History of the Purple Aces
The Evansville Purple Aces are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of the University of Evansville, located in Evansville, Indiana. The Aces athletic program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and competes at the NCAA's Division I level. Evansville's mascot is Ace Purple, and the school colors are purple, white, and orange.
Before joining Division I in 1977, the Aces were in Division II men's basketball championship tournaments for 15 of 20 years and won the title in 1959, '60, '64, '65, and '71.
College Sports Established
1854
Location
Evansville, Indiana
College Name
University of Evansville
Collegiate History
1977 - Present / NCAA Division I
1955 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
Conference History
1994 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1985 - 1994 / Midwestern Collegiate Conference
1979 - 1985 / Midwestern City Conference
Nickname
Purple Aces - "Aces" became Evansville College's nickname in the mid-20s thanks in large part to the University of Louisville basketball coach.
In the fourth game of the 1924-25 season, Evansville beat Louisville 59-39. After the game, Louisville's coach told Evansville coach John Harmon, "You didn't have four Aces up your sleeve, you had five!"
Harmon related the quote to Evansville Courier sports editor Dan Scism, and both Harmon and Scism decided they liked the sound of "Aces" better than "Pioneers," the Evansville College nickname at that time. Scism also had a selfish reason for promoting the use of "Aces." Those four letters fit into his headlines much easier than the longer "Pioneers."
The Evansville College colors were purple and white, and by 1926 "Purple Aces" became the unique nickname that is now well known all over the country.
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.