A Legacy of Firsts: American University Basketball History
The American University (AU) Eagles men's basketball team, representing the university in Washington, D.C., has a rich history marked by significant milestones and competitive spirit in NCAA Division I competition. As a member of the Patriot League, the team showcases its talent in Bender Arena, a hub for varsity athletics named for Jack I. Bender. The Eagles have established rivalries with teams such as the Boston University Terriers, Bucknell Bison, and Navy Midshipmen, and have made multiple appearances in national tournaments.
Early Days and Integration
AU fielded its first sports teams in 1925, including men’s and women’s basketball. A pivotal moment in the program's history occurred in 1956 when American University integrated college basketball in the D.C. area, nearly a decade before any other university in the region. David Carrasco, the first Mexican American head coach for a major U.S. men’s hoops program, played a crucial role in this change.
Carrasco grew up in the El Segundo Barrio, a neighborhood near the border in El Paso, Texas. His background as a person of color helped him connect with the families of his Black players. According to Harvard professor David Carrasco Jr., his late father's shared experiences allowed families to trust him, knowing he would take care of their sons. After being commissioned, Carrasco moved to Naval Training Center Bainbridge in Maryland to train African American midshipmen.
Carrasco recruited African American standouts, including Dickie Wells, who officially broke the color barrier in the D.C. area when he started at center in AU’s season opener at the Naval Academy on December 5, 1956.
The Carrasco Era: Championships and Tournament Appearances
After Carrasco’s first Eagles squad went 10-14 in the 1956-57 season, the program achieved significant success. Between 1957 and 1959, the team won 66 games, secured three Mason-Dixon Conference titles, and made three appearances in the NCAA College Division tournament. These teams were not only changemakers but champions.
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Tapscott, who became AU’s first Black head coach in 1982, noted the special team bonds that were forged with this group. Those teams were not only changemakers, but champions too.
Bender Arena and Fight Songs
Bender Arena, opened in 1988, stands as the central venue for varsity athletics at American University. Named for Jack I. Bender, the arena was made possible by a gift from Howard Bender and his wife, Sondra Bender.
Historically, AU published fight songs in athletics programs and yearbooks, fostering school spirit and support for the teams. AU used to publish fight songs in athletics programs and the yearbooks.
Football at AU
AU fielded its first sports teams in 1925, including men’s and women’s basketball and football. AU competed on the gridiron for 16 seasons from 1926 to 1941, tallying an abysmal 24-67-6 record. In fall 1969, AU approved club football and a trustee donated $30,000 to cover half the expenses for three years.
NCAA Tournament Appearances and Patriot League Success
The Eagles have made four appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament. Their first bid came in 2008 when they defeated Colgate in the final round of the Patriot League tournament. As a 15th seed, they faced #2 Tennessee.
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In 2009, the Eagles again earned entry to the NCAA Division I tournament by defeating Holy Cross 73-57 to win the Patriot League tournament for a second consecutive year. They were seeded 14th and faced off against #3 Villanova.
Under coach Mike Brennan, the second-seeded Eagles led from start to finish in the decisive victory while holding the top-seeded Terriers to the lowest point total in Patriot League Championship game history. The Eagles advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time since winning their second of back-to-back titles in 2009.
Other Postseason Tournaments
In addition to their NCAA Division I appearances, the Eagles have also participated in other postseason tournaments:
- NCAA Division II Tournament: 3 appearances
- NAIA Tournament: 2 appearances
- National Invitation Tournament (NIT): 3 appearances
- CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT): 1 appearance
Coaching Changes
Duane Simpkins was selected as the 18th Head Coach of American University Men’s Basketball, marking a new chapter for the program. ^ "Duane Simpkins Selected as 18th Head Coach of American University Men’s Basketball," American University Athletics, Saturday, April 1, 2023.
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