Created as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association in 1969, the Big West sponsors 15 championship sports for Arkansas State University (football only), Boise State University, California Polytechnic State University, California State University at Fullerton, Long Beach State University, New Mexico State University, University of California Irvine, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Idaho, University of Necada, University of North Texas, University of the Pacific, and Utah State University.
The Sun Belt boasts a rich tradition in the sport of men's basketball over its 25-year history. The league became known as an innovator in its early stages, pioneering the shot clock and three-point field goal, standards which are followed throughout college basketball today.
Furthermore, the Sun Belt was the first conference to sign a long-term contract with the fledgling ESPN cable network in 1979. ESPN shall broadcast action of Sun Belt Conference teams for the 23nd consecutive year.
Continuing a precedent that began in 1980, the 2001 Sun Belt Tournament championship game shall be shown live on ESPN. The Sun Belt is the only conference to have its championship televised on ESPN since the network's inception.
On the court itself, the Sun Belt has enjoyed enormous success. Overall, Sun Belt teams have participated in 71 NCAA Tournament games and 69 contests in the National Invitation Tournament. Western Kentucky has advanced to the NCAA and NIT Final Fours, while Arkansas-Little Rock and Louisiana-Lafayette have also participated in the NIT Final Four.
Links added must be for BASKETBALL sites related to one or more SUN BELT school.
The WAC has been a national power in the NCAA. Currently, the top teams are Tulsa and Fresno State, both of which made the NCAA tournament. SMU was also invited to the NIT.
March 20, 1966-Utah becomes the first school to reach the NCAA Final Four, and Brigham Young captures the championship of the National Invitation Tournament.
March 30, 1998-The Utah Runnin' Utes advance to the NCAA men'sbasketball title game. Utah leads most of the game, but bows out in the final five minutes to Kentucky
In 1999 Tulsa reached the NCAA Elite 8. 2000 the Golden Hurricane basketball team won the NIT.