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Hoops Heritage: The Legacy of Saint Louis Billikens Basketball

An academic exploration into the storied history, notable achievements, and statistical prowess of Saint Louis University's men's basketball program.

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Program Overview

Collegiate Identity

The Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball team represents Saint Louis University in intercollegiate competition. As a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, the program is deeply embedded in the rich tradition of NCAA Division I basketball. The team's distinctive nickname, "Billikens," and its vibrant SLU blue and white colors are central to its identity.[1]

Home Court Advantage

The Billikens play their home games at the state-of-the-art Chaifetz Arena, a facility with a seating capacity of 10,600. This arena provides a dynamic environment for both players and the dedicated student section, known as the "SLUnatics," who contribute significantly to the home-court atmosphere.[1]

Notable Achievements

The Saint Louis Billikens have a distinguished history marked by significant postseason success. They have made ten appearances in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, with their most recent participation in 2019. Furthermore, the Billikens have reached the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) four times, securing the NIT championship title in 1948.[1]

Coaching Eras

The Rick Majerus Era (2007โ€“2012)

Rick Majerus assumed the head coaching role on April 27, 2007. His tenure began with a challenging start, including an NCAA Division I record for fewest points scored in a modern-era game (a 49โ€“20 loss to George Washington). However, Majerus successfully transformed the program, leading the Billikens to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years and their first major poll ranking in 17 years by 2012. He concluded his coaching career at SLU with a record of 95โ€“69 (.579) before retiring due to serious heart problems in November 2012, with an overall NCAA record of 517โ€“215 (.706).[2][3][4][5]

The Jim Crews Era (2012โ€“2016)

Jim Crews, an assistant under Majerus since 2011, took over as interim head coach following Majerus's medical leave. After guiding the Billikens to a school-record 28 wins, Crews was formally appointed as the 25th head coach on April 12, 2013. Despite this initial success, his tenure concluded after the 2016 Atlantic 10 tournament, following two consecutive 11โ€“21 seasons. Crews received a $1.86 million buyout in 2016-17.[6][7]

The Travis Ford Era (2016โ€“2024)

Travis Ford was hired as head coach on March 30, 2016, inheriting a team that had struggled with 11โ€“21 records in the preceding two seasons. Despite predictions for a last-place finish in the Atlantic 10 conference for the 2016โ€“17 season, Ford led the team to six conference wins and a 12โ€“21 overall record. His tenure gained national media attention in January 2024 due to his son's use of burner social media accounts to defend his father amidst calls for his dismissal. Ford and SLU mutually parted ways after the 2023-24 season.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

The Josh Schertz Era (2024โ€“Present)

Following the departure of Travis Ford, Josh Schertz was announced as the new head coach for the Saint Louis Billikens on April 6, 2024. Schertz steps into the role with the task of leading the program into its next chapter.[15]

NCAA Tournament

Tournament History

The Billikens have participated in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament ten times, compiling a combined record of 6 wins and 11 losses. Their most notable run included reaching the Elite Eight in 1952.

Year Seed Round Opponent Result
1952Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
New Mexico State
Kansas
W 62โ€“53
L 55โ€“74
1957Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd Place Game
Oklahoma City
SMU
L 66โ€“75
L 68โ€“78
1994#7First Round#10 MarylandL 66โ€“74
1995#9First Round
Second Round
#8 Minnesota
#1 Wake Forest
W 64โ€“61OT
L 59โ€“64
1998#10First Round
Second Round
#7 UMass
#2 Kentucky
W 51โ€“46
L 61โ€“88
2000#9First Round#8 UtahL 45โ€“48
2012#9First Round
Second Round
#8 Memphis
#1 Michigan State
W 61โ€“54
L 61โ€“65
2013#4First Round
Second Round
#13 New Mexico State
#12 Oregon
W 64โ€“44
L 57โ€“74
2014#5First Round
Second Round
#12 NC State
#4 Louisville
W 83โ€“80OT
L 51โ€“66
2019#13First Round#4 Virginia TechL 52โ€“66

NIT Tournament

NIT Championship

The Billikens have a rich history in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), with 21 appearances and a combined record of 18 wins and 20 losses. Their crowning achievement in the NIT came in 1948 when they secured the championship title. They also reached the finals in 1961, 1989, and 1990, demonstrating consistent competitive performance in this prestigious postseason event.

