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March Madness Winners List Since 2000

By Salim Prajapati / 12 December 2023 10:05 AM

Source : si

March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournament held each spring in the United States, is a highly anticipated and thrilling sporting event that captures the hearts of millions of fans with its intense games and underdog stories.

This annual college basketball tournament, organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), takes place every March and April featuring 68 college basketball teams battling it out over several weeks to determine the national champion.

From the year 2000 to 2010, we witnessed several powerhouse programs claim the title. Schools like Duke, UConn, and North Carolina dominated the courts and cut down the nets, cementing their status as college basketball royalty.

In this article, we delve into the victors of March Madness from the year 2000 onwards, exploring the remarkable achievements, and the lasting impact these victories have had on college basketball.

2023 - UConn Huskies

Source : reddit

  • Season Record: 31-8 (13-7 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Dan Hurley

UConn Huskies, not initially ranked in the tournament, ignited a winning streak by securing victories in all six games.

They convincingly triumphed over San Diego State (76-59) in the championship game, clinching their fifth national title.

The Huskies, under the guidance of fifth-year head coach Dan Hurley, concluded their third season in the Big East with a record of 31 wins and 8 losses, posting a 13–7 record in Big East play and securing a tie for fourth place in the standings.

In the NCAA tournament, they beat Iona, Saint Mary's, Arkansas, Gonzaga and Miami to advance to the championship game.

2022 - Kansas Jayhawks

Source : people

  • Season Record: 34-6 (14-4 Big 12)
  • Head Coach: Bill Self

The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team showcased their dominance in the 2022 tournament, securing victory after victory with double-digit leads.

Their journey to the championship was marked by an intense showdown against North Carolina, which resulted in a hard-fought close victory. This was Kansas' fourth national title and their first since 2008.

The Jayhawks squad was led by Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self in his 19th year. They ended the season jointly at the top with a record of 34 wins and 6 losses.

Following their victory over Providence in the NCAA tournament, Kansas defeated North Carolina in the National Championship game with a final score of 72-69.

2021 - Baylor Bears

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 28-2 (13-1 Big 12)
  • Head Coach: Scott Drew

Baylor Bears basketball team headed into the 2021 NCAA tournament as the top seed, and they certainly did not disappoint.

Their hard work and determination saw them emerge victorious in a thrilling championship game against Gonzaga, marking their triumphant first national title win.

The 2020–21 season marked a historic milestone in Baylor's basketball history, standing out as their most remarkable season in 115 years. With an impressive record of 28-2, including a 13-1 performance in Big 12 play, they secured their first regular season championship.

2019 - Virginia Cavaliers

Source : mprnews

  • Season Record: 35-3 (16-2 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Tony Bennett

Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team was a defensive-minded team that became the first #1 overall seed to win the March Madness since Kentucky in 2012.

Senior guard Kyle Guy and junior forward De'Andre Hunter, both selected for the All-American First Team, spearheaded the team.

Throughout the tournament, the Cavaliers limited their rivals to an average of 61.6 points per game.

After failing to win the ACC Conference Tournament, Virginia went on to win their first national championship besting Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime.

2018 - Villanova Wildcats

Source : bleacherreport

  • Season Record: 36-4 (14-4 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Jay Wright

Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team was the first team to win two national championships in three years since Florida in 2007.

The Wildcats concluded the season with a record of 36-4, achieving a 14-4 record in Big East competition. They emerged victorious against Marquette, Butler, and Providence, ultimately clinching the Big East tournament championship.

In the NCAA contest, Villanova beat Radford, Alabama, West Virginia, and Texas Tech, securing a spot in the Final Four for the second time in three years.

Then in the National Semifinal, they triumphed over Kansas before ultimately beating Michigan in the National Championship game, clinching their second national title in three years.

2017 - North Carolina Tar Heels

Source : facebook

  • Season Record: 33-7 (14-4 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Roy Williams

The 2017 North Carolina Tar Heels boasted exceptional talent, with senior guard Joel Berry II and junior forward Justin Jackson leading the team to an extraordinary season.

Their remarkable performance secured them the top spot in the final Coaches poll, resulting in a well-deserved sixth national championship victory.

During head coach, Roy Williams's 14th season, the Tar Heels were unstoppable in the NCAA tournament. They defeated Kentucky in Elite Eight, Oregon in Final Four and Gonzaga in the championship game to claim the title.

2016 - Villanova Wildcats

Source : pinterest

  • Season Record: 35-5 (16-2 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Jay Wright

Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team was a surprise team that came out of nowhere to win the national championship.

The Wildcats concluded the season with a 35–5 record, 16–2 to win the Big East regular season.

They entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seed. In the Tournament, they routed UNC Asheville, Iowa, Miami and Kansas, securing their place in the Final Four.

