VMI Keydets basketball

VMI Keydets basketball is the basketball team of the Virginia Military Institute. Since its formation in 1908, VMI has competed independently (1908-1925), in the Southern Conference (1925-2003), and currently in the Big South Conference (2003-present) of the NCAA Division I. They are coached by Duggar Baucom in his 6th year.

History
The basketball team was formed in 1908 under head coach Pete Krebs. They had an even 3-3 record. In 1025, the team joined the Southern Conference along with football, and stayed there for 78 years until they joined the Big South in 2003.

In 1976 and '77, VMI had the Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament in what was arguably the most famous run for not just the team but the school as well. In 1976, led by Ron Carter, the Keydets marched all the way to the Elite 8 before bowing to Rutgers 91-75. The next season, a 26-4 VMI squad got past Duquesne 73-66 in the NCAA First Round, but lost to Kentucky 93-78 in the Sweet Sixteen. Since then, no VMI team has made it to the NCAA tournament.

Some, however, have come close. In 2006-07, VMI made it to the Big South championship game, but fell to Winthrop on the road 84-81. Two years later, VMI blew another shot, falling to Radford 108-94 in the tournament final. Their most recent season ended in a 89-81 semifinal loss at Coastal Carolina.