Why the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers Remain NCAAs Last Perfect Team

The Indiana University men’s basketball team finished the 1976 season with a perfect 32-0 record, capturing the national championship. No Division I men’s team has achieved an undefeated season since, making the 1976 Hoosiers a unique benchmark in the sport’s history.

Main News

Indiana University’s men’s basketball team won the 1976 NCAA championship with a perfect 32-0 season. The team was led by head coach Bob Knight.

The championship game was played on March 29, 1976, at The Spectrum in Philadelphia. Indiana defeated the University of Michigan, 86-68.

Key players on the roster included Scott May, Kent Benson, Quinn Buckner, and Bob Wilkerson. Scott May was named the National Player of the Year.

Several teams have made attempts at an undefeated season in recent decades but have fallen short. The 1976 Hoosiers remain the last Division I men’s team to accomplish this feat.

Summary

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team completed an undefeated season, culminating in a national championship victory. Their 32-0 record was secured with a win over Michigan in the title game.

The team, coached by Bob Knight, featured several standout players. This included National Player of the Year Scott May and center Kent Benson.

Despite close calls from other top programs in subsequent years, no Division I men’s team has matched this perfect season. The achievement has now stood for over 45 years.

FAQs

**Who coached the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers?**
The team was coached by Bob Knight. He led the program from 1971 to 2000.

Who were the star players on that team?
Key players included forwards Scott May and Kent Benson, and guard Quinn Buckner. Scott May was the consensus National Player of the Year.

Has any team come close since 1976?
Yes, several teams have entered the NCAA tournament undefeated but lost. The 1991 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats are notable examples that fell short of a perfect season.