Air Force Falcons basketball — program history
Air Force's basketball program began in 1956, just one year after the United States Air Force Academy was established in Colorado Springs. The Falcons compete in the Mountain West Conference and have made several NCAA Tournament appearances. The program has produced standouts like 1959 All-American Bob Beckel and Gregg Popovich, the Falcons' captain and leading scorer as a senior who went on to become a legendary NBA coach.
The name
The Falcons name was chosen by the first class of cadets in 1955 through a vote, selecting the falcon as a symbol of speed, courage, and keen vision — traits prized by fighter pilots.
Signature moment
Reaching the semifinals of the 2007 NIT at Madison Square Garden during a school-record 26-win season, one of the program's best postseason runs.
Air Force's home court, Clune Arena inside the Cadet Field House, sits at roughly 7,080 feet above sea level — one of the highest home floors in Division I, giving the Falcons a literal altitude advantage over visiting teams.
The Air Force Falcons compete in the MWC and hold an all-time record of 800–1107 (.420 winning percentage) across 69 recorded seasons dating back to 1957-58.
Season-by-season results
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