 86–104
1993 No. 7First Round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen		No. 10 Memphis
No. 2 Seton Hall
No. 3 Florida State		W 55–52
W 72–68
L 78–81 OT
1994 No. 11First RoundNo. 6 TexasL 77–91
1995 No. 8First Round
Second Round		No. 9 Michigan
No. 1 Kansas		W 82–76 OT
L 70–75
2001 No. 14First RoundNo. 3 FloridaL 56–69
2002 No. 9First RoundNo. 8 StanfordL 68–84
2003 No. 13First RoundNo. 4 IllinoisL 60–65
2008 No. 12First Round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen		No. 5 Drake
No. 13 San Diego
No. 1 UCLA		W 101–99 OT
W 72–63
L 78–88
2009 No. 12First Round
Second Round		No. 5 Illinois
No. 4 Gonzaga		W 76–72
L 81–83
2012 No. 16First Four
First Round		No. 16 Mississippi Valley State
No. 1 Kentucky		W 59–58
L 66–81
2013 No. 16First RoundNo. 1 KansasL 57–64
2024 No. 15First RoundNo. 2 MarquetteL 69–87

* Vacated by the NCAA

NCAA Tournament seeding history

The NCAA began seeding the tournament with the 1979 edition.

Years→ '80 '81 '86 '87 '93 '94 '95 '01 '02 '03 '08 '09 '12 '13 '24
Seeds→10108107118149131212161615

NIT results

The Hilltoppers have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 15 times. When the NIT started, it was considered the premiere national college basketball tournament and remained on par with the NCAA Tournament through the mid-1950s, until the NCAA began giving automatic bids to conference champions in 1956. [7] Western Kentucky's first eight appearances occurred during this early period, including their 2nd-place finish in 1942, 3rd place in 1948, and 4th place in 1954. WKU also made the NIT Final Four in 2018. [8] Their combined record is 13–16.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1942 Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals		CCNY
Creighton
West Virginia		W 49–46
W 49–36
L 45–47
1943 QuarterfinalsFordhamL 58–60
1948 Quarterfinals
Semifinals
3rd Place Game		La Salle
Saint Louis
DePaul		W 68–61
L 53–60
W 61–59
1949 QuarterfinalsBradleyL 86–95
1950 First Round
Quarterfinals		Niagara
St. John's		W 79–72
L 46–65
1952 First Round
Quarterfinals		Louisville
St. Bonaventure		W 62–59
L 69–70
1953 QuarterfinalsDuquesneL 61–69
1954 Quarterfinals
Semifinals
3rd Place Game		Bowling Green
Holy Cross
Niagara		W 95–81
L 69–75
L 65–71
1965 First Round
Quarterfinals		Fordham
Army		W 57–53
L 54–58
1982 First RoundPurdueL 65–72
1992 First RoundKansas StateL 74–85
2005 Opening Round
First Round		Kent State
Wichita State		W 88–80
L 81–84
2006 First RoundSouth CarolinaL 55–74
2018 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		Boston College
USC
Oklahoma State
Utah		W 79–62
W 79–75
W 92–84
L 64–69
2021 First Round
Quarterfinals		Saint Mary's
Louisiana Tech		W 69–67
L 65–72

Other tournament results

In 1936 Western Kentucky was invited to the National Olympic Playoffs representing the South. They played two games against the Southwest representative, Arkansas, in Little Rock, AK, losing both games by scores of 36–43 and 30–38. [9]

The Hilltoppers were scheduled to appear in the 1938 National Intercollegiate Basketball tournament; [10] however, the team was unable to make the trip and withdrew from the tournament. [11] The NAIA lists the game as a forfeit, but Western Kentucky does not recognize the contest as part of their official record. [12]

The Hilltoppers appeared in the 1951 National Campus Basketball Tournament where they were defeated by Bradley 71–75 in the first round. [13]

