25 Facts About St. Bonaventure Basketball

St. Bonaventure Basketball: A Rich History

St. Bonaventure University, located in Allegany, New York, has a storied basketball program. The Bonnies, as they are affectionately known, have a rich history filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and significant achievements.

1. Founded in 1858: St. Bonaventure University was established in 1858 by the Franciscan Brothers. The basketball program began in 1919, making it one of the oldest in the nation.

2. First NCAA Tournament Appearance: The Bonnies made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1961. This marked the beginning of their rise in college basketball.

3. Bob Lanier Era: Bob Lanier, one of the greatest players in St. Bonaventure history, led the team to the Final Four in 1970. Lanier was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

4. 1970 Final Four: The 1970 team reached the Final Four, a significant achievement for a small school. Unfortunately, Lanier was injured, and the team lost to Jacksonville in the semifinals.

5. Atlantic 10 Conference: St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The conference is known for its competitive basketball programs.

Legendary Players and Coaches

St. Bonaventure has produced several notable players and coaches who have left a lasting impact on the program and the sport.

6. Bob Lanier's NBA Career: After his college career, Bob Lanier was the first overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a successful career with the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.

7. Tom Stith: Tom Stith was a two-time All-American in the early 1960s. He led the nation in scoring during the 1960-61 season.

8. Mark Schmidt: Mark Schmidt has been the head coach since 2007. He has led the Bonnies to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and an Atlantic 10 Championship.

9. Andrew Nicholson: Andrew Nicholson was a standout player from 2008 to 2012. He was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

10. Essie Hollis: Essie Hollis was a key player in the 1970s. He was known for his scoring ability and was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

The Bonnies have had numerous memorable moments and significant achievements throughout their history.

11. 1968 NIT Championship: St. Bonaventure won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1968, defeating the University of Dayton in the final.

12. 2000 NCAA Tournament: The Bonnies made a memorable run in the 2000 NCAA Tournament, taking Kentucky to double overtime in the first round.

13. 2012 Atlantic 10 Championship: The Bonnies won the Atlantic 10 Championship in 2012, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

14. 2018 NCAA Tournament: St. Bonaventure defeated UCLA in the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, marking their first tournament win since 1970.

15. Record-Breaking Seasons: The 2017-2018 season saw the Bonnies set a school record with 26 wins, highlighting their continued success.

Community and Fan Support

The support from the St. Bonaventure community and fans has been a cornerstone of the program's success.

16. The Reilly Center: The Reilly Center, home to the Bonnies, is known for its electric atmosphere. It is considered one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.

17. Bona Wolf: The Bona Wolf is the beloved mascot of St. Bonaventure. The mascot energizes the crowd and represents the spirit of the university.

18. Rivalries: St. Bonaventure has intense rivalries with schools like Syracuse and Canisius. These games are always highly anticipated by fans.

19. Alumni Support: The alumni network is strong and supportive. Many former players and graduates continue to support the program financially and by attending games.

20. Community Engagement: The basketball team is actively involved in community service, participating in various local events and charity work.

Future Prospects

The future looks bright for St. Bonaventure basketball, with promising recruits and a dedicated coaching staff.

21. Recruiting Success: The Bonnies have consistently attracted talented recruits, ensuring the program's competitiveness.

22. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Recent upgrades to the Reilly Center and training facilities have provided the team with top-notch resources.

23. Strong Coaching Staff: The coaching staff, led by Mark Schmidt, is highly regarded and has a proven track record of developing players.

24. Academic Excellence: The program emphasizes academic success, with many players excelling in their studies and graduating with honors.

25. Fan Base Growth: The fan base continues to grow, with increased attendance at games and a strong presence on social media.

St. Bonaventure basketball has a rich history and a promising future. The program's success is a testament to the dedication of its players, coaches, and fans.

The Final Buzzer

St. Bonaventure Basketball has a rich history filled with exciting moments and remarkable achievements. From its humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in college basketball, the team has captured the hearts of many fans. Players like Bob Lanier and Andrew Nicholson have left lasting legacies, while the Reilly Center remains one of the most intimidating arenas for opponents. The Bonnies' resilience and dedication to the sport are evident in their numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and Atlantic 10 Conference titles. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the team, there's no denying the impact St. Bonaventure Basketball has had on the college basketball landscape. Keep an eye on the Bonnies; their story is far from over, and the future looks bright.