Slightly off-topic but basketball-related nonetheless. What does it take for a basketball school to become a "Blue Blood"? Is that even possible? Is there a level of success that can establish a new one anymore or are they pretty much set in stone at this point?
It's just something I've been pondering this off-season. Could the Tennessee job ever reach that status? Does market/location impact that status too heavily? Thoughts?
IMO, the only programs that be considered “blue bloods” are UCLA, Kentucky, Kansas, NC, and Duke. Duke is the most recent addition to this group since they had few accomplishments before 1980, when Coach K was hired. All of these have long histories with multiple titles.
The next tier would include Indiana, Arizona,and Michigan State perhaps. Other schools that have approached this level and fallen back include, in our own conference, Florida and Arkansas.
There are other schools who have been in the limelight recently such as Gonzaga, but with no titles.
To be considered a “blue blood“ you have to be successful for an extended period of time and, most importantly, win titles. UT has never come particularly close. The easiest way to join their ranks, in my opinion, is to find a top coach at a very young age and keep them around. All of the blue bloods have had coaches who have spent many years with the program (Rupp at KY, K at Duke, Smith & Williams at NC, etc.)
I think the women’s program could be described as “blue blood” for certain, even though they have fallen off dramatically in the last decade. Young coach hired in 1976, check. Extended success (never missed the NCAA), check. Multiple titles (eight), check.