Milestones

DateMilestoneRivalResult
1914–1915First winBethel (Ky.)38–21 (W)
1/28/1932100th winBirmingham Southern37–25 (W)
12/5/1949500th winKentucky Wesleyan89–45 (W)
2/19/19771,000th winMurray State82–81 (W)
2/5/20051,500th winArkansas State76–72 (W)
2/6/1943500th gameLaSalle52–44 (W)
12/6/19601,000th gameLamar74–71 (W)
1/25/19972,000th gameNew Orleans70–66 (L)

E.A. Diddle Arena

E.A. Diddle Arena DiddleArena.JPG
E.A. Diddle Arena

The E.A. Diddle Arena is a 7,326-seat multi-purpose arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States. The arena, built in 1963 is named after legendary WKU men's coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Edgar "E.A." Diddle.

Current coaching staff

Former Head Coaches

All-Americans

YearNamePositionRef.
1938 Red McCrocklin Center(Chuck Taylor)
1940 Carlisle Towery Center(Chuck Taylor)
1941Carlisle ToweryCenter(Chuck Taylor)
1943 Oran McKinney Center(Helms Foundation)
1948 Dee Gibson Guard(Associated Press***)
1948 Don Ray Forward(Helms Foundation*)
1948 Odie Spears Forward(Associated Press***)
1949 Bob Lavoy Center(Associated Press***)
1949 John Oldham Guard(United Press**, Associated Press***)
1950 Buddy Cate Forward(Associated Press***)
1950 Bob Lavoy Center(Chuck Taylor*, Associated Press***)
1953 Tom Marshall Forward(Look Magazine**, Associated Press***)
1953 Art Spoelstra Center(Associated Press***)
1954Tom MarshallForward(Associated Press*, United Press*, Look Magazine*)
1958 Ralph Crosthwaite Center
1962 Bobby Rascoe Guard
1964 Darel Carrier Guard(Helms Foundation)
1965 Clem Haskins Forward(Associated Press***, United Press***)
1966Clem HaskinsForward(Associated Press, United Press, Converse*)
1967Clem HaskinsForward(USBWA, Associated Press,United Press,Helms Foundation, NABC*)
1969 Jim McDaniels Center(Helms Foundation, Associated Press***, United Press***, Converse***)
1970Jim McDanielsCenter(Helms Foundation, Associated Press***, United Press***, Converse*)
1971Jim McDanielsCenter(NABC, USBWA, Associated Press, Sporting News, United Press, NBA)
1976 Johnny Britt Guard(Associated Press***)
1984 Kannard Johnson Forward(Sporting News All-Freshman)
1987 Tellis Frank Forward(Associated Press***, Sporting News***)
1989 Brett McNeal Guard(Associated Press***, Basketball Times***)
1993 Darnell Mee Guard(Associated Press***)
1996 Chris Robinson Forward-Guard(Basketball Weekly***)
2001 Chris Marcus Center(Associated Press***, Lindy's Basketball Annual) [14]
2002Chris MarcusCenter(Associated Press***, Basketball America***)
2004 Mike Wells Guard(Associated Press***)
2006 Anthony Winchester Guard(Associated Press***)
2008 Courtney Lee Guard(Associated Press***,The NBA Draft Report**, Basketball Times**)
2009 Orlando Mendez-Valdez Guard(Associated Press***)
2021 Charles Bassey Center(Associated Press***, Basketball Times*, USBWA**, Lute Olsen)
*Second team – **Third team – ***Honorable mention

[15]

Retired jerseys

The first jerseys retired in honor of Hilltopper basketball greats were hung in E.A. Diddle Arena during the 1999–2000 season. Also even though the jerseys are retired current and future players can and do use the numbers of the players whose jerseys are retired.

