Is KU truly the greatest basketball school?

Naturally, our answer to that question is yes! KU may not have the most championships, but we think it has the best history. That said, KU is not without its share of success over the years! Let's break it down: First, the man who invented basketball, James Naismith, was KU's first coach. His successor, Forrest C. "Phog" Allen, is widely considered the "Father of Basketball Coaching." He won 746 games, 590 at KU, and led the Jayhawks to 24 conference championships and 3 national titles. Allen pushed for basketball to be an officially recognized Olympic sport in 1936, and he was a key player in the creation of the NCAA tournament in 1939. Important stuff. KU is currently #2 in all-time wins. You know those other teams in the top 3, Kentucky and North Carolina? Well, Kentucky's legendary coach, Adolph Rupp, was born in Halstead, Kansas. He played for Phog Allen at KU before going off to create his own legacy. Dean Smith, North Carolina's Hall of Fame coach, was born in Emporia, Kansas. Smith also played under Allen, and he served as one of Phog's assistant coaches for a year. KU also boasts a number of all-time great players, such as Danny Manning, Paul Pierce, Clyde Lovellete, and the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. Apart from Phog Allen, KU's list of all-star coaches includes Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and Bill Self. As for KU's success, the Jayhawks currently have 3 NCAA Championships, 2 Helms Championships, and 14 Final Fours. They also rank #1 in winning seasons, number of Consensus First Team All-Americans, consecutive 30-win seasons, and regular season conference championships. To top it all off, KU plays in Allen Fieldhouse, which many consider the greatest basketball venue in the country. At every home game, the Fieldhouse is full of the most loyal, enthusiastic fans around. If all of that doesn't convince you that KU is the greatest basketball school, you must be a Missouri fan. Rock Chalk!

***Josh Frederick, 2012-13***