The Wildcats defeated Oklahoma by the biggest margin ever in the Final Four and advanced to play North Carolina for the trophy. Ryan Arcidiacono, named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, led the Wildcats to the National Championship glory.

2015 - Duke Blue Devils

Source : ebay

  • Season Record: 35-4 (15-3 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team celebrated their fifth NCAA national championship in 2015.

Mike Krzyzewski's men only lost four games in an entire season and were ranked No. 5 on the AP poll. The Blue Devils came in second in ACC, winning 15 and losing 3 in the conference.

Besides, the team made it to the semifinals in the 2015 ACC tournament but lost to Notre Dame. In the NCAA tournament, Duke played against Utah, Gonzaga and Michigan State before advancing to the championship game.

The Blue Devils won their fifth national championship by defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 68–63 in the Finals.

2014 - UConn Huskies

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 32-8 (12-6 AAC)
  • Head Coach: Kevin Ollie

UConn Huskies men's basketball team became the first 7-seed to win a championship in tournament history, making their victory one of the most memorable upsets in March Madness history.

They participated in the championship match boasting the highest seed total ever recorded (15).

After facing a ban from postseason play for sanctions, the Huskies made a strong comeback a year later. They secured victory in the Final Four by beating the Florida Gators in the semifinals and the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2014 National Championship Game.

Point guard Shabazz Napier stood out and was honored as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

2013 - Louisville Cardinals

Source : si

  • Season Record: 35-5 (14-4 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Rick Pitino

Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team won their third national championship in 2013 following a win against Michigan.

However, their victory was marked by controversy, as the program was later found to have committed major NCAA rules violations. As a result in 2018, the NCAA vacated the title.

Besides, the Cardinals still put together a strong season, finished the season 35-5, 14-4 in the Big East, winning the conference title.

The Cardinals played the school's fourth Final Four and registered a win against Michigan, claiming the NCAA Championship.

2012 - Kentucky Wildcats

Source : courier-journal

  • Season Record: 38-2 (16-0 SEC)
  • Head Coach: John Calipari

Kentucky Wildcats' remarkable journey to the championship was highlighted by a convincing win over Kansas in the final game.

The team's achievement of 38 wins surpassed a record held collectively by five teams, marking the highest number of wins in the history of NCAA men's Division I.

The Wildcats' stellar performance was propelled by future NBA standouts Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, whose exceptional skills and leadership played pivotal roles.

Notably, freshman forward Anthony Davis rightly earned recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

2011 - Connecticut Huskies

Source : bleacherreport

  • Season Record: 32-9 (9-9 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Jim Calhoun

Connecticut Huskies men's basketball's third national championship in 2011 was a testament to the program's sustained excellence.

Led by head coach Jim Calhoun, the team entered the year unranked and ended the season ninth in the Big East.

They got a free pass to the 2011 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament by winning the Big East conference title. The Huskies made it to the Final Four by beating Arizona and then reached the national championship game by winning against Kentucky.

In the end, Connecticut won their first championship since 2004 by defeating Butler Bulldogs 53-41.

2010 - Duke Blue Devils

Source : syracuse

  • Season Record: 35-5 (13-3 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Duke Blue Devils achieved their fourth March Madness victory in the program's history in 2010.

This accomplishment was propelled by senior forward Kyle Singler, who displayed exceptional leadership throughout the season.

Duke led the ACC standings with 13 wins and eventually became the ACC tournament champion.

In the NCAA competition, the Blue Devils went up against Purdue, Baylor, and West Virginia before ultimately competing against Butler in the final showdown.

2009 - North Carolina Tar Heels

Source : 247sports

  • Season Record: 34-4 (13-3 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Roy Williams

North Carolina Tar Heels won their fifth national championship in program history against Michigan State in 2009.

The Tar Heels were coached by Roy Williams who was in his sixth season with the university team. With a 13-3 record, they finished at the top of the ACC standings but failed to win the ACC tournament.

In the NCAA tournament, NC faced LSU, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, Villanova and Michigan State.

Wayne Ellington received the Most Outstanding Player title in the tournament, making him the fourth Tar Heel to achieve this recognition.

2008 - Kansas Jayhawks

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 37-3 (13-3 Big 12)
  • Head Coach: Bill Self

Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team won their third national championship by conquering Memphis in the final 75-68 in overtime.

The Jayhawks had a fantastic season, winning 37 games and tying for the top spot in the Big 12 with a 13–3 record. They clinched the Big 12 tournament title by beating Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M.

As a result, they earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region for the NCAA tournament. The team went on to win the National Championship by defeating Memphis, securing their third tournament title and fifth national title overall in school history.