Clem Haskins.jpg
Courtney Lee in March 2013.jpg
Jim McDaniels WKU.jpg
Fltr: Clem Haskins, Courtney Lee, and Jim McDaniels, whose jerseys were retired by Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers retired jerseys
No.PlayerYearsJer. ret.Ref.
22 Clem Haskins 1964–19672017 [16]
32 Courtney Lee 2004–20082017 [17]
35 Darel Carrier 1961–19642014 [18] [19]
41 Tom Marshall 1951–1954 [20]
42 John Oldham 1942–1943; 1947–19492011 [21]
42 Carlisle Towery 1938–19412003 [22]
44 Jim McDaniels 1968–19712000 [23]
45 Bobby Rascoe 1959–1962
— E. A. Diddle Coach, 1922–1964 [24]
—Wes StraderRadio voice

Season-by-season results

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edgar Diddle</span> American college mens basketball coach

Edgar Allen Diddle was an American college men's basketball coach, who also coached college football and baseball teams. He is known for coaching at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky from 1922 to 1964. Diddle became the first coach in history to coach 1,000 games at one school. Diddle was known as one of the early pioneers of the fast break and for waving a red towel around along the sidelines. During games he would wave, toss, and chew on this towel, and even cover his face in times of disappointment. His red towel is now part of WKU's official athletic logo. Diddle experienced only five losing seasons in 42 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E. A. Diddle Arena</span> Sports venue in Bowling Green, Kentucky

E. A. Diddle Arena is a 7,326-seat multi-purpose arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States. The arena, built in 1963, is home to the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers men's basketball team and Lady Toppers basketball and volleyball teams. It is also known as Academic-Athletic Building #1. It also holds Military Science and Physical Education & Recreation classes and offices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clem Haskins</span> American basketball player and coach

Clem Smith Haskins is an American former college and professional basketball player and college basketball coach. In the fall of 1963, he and fellow star player Dwight Smith became the first black athletes to integrate the Western Kentucky University (WKU) basketball program. This put Western Kentucky at the forefront to integrate college basketball in the South.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers</span> Athletic team for Western Kentucky University

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers are the athletic teams that represent Western Kentucky University (WKU), located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division I ranks, competing in the Conference USA (C-USA) since the 2014–15 academic year. The Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers previously competed in the Sun Belt Conference from 1982–83 to 2013–14; and in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) from 1948–49 to 1981–82.

