The Marshall Thundering Herd men’s basketball team, representing Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, stands as a beacon of sporting excellence and determination. This team, competing in the NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference, embodies a unique blend of history, culture, and achievement. The Thundering Herd’s basketball program is not just about winning games; it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of teamwork that resonates throughout its history.
In recent years, under the guidance of coach Dan D’Antoni since 2014, the Thundering Herd has experienced a resurgence. The 2017-18 season was particularly noteworthy, as the team clinched its first Conference USA championship and secured a historic win in the NCAA Tournament against Wichita State. This phase of the Thundering Herd’s journey reflects a blend of strategic gameplay, resilience, and the unyielding will to succeed against the odds.
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The Historical Tapestry of the Marshall Thundering Herd
The history of the Marshall Thundering Herd basketball team is a rich tapestry of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements. It began in the early 20th century and saw significant evolution under various coaches. Cam Henderson, coaching from 1935-1955, was a pivotal figure, leading the team to three consecutive Buckeye Conference titles and the 1947 NAIA National Championship. The subsequent era, under Jule Rivlin and other coaches, solidified the team’s reputation with regular appearances in NCAA tournaments and NITs, marking them as a formidable force in collegiate basketball.
The Golden Era
The era under Coach Rick Huckabay from 1983 to 1989 is often hailed as the golden era of Marshall basketball. Huckabay’s tenure was marked by a string of successes, including six Southern Conference titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Although these postseason contests ended in losses, they were emblematic of the team’s competitive spirit and resilience. This era also witnessed the nurturing of extraordinary talents like John Taft and Skip Henderson, who would go on to become the top scorers in Marshall’s history.
Legendary Figures in Marshall Thundering Herd History
Several coaches and players have etched their names into the annals of Marshall basketball history. These figures, such as coaches Cam Henderson, Jule Rivlin, Rick Huckabay, and Dan D’Antoni, and players like Hal Greer, Mike D’Antoni, and John Taft, have been instrumental in shaping the team’s legacy. Their contributions extend beyond wins and losses; they have inspired generations and set standards of excellence that continue to influence the team today
A Game to Remember
One of the most memorable games in the team’s history occurred under Coach Huckabay’s tenure. In this game, backup guard Bruce Morris achieved an extraordinary feat by making the longest shot in NCAA basketball history – a staggering 89 feet, 10 inches. This momentous shot not only clinched a win against Appalachian State but also cemented itself in the history books as a testament to the incredible skill and spirit of the Thundering Herd.
Marshall Thundering Herd [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Mon 06/11/2023 | Opponent: Queens University of Charlotte Royals | Result: W 89-73 |
| Week 1 | Date: Fri 10/11/2023 | Opponent: Radford Highlanders | Result: L 62-66 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sun 19/11/2023 | Opponent: Utah St. Aggies | Result: L 60-83 |
| Week 3 | Date: Mon 20/11/2023 | Opponent: Florida International Panthers | Result: W 80-69 |
| Week 3 | Date: Tue 21/11/2023 | Opponent: Oakland Golden Grizzlies | Result: L 71-78 |
| Week 3 | Date: Fri 24/11/2023 | Opponent: Kentucky Wildcats | Result: L 82-118 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Miami (OH) RedHawks | Result: L 74-79 |
| Week 5 | Date: Wed 06/12/2023 | Opponent: Duquesne Dukes | Result: L 72-85 |
| Week 5 | Date: Sat 09/12/2023 | Opponent: Ohio Bobcats | Result: W 74-69 |
| Week 6 | Date: Wed 13/12/2023 | Opponent: Toledo Rockets | Result: L 87-88 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: UNC Greensboro Spartans | Result: W 72-65 |
| Week 7 | Date: Mon 18/12/2023 | Opponent: Bluefield State Big Blues | Result: W 103-70 |
| Week 7 | Date: Mon 18/12/2023 | Opponent: Bluefield College Rams | Result: W 103-70 |
| Week 7 | Date: Thu 21/12/2023 | Opponent: UNC Wilmington Seahawks | Result: L 69-78 |
| Week 8 | Date: Sat 30/12/2023 | Opponent: UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns | Result: W 75-61 |
| Week 9 | Date: Wed 03/01/2024 | Opponent: UL Monroe Warhawks | Result: W 68-57 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: Texas State Bobcats | Result: W 79-75 |
| Week 10 | Date: Wed 10/01/2024 | Opponent: Georgia Southern Eagles | Result: W 79-74 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sat 13/01/2024 | Opponent: South Alabama Jaguars | Result: L 85-91 |
| Week 11 | Date: Thu 18/01/2024 | Opponent: Old Dominion Monarchs | Result: L 66-91 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: James Madison Dukes | Result: L 52-67 |
| Week 12 | Date: Wed 24/01/2024 | Opponent: Georgia St. Panthers | Result: W 77-68 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Southern Miss Golden Eagles | Result: W 83-67 |
| Week 13 | Date: Thu 01/02/2024 | Opponent: Old Dominion Monarchs | Result: L 76-83 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Result: W 91-74 |
| Week 14 | Date: Wed 07/02/2024 | Opponent: Troy Trojans | Result: L 66-82 |
| Week 15 | Date: Thu 15/02/2024 | Opponent: Appalachian St. Mountaineers | Result: L 58-73 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Result: L 67-74 |
| Week 16 | Date: Wed 21/02/2024 | Opponent: James Madison Dukes | Result: L 58-84 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: Appalachian St. Mountaineers | Result: L 58-65 |
| Week 17 | Date: Wed 28/02/2024 | Opponent: Georgia Southern Eagles | Result: L 73-87 |
| Week 17 | Date: Fri 01/03/2024 | Opponent: Georgia St. Panthers | Result: L 79-82 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Thu 07/03/2024 | Opponent: Georgia St. Panthers | Result: W 86-74 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Sat 09/03/2024 | Opponent: James Madison Dukes | Result: L 64-81 |
Home of Marshall Thundering Herd: Cam Henderson Center
The Cam Henderson Center, the home venue of the Thundering Herd since 1981, is more than just a basketball arena; it’s a symbol of the team’s enduring legacy and triumphs. Preceding the Cam Henderson Center was the Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse, which also witnessed many of the team’s significant victories. This arena is not just a place where games are played; it’s where history is made, where legends are born, and where the spirit of the Thundering Herd comes alive.
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