Ranking the Nine “Blue Blood” programs in 2024 Part 1

Villanova ranks number ninth on our list of Blue Blood basketball programs.

The Villanova Wildcats have won three NCAA titles in 1985, 2016, and 2018. They are one of the "new bloods" among the "blue blood" schools. They've also been to the Final Four four times since 2009 and won seven Big East regular season titles since 2014.

Some of the best players in recent Villanova history have played for the Wildcats: Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Kerry Kittles, Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry, and Donte DiVincenzo. Some of the best teachers/coaches in the game, like Jack Kraft, Rollie Massimino, and Jay Wright, have also worked with them.

Villanova is always a firm favorite or contender to win the Big East Conference and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats seem to always be in the running for a national title every five years, and they will continue to strive to do well in the years to come.

Below are some of the most significant moments in the history of men's basketball at Villanova.

With a victory over Georgetown, Villanova captured the NCAA championship in 1985.
In 2016, Villanova emerged victorious over North Carolina to claim the title of NCAA champion.
In 2018, Villanova emerged victorious over Michigan to claim the title of NCAA champion.

Since 2016, the Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team has been one of the most successful teams in the country. They have earned the right to be referred to as a blue-blood program. Villanova is bound to continue to play well in the years to come despite Coach Wright's retirement.

Here is the resume breakdown of the Villanova basketball program.

NCAA Tournament berths: 40
Every season with 20 or more wins since 1970: 33
Every season with 30 or more wins since 1970: 6
Sweet Sixteen Appearances: 18
Elite Eight Appearances: 14 *(1971 vacated)
Conference Tournament Championships since 1990: 6
Regular Season Conference Championships since 1950: 14
Final Four Appearances before 1960: 1 *(1971 vacated)
Final Four Appearances since 1960: 5
National Championships before 1960: 0
National Championships since 1960: 3

Here is the point breakdown and totals for the Wildcats.

Every NCAA Tournament berth: 80 points
Every season with 20 or more wins since 1970: 132 points
Every season with 30 or more wins since 1970: 36 points
Sweet Sixteen Appearances: 144 points
Elite Eight Appearances: 140 points
Conference Tournament Championships since 1990: 90 points
Regular Season Conference Championships since 1950: 350 points Final Four Appearances before 1960: 30 points
Final Four Appearances after 1960: 150 points
National Championships before 1960: 0 points
National Championships since 1960: 180 points

Total Points: 1,350