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 (2007โ2012)
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 49โ20 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 95โ69 (.579) before retiring due to serious heart problems in November 2012, with an overall NCAA record of 517โ215 (.706).[2][3][4][5]
The Jim Crews Era (2012โ2016)
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 11โ21 seasons. Crews received a $1.86 million buyout in 2016-17.[6][7]
The Travis Ford Era (2016โ2024)
Travis Ford was hired as head coach on March 30, 2016, inheriting a team that had struggled with 11โ21 records in the preceding two seasons. Despite predictions for a last-place finish in the Atlantic 10 conference for the 2016โ17 season, Ford led the team to six conference wins and a 12โ21 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 (2024โPresent)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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References
References
- Rick Majerus won't return to SLU. ESPN, 2012-11-16.
- Saint Louis fires Jim Crews
- Retired Numbers and Jerseys at SLBillikens.com
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official athletic or university information. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official statements, statistics, or records from Saint Louis University Athletics or the NCAA. Always refer to official university and athletic department sources for the most current and authoritative data. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.