The world of college basketball is filled with excitement, competition, and a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills. Among the many programs in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program has made a name for itself in recent years. In this article, we'll delve into the history, achievements, and insights of the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private university located in Davie, Florida, and is a member of the NCAA Division II. The university's athletic teams, known as the Sharks, compete in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The basketball program has a rich history, with its first season dating back to 1983.
Program Achievements
The Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program has achieved significant success over the years. Some of the notable achievements include:
- 11 NCAA Tournament appearances
- 5 Sunshine State Conference (SSC) championships
- 2 SSC Tournament championships
- 1 NCAA Division II National Championship appearance (2014)
NCAA Tournament Appearances
The Sharks have made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with their most recent appearance in 2020. Their NCAA Tournament record stands at 10-11, with their best finish being an appearance in the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship game.
Notable Players and Coaches
The Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program has produced several notable players and coaches over the years. Some of the notable players include:
- Mark Snyder (Class of 2002): Snyder is the all-time leading scorer in NSU history, with 1,734 points.
- Tim Mitchell (Class of 2005): Mitchell is the second all-time leading scorer in NSU history, with 1,634 points.
- Matt Brennan (Class of 2014): Brennan was a key player on the 2013-2014 NCAA Championship game team, averaging 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Some notable coaches include:
- Jim Crutchfield (2001-2006): Crutchfield led the Sharks to two SSC championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.
- Matt Steigenga (2013-2019): Steigenga led the Sharks to two SSC championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances, and an NCAA Championship game appearance during his tenure.
Current State of the Program
The Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program is currently under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Crutchfield, who returned to the program in 2020 after a previous stint from 2001-2006. The program has shown significant improvement in recent years, with a 20-10 overall record and a 14-6 SSC record in the 2020-2021 season.
The Sharks have a strong roster, with several key players returning from last season's team. The program is expected to compete for an SSC championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program has a rich history, with several notable achievements and a strong current state. With a strong roster and a experienced coaching staff, the program is expected to compete for an SSC championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the upcoming season. As the program continues to grow and improve, it's an exciting time to be a part of the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program.
Gallery of Nova Southeastern University Sharks Basketball Program:
FAQ Section:
What is the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program's NCAA Tournament record?
+The Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program has an NCAA Tournament record of 10-11.
Who is the all-time leading scorer in NSU history?
+Mark Snyder (Class of 2002) is the all-time leading scorer in NSU history, with 1,734 points.
Who is the current head coach of the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program?
+Jim Crutchfield is the current head coach of the Nova Southeastern University Sharks basketball program.