When was the last time Kansas went blue? This question has been on the minds of basketball fans and sports enthusiasts alike for years. The University of Kansas, known for its storied basketball program, has a rich history of success in the sport, but the last time the Jayhawks won the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in blue was a significant moment for the program and its fans.
The University of Kansas, often referred to as KU, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in basketball. The team has won the national championship multiple times, with the most recent victory coming in 1988. However, the last time the Jayhawks were able to claim the title in blue was in 1952, a testament to the program’s storied history and the rarity of such an event.
The 1952 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship was a particularly memorable season for the Kansas Jayhawks. The team, led by legendary coach Phog Allen, had a record of 27-1 and entered the tournament as the number one seed. The Jayhawks’ journey to the championship was filled with thrilling victories and close games, culminating in a final match against the University of Kentucky.
The championship game took place on March 17, 1952, at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The game was a hard-fought battle, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. In the end, Kansas emerged victorious with a score of 80-68, capturing their sixth national championship and the first time the team had won in blue.
Since then, the Jayhawks have had to wait for another national championship win in blue. The 1988 championship, which was won in the iconic crimson and blue colors of the university, has been the closest the team has come to repeating that historic victory. The 1988 championship was a special moment for KU fans, as the team once again defeated Kentucky in the final game, this time with a score of 83-79.
The question of when was the last time Kansas went blue remains a topic of discussion among fans and historians. While the program has experienced great success over the years, the 1952 championship and the elusive blue victory are fondly remembered as iconic moments in the history of Kansas basketball. As the Jayhawks continue to strive for excellence on the court, the quest for another blue championship remains a dream for many.