Year Round Opponent Result
1948Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
Bowling Green
Western Kentucky
NYU
W 69โ€“53
W 60โ€“53
W 65โ€“52
1949QuarterfinalsBowling GreenL 74โ€“80
1951First Round
Quarterfinals
La Salle
BYU
W 73โ€“61
L 68โ€“75
1952QuarterfinalsDaytonL 58โ€“68
1953First RoundSt. John'sL 66โ€“81
1955First Round
Quarterfinals
Connecticut
Dayton
W 110โ€“103
L 81โ€“97
1956First RoundXavierL 80โ€“84
1959QuarterfinalsProvidenceL 72โ€“75
1960QuarterfinalsProvidenceL 53โ€“64
1961First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
Miami (FL)
Colorado State
Dayton
Providence
W 58โ€“56
W 59โ€“53
W 67โ€“60
L 59โ€“62
1963QuarterfinalsMarquetteL 49โ€“84
1965First RoundArmyL 66โ€“70
1987First Round
Second Round
Saint Peter's
Southern Miss
W 76โ€“60
L 78โ€“83
1989First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
Southern Illinois
Wisconsin
New Mexico
Michigan State
St. John's
W 87โ€“54
W 73โ€“68
W 66โ€“65
W 74โ€“64
L 65โ€“73
1990First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
Kent State
Green Bay
DePaul
New Mexico
Vanderbilt
W 85โ€“74
W 58โ€“54
W 54โ€“47
W 80โ€“73
L 72โ€“74
1996First RoundMinnesotaL 52โ€“68
2003First RoundMinnesotaL 52โ€“62
2004First Round
Second Round
Iowa
Notre Dame
W 70โ€“69
L 66โ€“77
2021First RoundMississippi StateL 68โ€“74
2022First RoundNorthern IowaL 68โ€“80
2025First RoundArkansas StateL 78โ€“103

CBI Tournament

CBI Runner-Up

The Billikens have made one appearance in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), achieving a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. In their sole participation, they reached the finals, finishing as the CBI runner-up.

Year Round Opponent Result
2010First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals Game 1
Finals Game 2
Indiana State
Green Bay
Princeton
VCU
VCU
W 63โ€“54
W 68โ€“62 2OT
W 69โ€“59
L 56โ€“68
L 65โ€“71

Individual Honors

Retired Numbers

The Saint Louis Billikens program recognizes exceptional contributions by retiring jersey numbers, a permanent tribute to players whose impact transcends their playing careers. To date, only one number has been officially retired, signifying a profound legacy within the team's history.

Ed Macauley's number 50 stands as the sole retired jersey, a testament to his indelible mark on the Billikens program.[16]

No. Player Pos. Career
50Ed MacauleyC / PF1945โ€“1949

Honored Jerseys

In addition to retired numbers, the Billikens program also honors jerseys for players who have made significant contributions, allowing their numbers to remain active for future players. This tradition celebrates their achievements while maintaining the availability of numbers for current and future generations of Billikens.

Several distinguished players have had their jerseys honored, recognizing their impact on the court.[16]

No. Player Pos. Career
24Dick BoushkaF1951โ€“1955
34Anthony BonnerPF / SF1986โ€“1990
43Bob FerryPF / C1956โ€“1959

Home Arenas

Evolution of Home Courts

The Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball team has called numerous venues home throughout its extensive history, reflecting the growth and changing landscape of collegiate athletics. From early gymnasiums to large-capacity arenas, each location has played a role in shaping the team's legacy.

