College Sports Established
1837
Location
Davidson, North Carolina
College Name
Davidson College
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1936 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2014 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
1992 - 2014 / Southern Conference
1990 - 1992 / Big South Conference
1936 - 1988 / Southern Conference
Nickname
Wildcats - The Davidson Wildcats are among the NCAA's most iconic college basketball teams. Known for their passionate fans and intense rivalries, the Wildcats have been a part of many memorable moments in sports. But where did this nickname come from?
It all started with an alumnus named Charles “Pop” McKinnon, a member of the class of 1898 at Davidson College. During his time there, he was known as “the wildcat” because he played football with such ferocity and passion that it earned him that name among his peers. When Pop graduated from college in 1898, he took on coaching duties at several schools before eventually returning to coach at Davidson College during the World War I era, 1915-16 season, when they had no other coaches available due to military service commitments elsewhere. Then, Pop suggested using "Wildcats" as the team's nickname - something which has stuck ever since!
Since then, The Wildcat mascot has become synonymous with success on both ends; firstly, by being featured prominently throughout various media outlets (including television shows like ESPN's SportsCenter) and secondly, by having multiple winning seasons over its long tenure - including two trips to March Madness Sweet Sixteen appearances within recent years! This combination has helped make them one of America's favorite collegiate teams today – for their performance and unique identity embodied through their beloved mascot: The Wildcat!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1970
- 2006
- 2015
- 2018
- 2021
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Davidson wins its first Southern Conference basketball championship
In 1970, the Davidson men’s basketball team won its first Southern Conference championship and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, they lost in the first round to St. John’s by a score of 79-74. Despite the loss, it was a historic season for the Wildcats, who finished with a 23-5 overall record and a perfect 12-0 record in ... -
Davidson hires Bob McKillop as head men’s basketball coach
Davidson hires Bob McKillop as head men’s basketball coach. Under McKillop’s leadership, Davidson becomes a perennial contender in the Southern Conference and on the national stage. -
The Davidson men’s basketball team wins the Atlantic 10 tournament
In 2015, the Davidson men’s basketball team won the Atlantic 10 tournament and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, they lost in the first round to the Iowa Hawkeyes by a score of 83-52. Despite the early exit, it was still a successful season for the Wildcats, who finished with a 24-8 overall record and a 14-4 record ... -
Stephen Curry, donates $2.5 million to support the construction of a new athletics facility
In 2018, Stephen Curry, who played college basketball at Davidson before going on to become a superstar in the NBA, donated $2.5 million to the school to support the construction of a new athletics facility. The facility, which will be named the Curry Family Athletics and Wellness Center, will feature a basketball arena, weight room, training facilities, and more. The ... -
The Davidson baseball team wins the Atlantic 10 championship
In 2021: The Davidson baseball team wins the Atlantic 10 championship and returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 115 years.
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.
History of the Wildcats
The Wildcats began playing competitively during World War I when they competed against other military teams on European bases. After returning home from war, the team continued to compete at a high level and soon became one of the top teams in North Carolina's Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCIAA). In 1937, Davidson joined forces with Wake Forest University to form what is now known as Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The move paid off for both schools as they quickly rose through conference standings thanks mainly to solid play by legendary players such as Bob Davies and Lefty Driesell, who became Hall-of-Famers after successful professional careers.
In 1968, under head coach Lefty Driesell’s leadership, Davidson reached its first-ever Final Four appearance. It lost narrowly against eventual champion UCLA Bruins led by Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul Jabbar). This was an incredible accomplishment for any school, let alone one from small-town North Carolina. Still, it wasn't until 2008 that another historic moment occurred for this program - Stephen Curry burst onto the scene, leading his alma mater into yet another magical run all way back into Elite 8 before falling short against Kansas Jayhawks lead my Mario Chalmers' buzzer-beater three-pointer!
Despite these heartbreaking losses over the years, Wildcat fans can take solace in knowing that there has never been a shortage of success or excitement around this program, which continues today with current star Kellan Grady leading the charge toward more wins next season!
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