John Oldham was an American college and professional basketball player, college basketball coach and athletic director. Oldham interrupted his studies at Western Kentucky University (WKU) to serve in the US Navy during World War II. He was on the university's basketball team and after graduation in 1949 played for the Fort Wayne Pistons. Oldham went into coaching in 1952 at College High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1955 he became coach of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles men's basketball and led the team to three conference championships. He returned to WKU in 1964 to coach the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team, leading them to four NCAA tournaments, one NIT, and winning four Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships. In 1971 Oldham was promoted to athletic director at WKU, a position he held until 1986. During his tenure the university won six OVC and one Sun Belt Conference All-Sports Championship. After retirement he was elected to the Bowling Green City Commission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016–17 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2016–17 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by head coach Rick Stansbury in his first season. They played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky and were third-year members of Conference USA. They finished the season 15–17, 9–9 in C-USA play to finish in a tie for seventh place. They lost to UTSA in the first round of the C-USA tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017–18 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2017–18 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by head coach Rick Stansbury in his second season and played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky as fourth-year members of Conference USA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018–19 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2018–19 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2018–19 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers, led by third-year head coach Rick Stansbury, played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky as fifth-year members of Conference USA (C-USA). The team finished the season tied for second place in the conference and were defeated in the championship game of the conference tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1953–54 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1953–54 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State College during the 1953-54 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and consensus All-American, Tom Marshall. The Hilltoppers won the Ohio Valley Conference championship, and were invited to the 1954 National Invitation Tournament, where they were seeded as the number 2 team and advanced to the semifinals. For the NIT consolation game against fourth seeded Niagara, Coach Diddle looked to build experience for the next year’s team, only allowing his freshman and sophomores to play. During this period, the NIT was considered on par with the NCAA tournament. This was one of the finest teams in Western Kentucky history, they led the NCAA in wins and Marshall averaged more than 25 points and nearly 15 rebounds per game, setting school records for scoring and rebounding. Art Spoelstra, Jack Turner and Lynn Cole joined Marshall on the All-Conference and OVC Tournament teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1947–48 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1947–48 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State Teachers College during the 1947-48 NCAA basketball season. The team was led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle. The Hilltoppers won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship, were NCAA Annual Team Champions, and received an invitation to the 1948 National Invitation Tournament, where they advanced to the semifinals. During this period, the NIT was considered by many to be the premiere college basketball tournament, with the winner being recognized as the national champion. This was one of the finest teams in Western Kentucky history, they had the best winning percentage in the NCAA, all five starters were named to the All-KIAC Team and three players were listed on various All-American teams, Spears, Ray, and Gibson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1941–42 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1941–42 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College during the 1941-42 NCAA basketball season. The team was led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle. The Hilltoppers won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships, led NCAA in wins, and received an invitation to the 1942 National Invitation Tournament, where they advanced to the championship game. During this period, the NIT was considered to be the premiere college basketball tournament, with the winner being recognized as the national champion. This was the first Kentucky team to participate in the NIT. Oran McKinney, Earl Shelton, and Wallace “Buck” Sydnor were selected to the All-SIAA team, while the All-KIAC Team included Howard “Tip” Downing, Shelton, and Sydnor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1939–40 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1939–40 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College during the 1939-40 NCAA basketball season. The team was led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and All-American center Carlisle Towery. The Hilltoppers won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships, and received an invitation to the 1940 NCAA basketball tournament. This was the first team from Kentucky to participate in the NCAA tournament Herb Ball and Howard “Tip” Downing were selected to the All-SIAA team, while Towery made the All-KIAC Team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1952–53 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1952–53 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State College during the 1952-53 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and All-American player Tom Marshall. The Hilltoppers won the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and were invited to the 1953 National Invitation Tournament. During this period, the NIT was considered on par with the NCAA tournament. Art Spoelstra joined Marshall on the All-Conference and OVC Tournament teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1948–49 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1948–49 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State College during the 1948-49 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and All-American guard John Oldham. This was the inaugural season for the newly established Ohio Valley Conference and Western Kentucky won the conference championships, and appeared in the 1949 National Invitation Tournament. During this period, the NIT was considered by many to be the premiere college basketball tournament, with the winner being recognized as the national champion. Oldham and Center Bob Lavoy were named to the All-Conference team as well as the OVC All-Tournament team. This was the first year that a widely distributed, national poll was published by the Associated Press, and Western Kentucky was ranked 3rd in the initial poll and finished the season ranked 5th.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1949–50 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1949–50 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State College during the 1949-50 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and All-American center Bob Lavoy. The team then won the Ohio Valley Conference season championship and appeared in the 1950 National Invitation Tournament. During this period, the NIT was considered to be on par with the NCAA tournament. Lavoy and Johnny Givens were named to the All-Conference team, Lavoy was also selected to the OVC All-Tournament team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1951–52 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1951–52 Western Kentucky State Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State College during the 1951-52 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and leading scorer, forward Tom Marshall. The Hilltoppers won the Ohio Valley Conference season and tournament championships, and were invited to the 1952 National Invitation Tournament. During this period, the NIT was considered on par with the NCAA tournament. Marshall, Art Spoelstra, Gene Rhodes, and Richard White were named to the All-Conference and OVC Tournament teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1942–43 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1942–43 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College(now known as Western Kentucky University) during the 1942-43 NCAA basketball season. The team was led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and Helms Foundation All-American center Oran McKinney. The Hilltoppers won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship and were invited to the 1943 National Invitation Tournament. During this period, the NIT was considered to be the premiere college basketball tournament, with the winner being recognized as the national champion. Dero Downing and Wallace “Buck” Sydnor were team captains and Don “Duck” Ray led the team in scoring. There were several military teams on Western Kentucky's schedule, which was not uncommon during World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1937–38 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1937–38 Western Kentucky State Teachers Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College during the 1937-38 NCAA basketball season. The team was led by future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Edgar Diddle and the school's first player recognized as an All-American, William “Red” McCrocklin. The Hilltoppers won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships, were the first NCAA team to win 30 games in a season, and received an invitation to the 1938 National Intercollegiate Basketball tournament; however, the team was unable to make the trip and withdrew from the tournament. The NAIA lists the game as a forfeit, but Western Kentucky does not officially recognize the contest. Ralph Dudgeon, Harry Saddlerand, and McCrocklin were selected to the All-SIAA and All-KIAC teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024–25 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2024–25 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represents Western Kentucky University during the 2024–25 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team is led by first-year head coach Hank Plona, and play their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky as eleventh-year members of Conference USA.

