When the Colorado and Colorado State men’s basketball programs both made the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years starting in 2011-12, it seemed that the Buffs and Rams would be duking it out for years for bragging rights as the best program in the Centennial State. The Rams, however, haven’t returned to the tournament since those two appearances and the Buffs faced another one-and-done in this year’s big dance.
As it turns out, neither one is considered the top college basketball program in Colorado, according to one survey.
A survey of the nation’s basketball teams by HeroSports.com said the Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners are the top “pound for pound” program in Colorado.
The survey takes into account winning percentage (2010-2015), NCAA Tournament appearances (2000-2015), Final Four appearances (1975-2015), National Championships (1975-2015), NABC Player of the Year (1982-2015) and Coach of the Year Awards (1975-2015).
MSU Denver has qualified for 17 of the last 19 NCAA Division II tournaments, including six Final Four appearances and two national championships in that time period. The Roadrunners boast the last two national players of the year in Brandon Jefferson and Mitch McCarron, and their historical record of 694-253 is the best all-time winning percentage in D-II men’s basketball.
The Roadrunners have been especially impressive recently with winning a percentage of .840 since 2010. Unfortunately, this season proved to be a down year for the vaunted program.
MSU Denver was defeated during the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament by Fort Lewis, the eventual tournament champions. Though this was a disappointing year, by MSU Denver standards, many programs would kill for a similar season. The Roadrunners concluded the season with an overall record of 19-11. Colorado State University is 17-15 on the season and Air Force Academy finished 14-18, while the Colorado Buffaloes ended the year 22-12, losing to Connecticut in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
With only four seniors graduating this year, and with the program’s established history of success, it’s safe to assume that the Roadrunners will be back full throttle next season.
Image Credit: Metropolitan State University