The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles have a proud history in collegiate athletics, marked by excellence in Oral Roberts Golden Eagles basketball and Oral Roberts Golden Eagles baseball. Since joining NCAA Division I, the program has achieved national recognition for its athletic success, academic strength, and commitment to developing student-athletes who embody discipline and teamwork.
College Sports Established
1963
Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
College Name
Oral Roberts University
Collegiate History
1997 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1997 - 2012, 2014 - Present / Summit League
2012 - 2014 / Southland Conference
Nickname
Golden Eagles - The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are a beloved college basketball team with a long and storied history. The team has played since the early 1960s when Rev. Dr. Robert Hulsey founded it as part of his vision to bring Christian values into higher education through athletics. As such, it was only natural that their nickname would reflect this mission—the “Golden Eagles” symbolizing the soaring heights of faith and excellence in sportsmanship that Dr. Hulsey sought to impart upon his students through competition on the court or field of play!
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles Origin
While there is no definitive answer as to why precisely this name was chosen for ORU's teams, many believe it has something to do with its founder's religious background; indeed, eagles have long been seen as symbols of power and freedom in Christianity due both their majestic beauty while flying high above all else (symbolizing God's omnipresence) and also because they mate for life (a representation of eternal love). Additionally, golden eagles represent strength and courage—traits that any great athlete should strive for during every game!
Whatever its origin, one thing remains clear: The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles embody an unwavering commitment to striving toward greatness both off the court – something we can all get behind, cheering them on!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
- 1977
- 1979
- 2007
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NCAA Coaching Legends
Former head coach Larry Cochell guided ORU from 1977–86, leading the school to seven NCAA Regional appearances and the 1978 College World Series. Former coach Sunny Golloway was one of the winningest active skippers in the NCAA Division I, guiding the Golden Eagles to a 294–136 record and five NCAA Regional appearances in seven years at the helm. He was ... -
ORU Stars Triumph
Mike Moore was an ORU standout from 1979–81 and first-round draft pick. He played 14 seasons in the big leagues and was selected an American League All-Star in 1989. He played in consecutive World Series with Oakland (1989–90), winning a World Championship in 1989. Todd Burns (1982–84) was Moore’s teammate in Oakland and helped the A’s win three straight American ... -
Mid-Con Champions
In the 2006–07 season, on November 15, 2006, the unranked Oral Roberts basketball team stunned the #3 team in the nation, the University of Kansas, at the Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, 78–71. The team went on to win the Mid-Con conference championship on March 6, 2007, defeating #2 seeded Oakland, overcoming an 11-point halftime deficit to win 71–67.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles History
The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles have built one of the most respected legacies in college athletics, with a strong presence in both Oral Roberts Golden Eagles basketball and Oral Roberts Golden Eagles baseball. Established in 1963, Oral Roberts University quickly emerged as a powerhouse in NCAA Division I competition and is especially known for its intense rivalry with the Kansas City Roos and St. Thomas Tommies.
From their early years, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles basketball program became a symbol of excellence. They captured multiple conference titles, including four regular-season championships (1975–76, 1980–81, 1985–86, and 2000–01) and three tournament crowns (1976, 1981, and 1986). The team also made two remarkable NCAA Tournament runs, reaching the Elite Eight in 1974 and gaining national recognition for their fast-paced play under coach Ken Trickey.
The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles reached another milestone by winning the 1975 National Invitation Tournament (NIT), defeating Marquette 77–69 at Madison Square Garden. That victory marked their first major postseason title since transitioning from NAIA, where they had previously secured national championships between 1967 and 1970. Under Coach Trickey’s leadership, ORU established itself as one of the most competitive mid-major programs in the nation.
Golden Eagles Achievements
In recent years, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles basketball team has enjoyed renewed success under head coach Paul Mills, highlighted by their stunning Sweet Sixteen run in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Led by standout guard Max Abmas, the Golden Eagles defeated higher-seeded programs, proving once again their ability to compete with college basketball’s elite.
Beyond basketball, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles baseball has consistently ranked among the top mid-major programs in the country. The baseball team has won more than 15 Summit League titles and made several NCAA Regional appearances, showcasing the university’s all-around athletic excellence.
Today, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles continue to thrive across multiple sports, including volleyball, soccer, and track. With a proud tradition of excellence and a growing list of achievements, ORU remains one of the most respected athletic programs in the NCAA—carrying forward its rich legacy in both basketball and baseball.
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