San Francisco Dons tournament history

Years in NCAA tournament (16): 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1998

Win-loss record: 21-14

Most recent appearance: Lost 85-68to No. 3seed Utah in the first round in 1998

Chances of playing in the 2020NCAAS: Less than 1percent (The Dons posted 22victories and won five of their final six games, losing 81-77to Gonzaga in the WCC tournament semifinals. But their No. 83 NET ranking suggests they would have been in the conversation for an NIT bid)

Best NCAA showing: The Bay Area has won four NCAA titles — none in the past 60years — and San Francisco claims two of the four, winning back to back in 1955and 1956. Led by Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, the Dons went 28-1 in 1955 and 29-0 in 1956. They were rarely challenged on the way to their titles, winning eight of their nine NCAA tournament games by double-digit margins.

Best single-game performance: Russell gave the basketball world a glimpse of what was to come — 11NBA titles — when he posted 23points and 25 rebounds in the Dons’ 77-66victory over La Salle in the 1955 national championship game.

Top NCAA performer: Russell was steady and spectacular throughout two NCAA tournaments, averaging 23.2 points and 18.3 rebounds over nine games. Once again, he was overpowering in the national championship game, putting up 26points and 27 rebounds in a win over Iowa.

Top coach: Phil Woolpert guided the Dons to four straight NCAA tournaments and posted a 13-2record with three trips to the Final Four and two national titles. His .867 winning percentage in tournament play would rank first all-time if he had enough appearances. Since his departure, USF is 8-12in the tournament, without another Final Four appearance.