🔥Tulsa had a history of losing seasons until the hiring of Nolan Richardson in 1980.
🏆Tulsa won a national championship and an NIT title in the 1980-1981 season.
🌪️Nolan Richardson brought an up-tempo and exciting style of play to Tulsa basketball.
🏀Tulsa had impressive wins over Louisville, Purdue, and Wichita State during their championship run.
🎉The 1981 NIT title energized the city of Tulsa and created a lasting celebration.
What was Tulsa's basketball record before Nolan Richardson's arrival?
—Tulsa had 35 losing seasons and an overall winning percentage of under 500 before Nolan Richardson became the head coach.
What achievements did Tulsa's basketball program have in the 1980-1981 season?
—In that season, Tulsa won a national championship and an NIT title, establishing a winning tradition for the program.
What impact did Nolan Richardson have on Tulsa basketball?
—Nolan Richardson brought an up-tempo and exciting style of play, which energized the team and the fans.
Who were some of the notable opponents Tulsa defeated during their championship run?
—Tulsa had impressive wins over Louisville, Purdue, and Wichita State during their championship run.
How did the 1981 NIT title impact the city of Tulsa?
—The NIT title created a celebration in Tulsa, with fans flocking to the airport to greet the team and the city experiencing a sense of pride and excitement.
00:10In 1980, the University of Tulsa men's basketball program had not established a firm tradition of winning.
00:54Tulsa hired Nolan Richardson as head coach in 1980, leading to a remarkable turnaround.
02:41Tulsa's impressive wins over Louisville, Purdue, and Wichita State during their championship run.
03:17The 1981 NIT title energized the city of Tulsa and created a lasting celebration.
04:20Tulsa's victory over Syracuse in overtime to win the NIT championship.
