The College Hoops Showdown: The Top Picks for a Career in Basketball
Welcome to the best college basketball blog on the internet!
In this post, we will help you find the best college to go to for basketball.
If you plan on playing Division I basketball, there is no doubt that this is the best place to look first.
This list is ordered by the highest level of prestige with a few descriptions about the respective university.
So, if you are coming straight out of high school or looking to transfer up from junior college this post will help you increase your NCAA tournament appearances
University of Kentucky
School Size
The University of Kentucky is one of the best colleges for basketball players because it has a large student body (30,000 students).
The school features a successful basketball program that has won the second most NCAAB championships.
Campus Environment
The University of Kentucky is a wonderful place to attend for aspiring basketball players.
The campus is new and has all the latest amenities, including an amazing arena that can seat over 20,000 fans.
The coaching staff is world-renowned, and the players regularly compete in the NCAA tournament.
Overall, it is a perfect place to develop as a player and learn from some of the best minds in the sport.
Athletics
The University of Kentucky is the perfect place for a basketball player to attend.
The athletics department has a rich history of success both in the NCAA and in the NBA, and the basketball team is routinely among the best in the country.
The fan base is enthusiastic and devoted, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with Wildcats fans both on and off the court.
If you are looking to play Division I basketball, there is no doubt that the best place to go is the University of Kentucky.
John Calipari, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, during his 30-year collegiate coaching career, has coached six teams to the Final Four, led one to a national title and helped 54 players receive NBA Draft selection.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, more commonly known as UNC-Chapel Hill or simply Carolina, is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
It is the flagship institution of the seventeen campuses of the University of North Carolina system.
After being chartered in 1789, the university first opened its doors to students in 1795.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers 79 bachelor’s degrees, 112 master’s degrees, 68 doctoral degrees, and 29 professional degree programs.
The student body consists of over 18,000 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate students.
In 2011-2012, UNC-Chapel Hill was ranked 30th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report and 5th among public universities.
School Size
UNC is a small school, meaning that there are only around 17,000 students enrolled.
With such a small population, the school can provide an intimate basketball atmosphere.
Campus Environment
UNC has a great campus environment. The school is in Chapel Hill, which is a beautiful city with plenty of restaurants and nightlife.
The basketball facilities are also top-notch, with a state-of-the-art gym and practice facility.
Athletics
The University of North Carolina is the perfect place to attend if you are interested in basketball.
The Tar Heels have been ranked number one in the NCAA for three consecutive years, and they have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
From Michael Jordan to James Worthy, UNC has churned out some phenomenal talent on the court.
If you want to attend a top-notch university and be the best player you can be, UNC is your school!
University of Arizona
School Size
University of Arizona is a prestigious school when it comes to basketball.
The school has an enrollment of over 44,000 students, which gives the basketball program plenty of players to choose from.
In addition, the university has an impressive arena that can hold over 10,000 fans.
This makes it one of the best places in the country to watch a basketball game.
Not only that, the University of Arizona is home to one of the most storied basketball programs in history.
The Wildcats have won fifteen national titles, the most of any school in the country.
Arizona also has an impressive record in the NCAA Championship game, with six appearances.
Campus Environment
The University of Arizona has long been considered one of the best basketball schools in the United States.
The campus environment is perfect for athletes and the fans are enthusiastic about their Wildcats.
With a history of success on the court, it is no surprise that many top players have attended UA.
Some of the most famous alumni include Gilbert Arenas, Deandre Ayton, and Andre Iguodala.
Whether you are a fan of college basketball or just looking for a suitable place to study, the University of Arizona is an excellent choice.
Athletics
The University of Arizona is without a doubt one of the best colleges for basketball in the nation.
The Wildcats have been consistently successful over the past few years, making it to the NCAA Tournament every year since 2007.
Not only are they good on the court, but Arizona also has an excellent academic reputation.
In addition, the campus is beautiful and well-located in Tucson, so you will not have to worry about having too much fun while you are attending school there!
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is considered one of the best basketball schools in the country.
With a rich history in basketball and an impressive array of alumni who have gone on to successful careers, it is no wonder that the Cardinals are among the top programs in the country.
With such a talented roster, there is no doubt that fans will be entertained at every game.
School Size
The University of Louisville is a medium-sized school with around 22,000 students.
While this may seem like a lot of people, it allows for a tight-knit community feel on campus.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus, and the professors really care about their students.
The academics are challenging, but there are also plenty of options for majors and minors.
The campus is beautiful, and there are always things going on. The athletic programs are great, and the school spirit is awesome.
Overall, I would highly recommend the University of Louisville to anyone looking for a great college experience!
Campus Environment
University of Louisville is a great university for basketball.
The campus environment is perfect for athletes.
It has a great basketball program, and the coaches are top notch.
The players get the best training possible, and the fans are enthusiastic about their team.
University of Louisville is the best college to go to for basketball!
