USF retained its status as a basketball powerhouse into the 1970s and early 80s, holding the distinction of being a “major” program in a “mid-major” conference (the WCC having declined somewhat in stature since the 1960s). It held the number-one spot in the polls on numerous occasions. In 1977, led by All-American center Bill Cartwright, the Dons went 29–0 and were regarded as the #1 team in the nation in both major polls before dropping their last two games.