References

  1. ↑ "WKU Colors". WKU Communication & Branding Manual (PDF). August 21, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Hank Plona Named Western Kentucky Head Men's Basketball Coach". Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. April 2, 2024.
  3. 1 2 "NCAA All Time Winningest Teams at ncaa.org" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  4. ↑ 100 Greatest College Basketball Programs of All Time. Smith & Street. January 25, 2005.
  5. ↑ "HILLTOPPER FOCUS: WKU would not accept bid to CBI, CIT". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
  6. ↑ Pratt, Elliott. "Standing Alone: WKU's 1971 Final Four team remains in a league of its own". College Heights Herald. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
  7. ↑ Miller, Ralph (1990). "Ralph Miller: Spanning the Game." Sagamore Publishing LLC. p. 56. ISBN   0915611384. "Had the Aggies lost one, we would have been forced to have a playoff, and that was the problem. We had already accepted a bid to play in the [1954] National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The tournament picture was much different then. There was no announcement of NIT teams following the selection of the NCAA field as exists today. The reason was that the NIT was still considered a premier tournament."
  8. ↑ "Bracket, times, scores for 2018 National Invitation Tournament". NCAA.com. 2018-03-31. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  9. ↑ "2019-20 Hilltopper Basketball Media Guide" (PDF).
  10. ↑ NAIA Through the Decades, NAIA.org retrieved May 20, 2020
  11. ↑ The Historical NAIA Tournament VSN (admin) Published Wednesday, July 04, 2018, retrieved May 20, 2020
  12. ↑ Ruby, Earl (1979). Red Towel Territory : A History of Athletics at Western Kentucky University. American National Bank and Trust Co.
  13. ↑ "National Campus Tournament 1951".
  14. ↑ Marcus honored by publication, WKU center lands on All-America team, By Justin Willis, Bowling Green Daily News, Aug 3, 2001 retrieved 27 April 2020
  15. ↑ 2011–12 WKU media guide
  16. ↑ #21 RETIRED UNIFORM
  17. ↑ Courtney Lee Jersey Retirement, 8 Jun 2017
  18. ↑ Former Hilltopper sharpshooter Carrier to have jersey number retired at halftime, 22 Feb 2014 at bgdailynews.com
  19. ↑ Darel Carrier’s No. 35 jersey retired at College Heights Herald by Tyler Lashbrook - February 25, 2014
  20. ↑ MJ to honor legendary Tom Marshall, 9 Feb 2011 at Wilson Post
  21. ↑ John Oldham, coach of WKU's 1971 Final Four basketball team, dies at age 97 by Jason Frakes at Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Nov 2020
  22. ↑ All-American Towery dies at bgdailynews.com, 27 Nov 2012
  23. ↑ Jim McDaniels, 69, Dies; Led Western Kentucky to Final Four at The New York Times, 8 Sep 2017
  24. ↑ E. A. Diddle coach's jersey retired at bgdailynews.com
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