  • 1915, 1917: Muegge's Gymnasium (Grand Ave. and Hickory St.)
  • 1919โ€“1920: Rock Springs Turner Hall (Boyle Ave. and Chouteau Ave.)
  • 1920โ€“1921: College Hall
  • 1921โ€“1922: First Regiment Armory and Macabee's Hall (911 Vandeventer Ave.)
  • 1922โ€“1923: First Regiment Armory and Battery A Armory (1 game)
  • 1923โ€“1924: First Regiment Armory
  • 1924โ€“1925: SLUH Gymnasium
  • 1925โ€“1926: First Regiment Armory, SLUH Gymnasium and St. Louis Coliseum
  • 1926โ€“1945: St. Louis University Gymnasium (West Pine Gym)
  • 1945โ€“1968: Kiel Auditorium
  • 1968โ€“1973: St. Louis Arena
  • 1973โ€“1991: Kiel Auditorium
  • 1991โ€“1994: St. Louis Arena
  • 1994โ€“2008: Scottrade Center (Kiel Center, Savvis Center)
  • 2008โ€“present: Chaifetz Arena

Billikens in the Pros

Global Professional Impact

Many former Saint Louis Billikens players have transitioned their collegiate success into professional basketball careers, competing in various leagues across the globe. Their journeys highlight the program's ability to develop talent capable of performing at an elite level beyond the NCAA.

Player Attended SLU Current team Years played professionally
Marque Perry1999โ€“2003BG Gรถttingen2003โ€“2015
Itzik Ohanon2002โ€“2005Ironi Ramat Gan1999โ€“2011
Ian Vouyoukas2003โ€“2007Ionikos Nikaias B.C.2007โ€“present
Marcus Relphorde2007โ€“2008Poiters2011โ€“present
Kevin Lisch2005โ€“2009Sydney Kings2009โ€“2020
Brian Conklin2008โ€“2012Yalovaspor BK2012โ€“present
Cory Remekun2009โ€“2013Caen Basket Calvados2013โ€“2019
Cody Ellis2009โ€“2013Illawarra Hawks2013โ€“2018
Dwayne Evans2010โ€“2014Ryukyu Golden Kings2014โ€“present
Jordair Jett2010โ€“2014Nelson Giants2014โ€“2019
Mike McCall Jr.2010โ€“2014Cheshire Phoenix2014โ€“present
Rob Loe2010โ€“2014New Zealand Breakers2014โ€“present
Javon Bess2017โ€“2019Tindastรณll2019โ€“present
Tramaine Isabell2018โ€“2019KK Dubrava2019โ€“2022
Hasahn French2017โ€“2021Krka2021โ€“present

NBA and ABA Alumni

The Billikens program has also produced a notable roster of players who have competed in the highest echelons of professional basketball, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA). These athletes represent the pinnacle of individual achievement for Saint Louis University basketball alumni.

Billikens in the NBA and ABA
Player Attended SLU Team(s) Year(s) played
D.C. Wilcutt1944โ€“1948St. Louis Bombers1949โ€“1950
Marv Schatzman1947โ€“1949Baltimore Bullets1950
Ed "Easy Ed" Macauley1945โ€“1949St. Louis Bombers, Boston Celtics, St. Louis Hawks1950โ€“1959
Bevo Nordmann1958โ€“1961Cincinnati Royals, St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics1962โ€“1965
Richard Parks1964โ€“1966Pittsburgh Pipers1968
Bob Ferry1956โ€“1959St. Louis Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Baltimore Bullets1960โ€“1969
Don Dee1962โ€“1964Indiana Pacers1968โ€“1969
Barry Orms1965โ€“1968Baltimore Bullets, Indiana Pacers, Pittsburgh Pipers1969โ€“1970
Rich Niemann1965โ€“1968Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Carolina Cougars, The Floridians, Dallas Chaparrals1969โ€“1972
Gene Moore1965โ€“1968Kentucky Colonels, Dallas Chaparrals, New York Nets, San Diego Conquistadors, Spirits of St. Louis1969โ€“1975
Harry Rogers1970โ€“1973Spirits of St. Louis1976
Robin Jones1972โ€“1975Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets1977โ€“1978
David Burns1979โ€“1981New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets1982
Anthony Bonner1986โ€“1990Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic1991โ€“1996
Larry Hughes1997โ€“1998Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, Orlando Magic1999โ€“2012
Willie Reed2008โ€“2010Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons2015โ€“2018
Jordan Goodwin2017-2021Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers2021-present

Career Leaders

Points Leaders

The Billikens have been home to numerous prolific scorers throughout their history. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the program's record books through their consistent offensive contributions.