Athletics
Louisville is the perfect choice for any aspiring basketball player looking for a top-notch education and a world-class athletic program.
With an impressive history in men’s and women’s basketball, the Cardinals have won conference championships in both leagues, plus three NCAA titles (two in men’s and one in women’s).
The team is consistently ranked among the country’s best team, so there is no doubt that you will be competing against some of the best players in the nation while attending Louisville.
Villanova University
School Size
The Villanova Wildcats basketball team is known for their fierce play on the court. With a student population of only 8,000 students, Villanova has fewer students than many other colleges.
This allows the Wildcats to provide more one-on-one attention to their players. In addition, Villanova has an illustrious basketball history that includes five NCAA Championships and many other awards and accolades.
The Wildcats compete in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Big East Conference with 19 varsity sports teams.
More than 95 percent of Villanova students receive some form of financial aid, including athletic scholarships.
If you are looking for a challenging collegiate basketball experience, look no further than Villanova University!
Campus Environment
Villanova University is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The campus environment is suburban and very safe.
The campus is beautiful, with plenty of green space and gardens.
There are a few on-campus dining options, but most students head into Philadelphia for food.
The campus is also close to major city attractions, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Athletics
Villanova University is a prestigious school for basketball.
The Wildcats have won four national championships, including two in the last three years.
Villanova has a rich history in the sport, and its coaches are highly regarded.
The school is in Philadelphia, which is known for its rich basketball tradition.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is widely known for its prestigious basketball program.
The Jayhawks have won eleven national championships, most recently in 2008.
As one of the top basketball schools in the country, the University of Kansas offers a competitive environment and talented players toitsr students.
The basketball program is well supported by the university and boasts a wealth of alumni who continue to support their school throughout their careers.
School Size
There are over 30,000 students at the University of Kansas!
This means that you are likely to find a basketball-playing friend or classmate.
Plus, because KU’s campus is so large and spread out, you are never too far from a hoop.
As for the quality of basketball played on campus, Kansas has consistently been one of the top programs in the country.
In fact, they have won an incredible 27 NCAA championships!
Whether you are looking for an elite college basketball experience or just want to compete against some of the best players in America, KU is worth considering.
Gonzaga University
School Size
Gonzaga University is a private, Jesuit university in Spokane, Washington.
With over 14,000 students, it is the largest university in the Northwest and one of the largest private universities in the nation.
The school has a rich history dating back to 1884 when its first class of students was admitted.
Gonzaga’s basketball program has been nationally successful for many years and has produced several NBA players and coaches.
The Bulldogs play their home games at the McCarthy Athletic Center which was recently upgraded with new facilities including a state-of-the-art court surface.
Athletics
The school has an NCAA Division I men’s basketball program that has been in the top-25 of the national poll for 31 consecutive seasons, most recently ranking 11th in the 2017–2018 season.
The Bulldogs play their home games at the McCarthy Athletic Center, which was recently upgraded with new facilities including a state-of-the-art court surface.
Campus Environment
If you’re looking for a great college to go to for basketball, Gonzaga University is one of the best options around.
The Bulldogs have a rich history dating back to 1884 and their program has been nationally successful for many years.
In addition to producing many NBA players and coaches, Gonzaga also has a great campus environment.
If you’re looking for an excellent place to study while playing basketball, then Gonzaga is the perfect institution for you!
Duke University
School Size
Duke University is one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country.
With an enrollment of over 16,000 students, Duke Basketball has a large fan base.
The school has won multiple National Championships and had many players drafted into the NBA.
Duke is also known for its academic excellence and provides a top-notch education to its students.
Campus Environment
Duke University is one of the best colleges for basketball players.
The campus environment is perfect for athletes and there are plenty of resources available to help students achieve their goals.
Duke also has a great basketball program that offers top-level competition.
Athletics
Duke University is known for their amazing basketball program, and they have been consistently producing elite players.
North Carolina is another great option if you are looking for a top-notch collegiate basketball program.
Both schools have long histories of success in the sport, and they offer competitive scholarships that will help you afford to attend.
If you are serious about becoming a professional player, then these are two places that you should consider attending.
University of California – Los Angles
School Size
University of California – Los Angles is one of the best colleges for basketball.
The school has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
Additionally, UCLA has been ranked as one of the best colleges in America by U.S. News and World Report for a number of years.
This makes UCLA a perfect choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in basketball or any other sport.
Campus Environment
The University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) is the perfect school for any basketball fan.
Not only does UCLA have one of the best basketball programs in the nation, but their campus environment is top-notch as well.
The school has a beautiful and historic campus that is perfect for studying and relaxing.
They also have some of the best programs in the country, with an excellent athletic department that provides great opportunities for players to develop their skills.
Overall, UCLA is an excellent choice for any basketball lover looking to attend a top-notch university with a great program and amazing environment.
Athletics
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the best colleges for basketball.
The Bruins have won six NCAA Championships, including back-to-back titles in 1959 and 1960.
