Sixty-five years ago, Ohio State basketball won a national championship
Sixty-five years ago, Ohio State University’s men’s basketball team reached the pinnacle of college basketball, winning the 1960 NCAA National Championship. It was a moment that would shape the history of Ohio State sports and forever remain etched in the hearts of Buckeye fans. The 1960 championship marked a significant achievement in Ohio State basketball’s storied past and was one of the most defining moments in college basketball history.
The Road to the 1960 Championship
The 1959-1960 season was one of the most extraordinary in Ohio State basketball history. Under the leadership of head coach Fred Taylor, the Buckeyes entered the season with high hopes. Coach Taylor, who had been at the helm of the Ohio State program since 1957, had already begun to make a significant impact on the team, and the 1960 season was poised to be a breakthrough.
Ohio State’s roster was stacked with talent, featuring some of the most prominent players in college basketball at the time. The team’s centerpiece was Jerry Lucas, a dominant force who would go on to become one of the greatest players in NCAA history. Alongside Lucas was his fellow future NBA star, John Havlicek. The dynamic duo, along with other key players, made the Buckeyes a powerhouse.
Ohio State’s regular season performance in 1959-1960 was nothing short of impressive. The team finished with a remarkable 23-2 record, including an undefeated 14-0 mark in the Big Ten Conference. This dominant regular-season performance set the stage for the Buckeyes to compete for a national championship, but they would first have to navigate through a challenging tournament.
The NCAA Tournament
The 1960 NCAA Basketball Tournament was a six-team affair, as the NCAA had yet to expand the field to the 64 teams that would later become the norm. The tournament was held in the old-style, one-elimination format, with the teams competing to secure their place in the championship game.
Ohio State’s first test came against the University of Minnesota in the semifinals. The Buckeyes were overwhelming favorites and showed why in a dominating 85-63 victory, led by the stellar play of Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek. This win secured them a spot in the national championship game, where they would face off against the California Golden Bears.
California, led by coach Pete Newell, was a formidable opponent. The Golden Bears had a talented squad, including future NBA stars like Darrall Imhoff, who had the ability to challenge the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State’s incredible depth and talent proved to be too much for California. The Buckeyes were firing on all cylinders as they entered the championship game.
The Championship Game
On March 19, 1960, the Ohio State Buckeyes squared off against the California Golden Bears in the NCAA Championship game at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California. The game was a tightly contested battle, with both teams playing excellent basketball. However, Ohio State’s depth, star power, and disciplined play would ultimately win out. The Buckeyes defeated California 75-55, securing their first NCAA Championship in school history.
Jerry Lucas, who was the centerpiece of the Ohio State offense all season, had a dominant performance in the championship game. He finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds, showcasing his skills as one of the most complete players in college basketball at the time. Havlicek, who would later go on to have a legendary career in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, contributed key plays and clutch moments during the game.
The victory was a testament to Coach Fred Taylor’s leadership, as his strategy and preparation were evident in the team’s ability to execute under pressure. Taylor had built a well-oiled machine that combined offensive firepower with defensive tenacity. The 1960 championship was a culmination of years of hard work, talent development, and careful planning.
The Legacy of the 1960 Championship
The 1960 NCAA Championship was not just a victory for Ohio State; it marked the beginning of a golden era in the school’s basketball history. For many, the championship represented the peak of Ohio State basketball, and it set a high standard for future generations of Buckeye athletes.
Jerry Lucas became a household name, earning All-American honors and setting the stage for his future success in the NBA. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Cincinnati Royals and the New York Knicks. Havlicek, too, would become a basketball legend, playing 16 seasons in the NBA and winning eight championships with the Boston Celtics. Both players would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing their places as two of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
The 1960 championship also brought attention to Ohio State University as a basketball powerhouse. The success of the Buckeyes during the 1960s helped elevate the stature of the Big Ten Conference and served as a reminder of the importance of college basketball in the broader landscape of American sports.
For Coach Fred Taylor, the 1960 championship was the pinnacle of his career. Taylor would go on to coach the Buckeyes for another decade, continuing to lead the team to success, but the 1960 title remained his crowning achievement. His ability to mold a team of individual stars into a cohesive unit was a testament to his coaching acumen.
Influence on College Basketball
The 1960 championship team had a profound impact on the college basketball landscape. The success of Ohio State helped to popularize the game and raise the profile of NCAA basketball. The team’s victory served as a blueprint for future championship-winning teams, and the individual success of players like Lucas and Havlicek influenced the development of the game at both the college and professional levels.
Furthermore, the 1960 team’s success helped lay the foundation for the development of the NBA’s next generation of stars. Many of the players from the 1960 Ohio State squad, including Lucas and Havlicek, would go on to make significant contributions to the growth and popularity of the NBA. Their skill, work ethic, and basketball IQ helped shape the future of professional basketball in the United States.
The 65th Anniversary
In 2025, the 65th anniversary of Ohio State’s 1960 National Championship presents an opportunity for reflection. The Buckeyes’ victory in 1960 is still celebrated by Ohio State fans, alumni, and basketball enthusiasts alike. The team’s legacy lives on in the history of the school and in the records of NCAA basketball. It is a reminder of a time when college basketball was in its early stages of national prominence, and Ohio State was at the forefront of the sport.
As the years have passed, the Buckeyes have continued to strive for excellence in basketball, and the 1960 championship remains a benchmark for the program. Each generation of Ohio State basketball players has had the opportunity to build upon the legacy of their predecessors, with the hope of one day winning another national championship to match the achievements of the legendary team of 1960.
For the current players, coaches, and fans, the 65th anniversary serves as a reminder of the proud history of Ohio State basketball. It is a celebration of past successes while also serving as a motivation to continue pursuing greatness. As the Buckeyes look ahead to future seasons, they can look back on their championship-winning predecessors with pride and inspiration.
The 1960 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship was a historic achievement for Ohio State University and its basketball program. Led by legendary players Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek, and guided by the steady leadership of Coach Fred Taylor, the Buckeyes captured their first national championship in basketball, cementing their place in college basketball history. The team’s dominance throughout the regular season and their strong performance in the NCAA Tournament made them a force to be reckoned with in the world of college sports.
As we look back on the 65th anniversary of Ohio State’s 1960 National Championship, we honor the legacy of that team and its players. Their success continues to inspire future generations of basketball players and remains a source of pride for Ohio State fans. The 1960 championship was a defining moment not only for Ohio State but for college basketball as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the rich history of the sport and the incredible impact of those who have contributed to its growth and development.