March Madness is a time of excitement, upsets, and unforgettable moments, but the tournament’s rich history goes back decades. From buzzer-beaters to iconic players, college basketball has long showcased raw talent and fierce competition. These 20 vintage photos capture the spirit of the game, highlighting legendary teams, historic arenas, and the evolution of the sport. Step back in time and relive the golden moments that helped shape March Madness into the spectacle it is today.
1. The 1899 University of Kansas basketball team
The real question is, when did basketball teams switch to rocking shorts?
2. Tennessee Men’s Head Basketball Coach Rick Barnes as a Player at Lenoir-Rhyne College (c. 1976)
3. Manute Bol in 1984 playing college basketball
He must’ve had a hard time not getting caught up in accidentally goaltending.
4. Smith College Women’s Basketball Team, 1895
The ball itself looks like it might have absolutely zero bounce.
5. Steve Kerr during his college basketball days with the Arizona Wildcats, 1986
Time to bear down, boys.
6. Kevin McHale playing against Magic Johnson in college (1979)
Magic Johnson was no doubt a force back in his college basketball days.
7. Pistol Pete, Circa 1968 ( Pistol Pete became, and remains, the highest scoring player in the history of college basketball)
To say that he had mad skills with his ball-handling skills would still come out as some kind of vast understatement.
8. Clifford Robinson, considered to be UConn’s first college basketball star, in 1988 after winning the NIT championship
The pure bliss must’ve been real in that moment.
9. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in 1979
Those two were absolutely battling back and forth.
10. Kansas cheerleader consoles Wilt Chamberlain after losing the 1958 NCAA championship
11. When the 1990-1991 Richmond Spiders became the first 15 seed in the history of March Madness/NCAA Tournament to beat a number 2 seed and advance into the second round.
And the celebrations had to have been larger-than-life.
12. The 1985-1986 Arkansas Little Rock Trojans were one of the first 14 seeds in March Madness history to win and advance
And that was no easy feat at the time.
13. VCU college basketball players in the early 1980s
This crew is not to be messed with.
14. Allen Iverson during his college basketball days with the Georgetown Hoyas, Mid 1990s.
Destined to conquer out in the NBA eventually.
15. Kansas went crazy with the wins back in the day.
The sneaks are a nice vintage touch too.
16. Future basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo celebrates NCAA Championship win in 1995.
She was a true force to be reckoned with.
17. 1970s Xavier University of Louisiana Basketball Team
Looking sharp fellas.
18.Wilt Chamberlain attempting to block a shot in his college days, mid 1950s
Wilt just played the game different, and in the best way possible.
19. IU Basketball Coach Bob Knight launches a chair across the floor, 1985
Sometimes, the chair needs to take a walk too.
20. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar skies above the rim to block Larry Mikan’s shot on December 27, 1967 at Los Angeles Sports Arena. (UCLA 95 – Minn. 55)
Oh he launched off for that block.