UCLA also made it to the Final Four five times in the 1970s and 1980s.
The school has produced some incredible players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West.
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is widely considered to be one of the best college basketball programs in the country.
The Huskies have consistently been one of the top teams in the nation, winning multiple conference championships and making it to the NCAA tournament multiple times.
UConn has a large following both on and off campus, so there is a spot for you if you want to join their team.
School Size
The University of Connecticut is a large school when it comes to basketball. With over 10,000 students, it is perfect for anyone looking to get involved in the sport.
In addition, the campus is in Storrs which is home to multiple restaurants and nightlife options.
Campus Environment
University of Connecticut has been a dominant force in NCAA Division I men’s basketball for over 50 years.
The campus environment is perfect for aspiring athletes.
The school offers top-notch facilities and resources, including world-class coaching and recruiting staff.
Students constantly compete against each other in intramural and club sports, which creates an intense atmosphere that prepares them for the competitive college level.
Overall, University of Connecticut is an excellent choice for any basketball player looking to improve their skills or further their career.
Athletics
It might be hard to believe now but University of Connecticut was not always a powerhouse in basketball.
In fact, when the school first started playing organized basketball in the late 1800s, they were only able to make it to the post-season once.
However, through challenging work and dedication by coaches and players alike, UConn has since established itself as one of the top programs in all of college basketball.
One reason UConn is such a successful basketball program is because of their enthusiastic fan base.
The students at UConn are die-hard supporters who love nothing more than watching their team win.
This intensity is evident throughout all levels of their athletic program, and it has helped them become one of the most successful institutions in all of NCAA Division I athletics.
University of Florida
School Size
The University of Florida is one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 59,000 students.
The university has over one hundred sports teams that compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
The basketball team is a member of the SEC and has made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
The University of Florida has a great basketball program and is an excellent choice for someone looking to attend a college with a strong basketball program.
Campus Environment
University of Florida is a great school for basketball because of their campus environment.
The basketball program is phenomenally successful and consistently produces top talent.
The school has an amazing basketball arena, which makes the game experience amazing.
Additionally, the faculty and staff are supportive and willing to help players improve their skills.
Overall, University of Florida is a wonderful place to attend for anyone interested in playing basketball professionally.
Athletics
University of Florida is considered by many to be the best college for basketball.
The Gators have had a long history of success in the sport, most notably with players like Tim Duncan and Billy Donovan.
In addition to having a great basketball program, the university offers a wealth of other opportunities, such as top-notch academics.
University of Indiana
School Size
Indiana University is a large school, with over 30,000 students.
This makes it one of the larger colleges in the country when it comes to basketball.
IU has an extensive history in the sport, and has produced many top level players and coaches over the years.
The school also boasts some of the best facilities in the country, which will help any player who wants to develop their skills.
Indiana is a great choice for someone looking for a large college with plenty of basketball opportunities.
Campus Environment
The University of Indiana is a great basketball school.
The campus environment is great and the fans are passionate about their team.
The coaching staff is top-notch and the players there has a lot of talent.
Athletics
The University of Indiana has a rich history in athletics.
The Hoosiers have won 5 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships, the 5th most in NCAAB history.
The IU men’s basketball team has also won the National Championship twice, in 1951 and 1967.
The program also boasts a formidable women’s basketball team that has made it to three Final Fours and one national championship game.
With an impressive history and tradition in athletics, Indiana is definitely a top choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in basketball.
University of Houston
School Size
The University of Houston offers a great basketball program that ranks in the top 25 nationally.
The school has an enrollment of over 34,000 students and offers a variety of athletic programs, making it a great choice for anyone looking to study in a large city.
The campus is located in Houston, one of the largest and most diverse cities in America.
Campus Environment
The University of Houston is one of the top basketball schools in the country.
The campus environment is great and the students are passionate about the sport.
They have a great basketball program with many talented players.
Additionally, the school is surrounded by great restaurants and nightlife, which makes it a great place to study and live.
Athletics
Houston is a well-known school for athletics.
The university has had a long history of success in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and more.
Houston students also have access to some of the best facilities in the country, including Fertitta Center and TDECU Stadium.
These facilities help contribute to the success of the Cougars basketball team.
Houston’s academics are also very respected and well-regarded, making it an excellent choice for students looking for a top college with a strong program in both athletics and academics.
Which school should you choose?
There are so many great colleges to choose from when it comes to basketball!
However, one school that consistently ranks near the top is Duke.
Duke has a rich history in the sport, with several former players going on to successful careers in the NBA.
The ACC also features some of the best basketball programs in the country, so choosing between Duke and another ACC school like North Carolina or Virginia would be tough.
There is no easy answer when it comes to choosing which school is best suited for you as an aspiring basketball player.
Each school has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages that will matter depending on your individual goals and preferences.
Here are some honorable mentions of schools that are good but just didn’t make the list: Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Kansas State, Iowa State, San Diego State, Texas A&m, Boise State, South Carolina, West Virginia
