College Sports Established
1958
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
College Name
University of New Orleans
Collegiate History
1976 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2013 - Present / Southland Conference
1980 - 1991. 2010-2013 / Independent
1976 - 1980, 1991 - 2010 / Sun Belt Conference
Nickname
Privateers - As a sports fan, you may be familiar with the New Orleans Privateers and their NCAA affiliation. But do you know where the name “Privateer” comes from? The answer is rooted in history – and it’s an interesting one!
The term “privateer” has its origins in piracy. During the war, governments would issue privateering commissions to individuals or groups who could then act as agents of those governments on behalf of their country's interests at sea. This allowed them to attack enemy shipping vessels for profit while still being considered legitimate combatants by international law, even though they weren't officially part of any navy force.
In 1845, a group known as the Louisiana Association was formed to promote trade between New Orleans and other ports around South America by commissioning privateers that Congress authorized during wartime operations against Mexico (the Mexican-American War). These ships were called "Louisiana Privateers" due to their association with Louisiana commerce - thus giving rise to what we now know today as "New Orleans Privateers."
In addition, there is also some speculation that these ships may have been named after Jean Lafitte – an infamous pirate who operated out of Barataria Bay near present-day Grand Isle just southwest of downtown New Orleans back in the early 1800s before becoming an American hero during Battle Of New Orleans when he helped General Andrew Jackson defend the city against British forces during War Of 1812. Whatever origin story might be true, one thing remains certain: The name 'Privateer' will forever remain associated with adventure, excitement, danger & patriotism all rolled into one!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1987
- 1995
- 2004
- 2015
- 2017
-
Privateers men’s basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament
The men’s basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament in 1987 and 1996, and qualified for the NCAA tournament six times. -
women’s basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament
The women’s basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament in 1995 and reached the NCAA tournament twice -
Then men’s soccer team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament
The men’s soccer team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament in 2004 and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time -
Wally Whitehurst – Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame
Wally Whitehurst in New Orleans Privateers. He was a right-handed pitcher who played for UNO from 1983 to 1985. He was a key member of the 1984 team that reached the College World Series, the first and only Louisiana school to do so. He won 15 games that season and was named the MVP of the AAABA national championship team2. ... -
men’s basketball team won the Southland Conference
In 2017, the men’s basketball team won the Southland Conference regular season and tournament titles, and returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996
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 Privateers
Regarding football specifically, the Privateers have enjoyed some success over their 85-year history. They’ve won five conference championships (1937-38; 1940-41; 1950-51; 1953–54) and two bowl games (the 1942 Sun Bowl against Texas A&M and 1948 Oil Bowl against Tulsa). In addition to this impressive record on the field, they’ve produced numerous NFL players such as Joe Horn Jr., Mike McKenzie Jr., Mark Fields Sr., Jeff Blake Sr., John Fourcade Sr..and many more!
They haven't been short on success in basketball either, with six conference titles (1947–48; 1951–52; 1954–55; 1957–58; 1958—59 & 1959—60). This is coupled with an impressive run in post-season tournaments which saw them reach seven NITs between 1947/48 - 1961/62 seasons, along with four NCAA Tournaments during that same period! Notable alumni include former NBA guard Bobby Phills who played for both Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers, amongst other teams, throughout his career before tragically passing away after a car accident 2000 while playing for San Antonio Spurs.
Overall, it's clear that New Orleans Privateer fans can be proud of their team's rich heritage within college athletics – one which has seen them win multiple championships across various sports while producing some talented athletes along the way too!
Sports Fan Products
