The University of West Florida's basketball team, also known as the Argonauts, has a rich history of competition and excellence in the Gulf South Conference (GSC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. As one of the top teams in the region, the Argonauts have built a reputation for their strong team chemistry, skilled players, and dedicated coaching staff.
Team History
The University of West Florida's basketball team was established in 1968, and since then, they have competed in various conferences and divisions. In 1994, the team joined the Gulf South Conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division II. Over the years, the Argonauts have won several conference championships and have appeared in multiple NCAA tournament games.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
The Argonauts have had several notable seasons and achievements throughout their history. One of their most memorable seasons was in 2013-2014, when they won the Gulf South Conference tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament. They also had a remarkable season in 2017-2018, when they finished with a 24-7 overall record and appeared in the NCAA tournament for the third time in program history.
Coaching Staff
The Argonauts' coaching staff is led by Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer, who has been at the helm of the program since 2013. Coach Burkhamer has a wealth of experience and has led the team to several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. He is assisted by a team of experienced coaches, including Associate Head Coach Brian Metcalf and Assistant Coaches Ryan Yarborough and Michael DeVault.
Player Profiles
The Argonauts have a talented roster of players, including several key contributors who have been instrumental in the team's success. Some of the top players include:
- Redshirt junior guard Jon Brown, who has been named to the All-Gulf South Conference team multiple times
- Senior forward Darryl Tucker, who has been a dominant force in the paint and has been named to the All-Gulf South Conference team
- Sophomore guard Rahkiem Saunders, who has been a sparkplug off the bench and has been named to the Gulf South Conference All-Freshman team
Facilities and Equipment
The Argonauts play their home games at the University of West Florida Field House, which is a state-of-the-art facility that features a seating capacity of over 1,000. The field house is equipped with top-notch equipment, including a hardwood floor, glass backboards, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The team also has access to a strength and conditioning room, a training room, and a film room.
Recruiting and Community Outreach
The Argonauts are committed to recruiting top talent from around the region and the country. The coaching staff attends numerous high school and junior college games, as well as showcases and camps, to identify and recruit top players. The team also participates in community outreach programs, including youth basketball camps and clinics, to promote the sport and give back to the community.
Games and Schedules
The Argonauts play a competitive schedule of games against teams from the Gulf South Conference and other top-ranked teams from around the country. The team typically plays 25-30 games per season, including home and away games, as well as neutral-site games. Fans can stay up-to-date with the team's schedule and results by visiting the University of West Florida's athletic website or following the team on social media.
Statistics and Records
The Argonauts have a rich history of success, with several players and teams setting records and achieving notable milestones. Some of the top statistics and records include:
- Most wins in a season: 24 (2017-2018)
- Most consecutive wins: 10 (2017-2018)
- Most points scored in a game: 105 (2015-2016)
- Most rebounds in a game: 55 (2016-2017)
Gallery of University of West Florida Basketball Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of West Florida's basketball team name?
+The University of West Florida's basketball team is called the Argonauts.
What conference does the University of West Florida's basketball team play in?
+The University of West Florida's basketball team plays in the Gulf South Conference (GSC).
How many NCAA tournament appearances has the University of West Florida's basketball team made?
+The University of West Florida's basketball team has made several NCAA tournament appearances, including three appearances since 2013.
As the University of West Florida's basketball team continues to compete at a high level, fans can expect to see exciting games and talented players taking the court. With a rich history of success and a commitment to excellence, the Argonauts are a team to watch in the world of college basketball.