  1. 1,972 โ€“ Anthony Bonner, 6' 8" F, 1986โ€“1990
  2. 1,910 โ€“ Erwin Claggett, 6' 1" G, 1991โ€“1995
  3. 1,880 โ€“ Roland Gray, 6' 5" F, 1985โ€“1989
  4. 1,877 โ€“ Monroe Douglass, 6' 4" G, 1985โ€“1989
  5. 1,825 โ€“ Gibson Jimerson, 6โ€™ 5โ€ G, 2019-present
  6. 1,703 โ€“ Scott Highmark, 6' 5" F, 1991โ€“1995
  7. 1,687 โ€“ Kevin Lisch, 6' 2" G, 2005โ€“2009
  8. 1,575 โ€“ Kwamain Mitchell, 5' 10" G, 2008โ€“2013
  9. 1,547 โ€“ Tommie Liddell III, 6' 4" G, 2005โ€“2009
  10. 1,499 โ€“ Dwayne Evans, 6' 6" F, 2010โ€“2014

Rebounds Leaders

Dominance on the boards is a hallmark of successful basketball teams. These Billikens players demonstrated exceptional prowess in rebounding, contributing significantly to their team's control of the game.

  1. 1,424 โ€“ Anthony Bonner, 6' 8" F, 1986โ€“1990
  2. 1,157 โ€“ Jerry Koch, 6' 4" F, 1952โ€“1955
  3. 1,128 โ€“ Jim McLaughlin, 6' 4" F, 1953โ€“1956
  4. 998 โ€“ Jordan Goodwin, 6' 3" G, 2017โ€“2021
  5. 982 โ€“ Hasahn French, 6' 7" F, 2017โ€“2021

Assists Leaders

The ability to facilitate offense and create opportunities for teammates is crucial. These players are recognized for their exceptional vision and passing skills, leading the Billikens in career assists.

  1. 878 โ€“ Yuri Collins, 6' 0" G, 2019โ€“2023
  2. 436 โ€“ Josh Fisher, 6' 2" G, 2001โ€“2004
  3. 424 โ€“ Charles Newberry, 6' 3" G, 1987โ€“1990
  4. 422 โ€“ Jordair Jett, 6' 1" G, 2010โ€“2014
  5. 420 โ€“ Kwamain Mitchell, 5' 10" G, 2008โ€“2013

Steals Leaders

Defensive intensity and anticipation are key components of Billikens basketball. These players excelled at disrupting opponent offenses and generating turnovers, leading the program in career steals.

  1. 225 โ€“ Jordan Goodwin, 6' 3" G, 2017โ€“2021
  2. 192 โ€“ Anthony Bonner, 6' 8" F, 1986โ€“1990
  3. 179 โ€“ Josh Fisher, 6' 2" G, 2001โ€“2004
  4. 176 โ€“ Yuri Collins, 6' 0" G, 2019โ€“2023
  5. 174 โ€“ Jordair Jett, 6' 1" G, 2010โ€“2014

Blocks Leaders

Protecting the rim and altering shots are vital defensive contributions. These Billikens stand out for their shot-blocking abilities, establishing themselves as the program's all-time leaders in this category.

  1. 226 โ€“ Hasahn French, 6' 7" F, 2017โ€“2021
  2. 135 โ€“ Ian Vouyoukas, 6' 11" C, 2003โ€“2007
  3. 127 โ€“ Melvin Robinson, 7' 0" C, 1989โ€“1992
  4. 113 โ€“ Cory Remekun, 6' 9" F, 2009โ€“2013
  5. 113 โ€“ Willie Reed, 6' 11" F, 2008โ€“2010

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References

References

  1.  Rick Majerus won't return to SLU. ESPN, 2012-11-16.
  2.  Saint Louis fires Jim Crews
  3.  Retired Numbers and Jerseys at SLBillikens.com
A full list of references for this article are available at the Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball Wikipedia page

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