Geno's Huskies vs. Wooden's Bruins: Who is More Dominant?
As we all know, Geno Auriemma’s UCONN women take the court tonight in an attempt to win their 100th consecutive game, something that has never been accomplished in College Basketball history by any Men’s or Women’s team. In fact, UCONN holds the record for longest win streak prior to this at 90 games, followed by John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins at 88 wins. Does this streak solidify Geno’s Huskies as the most dominant College Basketball team in history, or do Wooden’s Bruins still hold the spot as the greatest ever?
First let’s break down exactly what UCONN has accomplished under the leadership of Geno. Aside from being on the brink of 100 straight wins, they are the 4-time defending National Champions, winners of six of the last eight championships, and 10 of the last 17 coming into this season. On their current streak of four consecutive titles, and including this season, they boast a record of 174-5. Going back four more years to include two more championships, they have gone 321-12 en-route to six titles in eight years. To take it a step further and include the last 17 seasons in which UCONN has won 10 titles, they have a record of 621-40, including five undefeated seasons, which is absolutely mind boggling. In those 17 seasons, aside from 10 titles, they also have four additional final four appearances, and have not been knocked out before the sweet 16 even once. How does this stack up to Wooden’s Bruins?
John Wooden retired in 1975 after winning 10 titles in 12 seasons with UCLA. The team went on to continue to play at a high level for the next few seasons, but did not manage any more championships. In the 12 year stretch, UCLA started by winning back to back championships in the 1963-64 and the 1964-65 season. In 1965-1966, they went 18-8 and missed the tournament all together. They followed by winning 7 straight titles and 8 of 9 from 1966-67 to 1974-75. In the 9 years where they won eight titles, UCLA boasted a record of 259-12, and over the full 12 year stretch they went 335-22. Over the stretch of 7 consecutive titles, the Bruins sported a record of 205-5, with three perfect 30-0 seasons.
At UCONN, Geno has coached some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. The 17 plus years of incredible success started with one championship in 1999-2000 and led to the recruitment of Diana Taurasi, who went on to lead UCONN to three titles in four seasons from 2001-2004. After Taurasi graduated, there was a bit of a low for a few years where UCONN went four straight seasons without a championship. After a few years of “rebuilding”, UCONN landed Maya Moore and went on to win two titles with two final four exits in her four years. After one more final four exit in 2012, UCONN landed Breanna Stewart to lead UCONN to four consecutive championships, a streak they are trying to continue this season.
Wooden had similar star studded UCLA rosters back in the day, with his run of seven consecutive titles starting with three in a row led by the one and only Lew Alcindor, aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. After two more titles with less star power on the roster, Wooden went on to win two more titles in three seasons with Bill Walton. After Walton went to the NBA, Wooden went on to win one more title before hanging it up for good.
With all that said, which is/was more dominant? It is really hard to say. With UCONN still at the height of its powers, they very well may take the crown from UCLA. In the meantime, it is hard to say 10 titles in 17 years has been more dominant than 10 titles in 12 years. UCONN has a chance to match the 10 in 12 years if they win it all again this year, plus three more years after this. That in and of itself shows just how special Wouden’s Bruins were. Yes, the game may be a bit more competitive today, but 10 titles in 12 years is no small feat regardless of competition. It’s just hard to shy away from the seven straight and 205-5 record. As of right now, UCLA still has to get the nod, but they better hold on tight because UCONN is coming up on them fast.
What do you think? Who was more dominant? If you think UCLA, how many more titles does UCONN have to win in how many more years to pass them? Comment and let us know! Stay tuned for more current sports stories. Don't forget to follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram @beyondthemetrics, and Twitter @byondthemetrics
