The Yale Bulldogs men's basketball team represents Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I as a member of the Ivy League. The team has a rich history, with its first season dating back to 1896. The Bulldogs have won several Ivy League championships, with their most recent title coming in the 2015-2016 season. Under the guidance of head coach James Jones, who has been at the helm since 1999, the team has experienced a resurgence in success, including a notable upset over Baylor in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
History of the Program
The Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team has a long and storied history, with the program being established in 1896. The team has played in various conferences over the years, including the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League and the Ivy League, which they joined in 1956. The Bulldogs have had several notable players and coaches throughout their history, including Butch Graves, who led the team to two Ivy League championships in the 1960s, and Chris Dudley, who went on to play in the NBA. The team has also had several notable upsets over the years, including a win over UConn in 2008 and a victory over Baylor in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
The 2015-2016 season was a notable year for the Bulldogs, as they won the Ivy League championship and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The team, led by captain Justin Sears, finished the season with a 23-7 overall record and a 13-1 record in Ivy League play. The Bulldogs’ victory over Baylor in the NCAA Tournament was a major upset, with Yale winning 79-75. The team’s success in the 2015-2016 season was a testament to the strong leadership of Coach Jones and the talent of the players on the roster.
The following season, the Bulldogs again won the Ivy League championship, this time earning a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The team finished the season with a 18-11 overall record and a 10-4 record in Ivy League play. The Bulldogs' success in the 2016-2017 season was led by players such as Anthony Dallier and Sam Downey, who were both named to the All-Ivy League team.
| Season | Overall Record | Ivy League Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | 23-7 | 13-1 |
| 2016-2017 | 18-11 | 10-4 |
| 2017-2018 | 16-15 | 9-5 |
| 2018-2019 | 22-8 | 10-4 |
| 2019-2020 | 23-7 | 11-3 |
Coaching Staff and Roster
The Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team is led by head coach James Jones, who has been at the helm since 1999. Coach Jones has a strong track record of success, with a career record of 332-284. He has led the team to several Ivy League championships and has been named the Ivy League Coach of the Year multiple times. The team’s roster is made up of talented players from around the country, including guards Azar Swain and Jalen Gabbidon, and forwards Paul Atkinson and Isaiah Kelly.
Recruiting and Player Development
The Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team has a strong recruiting program, with a focus on identifying and developing talented players from around the country. The team’s coaching staff, led by Coach Jones, works closely with players to help them improve their skills and reach their full potential. The team’s player development program is centered around a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. The team’s success in developing players has been evident in recent years, with several players going on to play professionally, including Miye Oni, who was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2019 NBA draft.
The team's recruiting class for the 2020-2021 season included several talented players, including guard August Mahoney and forward Matt Knowling. The class was ranked as one of the top recruiting classes in the Ivy League, and is expected to make a significant impact on the team's success in the coming years.
- Azar Swain - Guard
- Jalen Gabbidon - Guard
- Paul Atkinson - Forward
- Isaiah Kelly - Forward
- August Mahoney - Guard
- Matt Knowling - Forward
What conference does the Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team compete in?
+The Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team competes in the Ivy League, which is a Division I conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Who is the head coach of the Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team?
+The head coach of the Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team is James Jones, who has been at the helm since 1999.
What is the name of the arena where the Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team plays its home games?
+The Yale Bulldogs men’s basketball team plays its home games at the John J. Lee Amphitheater, which is located in New Haven, Connecticut.
