Butler Bulldogs basketball — program history

Butler University, founded in 1855 in Indianapolis, has played basketball since 1893. The 'Bulldogs' name was adopted in the early 1900s, fitting the school's tenacious spirit. Butler became college basketball's ultimate underdog story with back-to-back NCAA Championship game appearances in 2010 and 2011 under Brad Stevens, who later became head coach of the Boston Celtics. Gordon Hayward's half-court heave that nearly won the 2010 title against Duke remains one of the most dramatic shots in tournament history. Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, a National Historic Landmark, served as the inspiration for the movie 'Hoosiers.'

The name

The 'Bulldogs' nickname was adopted in the early 1900s; Butler's live bulldog mascot Blue has been a beloved game-day presence

Signature moment

Back-to-back NCAA Championship game appearances in 2010 and 2011, including Gordon Hayward's near-miss half-court shot against Duke in the 2010 final

Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler's home court since 1928, is a National Historic Landmark and served as the inspiration for the gymnasium in the movie 'Hoosiers'

The Butler Bulldogs compete in the Big East and hold an all-time record of 1706–1257 (.576 winning percentage) across 128 recorded seasons dating back to 1896-97. The program has reached 2 Final Fours.

Season-by-season results

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