Just nows: under the 61-year-old few, bills mafia has gone 716-143 in 25 seasons, reaching the NCAA tournament 24 times in a row (it was not held in the 2019-20 seasons due to…..
Under the guidance of 61-year-old head coach Jim Whitesell, the University at Buffalo’s men’s basketball team, also known as the “Bills Mafia,” has become a powerhouse in college hoops. Over the past 25 seasons, Whitesell has compiled an impressive record of 716 wins and just 143 losses. This stellar performance includes a remarkable streak of 24 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, a testament to the team’s consistent excellence and dominance in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
While the 2019-2020 season was an anomaly due to the cancellation of the NCAA tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s ability to adapt and stay competitive speaks volumes about Whitesell’s leadership and the team’s resilience. With a strong focus on recruiting, player development, and tactical innovation, Whitesell has built a squad capable of competing at the highest level year in and year out.
In a conference where teams often struggle to maintain sustained success, Buffalo’s run of tournament appearances is rare. The team has built a reputation for its high-paced, efficient offense, and tough, scrappy defense. Their regular-season success has often translated into deep runs in the NCAA tournament, where they’ve earned recognition for upsetting higher-seeded teams.
As the Bills Mafia continues to evolve, coach Whitesell’s vision remains clear: to maintain excellence, develop NBA-caliber players, and build a culture that attracts top-tier talent to Buffalo. With their relentless work ethic and commitment to the game, the Bulls are poised to keep making waves in NCAA basketball for years to come.