2007 - Florida Gators

Source : facebook

  • Season Record: 35-5 (13-3 SEC)
  • Head Coach: Billy Donovan

The Florida Gators men's basketball team successfully defended their title with a victory over Ohio State in the championship game.

The Gators became the first team since the 1992 Duke Blue Devils to win back-to-back national championships. Florida held off a late Ohio State rally to secure the victory.

Similarly, the Gators concluded the season with an impressive 26–5 record as they headed into the SEC Championship. Emerging victorious in all three games, they secured the top seed in the NCAA tournament.

2006 - Florida Gators

Source : naplesnews

  • Season Record: 33-6 (10-6 SEC)
  • Head Coach: Billy Donovan

The Florida Gators men's basketball team won their first national championship in program history in 2006.

The Gators entered the season with a determined goal of breaking their pattern of early elimination in the NCAA tournament. 

With an impressive 24-6 record, they advanced to the SEC Championship and triumphed in all three games, earning themselves a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Their journey culminated in a thrilling final against UCLA on April 3, 2006, where Florida emerged victorious with a resounding score of 73-57 to secure their inaugural NCAA Championship title.

2005 - North Carolina Tar Heels

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 33-4 (14-2 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Roy Williams

North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team clinched their fourth national championship in 2005 and their first since 1993.

The North Carolina Tar Heels put together an exceptional season, finishing with a remarkable 33-4 overall record and a commanding 14-2 ACC conference record. Their outstanding performance secured them the title of ACC regular season champions.

Following a narrow loss to Georgia Tech in the semifinals of the ACC tournament, the Tar Heels quickly bounced back to win all six games in the NCAA tournament, claiming the trophy.

2004 - Connecticut Huskies

  • Season Record: 33-6 (12-4 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Jim Calhoun

Led by Coach Jim Calhoun, the 2003-04 Connecticut Huskies, anchored by future NBA stars Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, dominated the hardwood.

Finishing 2nd in the Big East with a 33-6 record, they entered the NCAA tournament as a 7th seed. Despite an early season loss to Georgia Tech, the Huskies avenged it all the way to the championship, defeating the Yellow Jackets 82-73 in the title game.

With Okafor's outstanding performance and well-deserved Final Four MVP honors, the Huskies solidified their place in history as undisputed national champions.

2003 - Syracuse Orangemen

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 30-5 (13-3 Big East)
  • Head Coach: Jim Boeheim

The exceptional 2002-03 Syracuse Orangemen featured a distinctive lineup. Despite having two seniors, the team was guided by a promising collection of freshmen and sophomores, notably standout players Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara.

While their path to NCAA success presented difficulties, they united under the leadership of coach Jim Boeheim and triumphed over every challenge.

The Orangemen encountered formidable opponents in the NCAA tournament, contending with Oklahoma and Texas. However, they persevered undeterred, triumphing in every match with resilience and resolve.

In the championship showdown against Kansas, they achieved an exhilarating 81-78 win, marking their inaugural national title in the school's history.

2002 - Maryland Terrapins

Source : bleacherreport

  • Season Record: 32-4 (15-1 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Gary Williams

Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team dominated the 2001-02 college basketball finishing the regular season with a record of 32-4, including a perfect 15-1 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Terrapins, as the No. 1 seed in the East Region, cruised through their first three opponents and advanced to a Final Four showdown with the Kansas Jayhawks. In a closely contested game, the Terrapins managed to pull ahead in the second half and secured a 97-88 victory.

In the championship game, Maryland competed against the Indiana Hoosiers. Although the match was tightly contested, the Terrapins once again surged ahead and secured a victory with a score of 64-52.

2001 - Duke Blue Devils

Source : ebay

  • Season Record: 35-4 (13-3 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team was a powerhouse in 2001, finishing with a 35-4 record and being ranked No. 1 in the final AP Poll.

Coached by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, the team was led by All-American duo Shane Battier and Jason "Jay" Williams.

The ACC was completely under the control of the Blue Devils as they triumphed in the conference tournament and secured a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Their path to the national championship featured notable wins against Monmouth, Missouri, UCLA, USC, Maryland, and ultimately, Arizona in the championship match.

2000 - Michigan State Spartans

Source : twitter

  • Season Record: 32-7 (13-3 Big Ten)
  • Head Coach: Tom Izzo

Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team grabbed their second-only NCAA national championship in 2000.

Led by stars like Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, and Charlie Bell, the Spartans dominated the Big Ten, concluding with a 13-3 conference record and a share of the regular-season championship.

They earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and faced tough competition throughout. In the Final Four, they faced a high-flying Wisconsin team.

The national championship game pitted Michigan State against Florida Gators. The game was close throughout, but the Spartans pulled away to win 89-76.