TOP FIVE: College Rivalries
/Chris and I talked college hoops and some of the best rivalries in the sport on our February 22 podcast. We only had time to discuss the first two obvious ones: Duke vs. UNC, and Louisville vs. Kentucky. So we decided to put together a Top Five of the next best rivalries in college basketball. Let me know what you think with a comment, or jump over to my brother's page to see his list.
1.) Syracuse vs. UCONN
Jim Calhoun and Jim Boeheim created a classic modern rivalry, one that defines much of my early years of watching college basketball. The two coaches and the continual success of their programs helped maintain the Big East as a basketball powerhouse in the 21st-century. Perfect example of the level of competition between these two: their six-overtime gauntlet in 2009's Big East Tournament.
2.) Georgetown vs. Villanova
A classic Big East rivalry representing two of the original Catholic schools in the Big East. These two schools, neither aided by a giant football program, have fought hard to establish themselves among basketball's elite. And there is great history here. In 1985, the eight-seeded Wildcats defeated the top-ranked and Patrick Ewing-led 'Hoyas to win the NCAA tournament, becoming the lowest seeded team to ever take home the crown. Making history is nice, but beating your rival to do so is even better.
3.) UCLA vs. Arizona
When compiling this list, most of the immediate rivalries that came to mind were either Midwest or East Coast. They do play great basketball out west, and UCLA vs. Arizona is the one matchup that is required viewing. Requisite bad blood aside, the two squads have laid claim to 22 Pac-12 titles in the last 30 years.
4.) Cincinnati vs. Xavier
The Crosstown Classic is my personal favorite. Too many classic rivalries have lost the actual hate fostered from four year players and in-state recruiting battles. Instead, the vitriol is created from nostalgia and fandom. Not this one. Two good, but not classic basketball schools occupying the same city, fighting for the same good, but not great recruits is going to lead to some bad blood. And sometimes they even have a good ol' fashioned brawl:
5.) Indiana vs. Purdue
A state that claims to be obsessed with basketball needs a classic rivalry. These two in-state rivals have won a combined 43 Big Ten Championships. This rivalry also inspired one of the more infamous moments in all of college basketball: