The SEC's status as a powerhouse football conference is well-documented. But the conference is no slouch in the realm of basketball.
While Kentucky is the school many fans think of first as a bona fide blueblood, the Florida Gators have built a nice resume of their own. On Monday, they're playing for their third national championship, all of which have come since 2006.
Florida has a pair of national championships won in 2006 and 2007 under Billy Donovan, who was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Now, under Todd Golden, it is hoping to add to its trophy case for the first time in 18 years.
It has already been a magical season in a lot of ways for Gainesville, but everything comes down to Monday.
Has Florida basketball won a national championship?
Florida basketball has two national championships under its belt heading into Monday's game. The first in program history came in 2006, spurred on by five future NBA players and led by Joakim Noah and Taurean Green. In 2007, the Gators returned their core and repeated, this time with Al Horford taking on a bigger role. Corey Brewer and Chris Richard were also part of both squads, with Marreese Speights joined in 2006-07 as a freshman.
Florida became just the eighth team at the time to repeat, and the first in 15 years.
- 2005-06: 33-6, 10-6 SEC; SEC Tournament champions; def. UCLA 73-57
- 2006-07: 35-5, 13-3 SEC; SEC Tournament & regular season champions; def. Ohio State 84-75
Florida March Madness history
Florida has made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, with two more vacated by the NCAA.
It has made 19 of those appearances since 2000, making its sustained success in the sport relatively recent. The Gators have 11 Sweet 16 appearances (and one more that was vacated), 10 Elite Eight appearances, six Final Four appearances, three national title game appearances and two national championships.
Here's a look a Florida's record by round:
- Round 1: 19-6
- Round 2: 12-7
- Sweet 16: ...
