The UAB Blazers men's basketball team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the NCAA Division I men's college basketball, and have competed in Conference USA (C-USA) since 1995. History The UAB Blazers started their athletics program with the creation of men's basketball in 1978. Setting high standards from the start, UAB was able to lure Gene Bartow away from his post as the head coach at UCLA to start the Blazer program. Known as the "Father of UAB athletics," Coach Bartow was able to guide the Blazers to early success by reaching the NCAA tournament in just their third season of existence. Since their inaugural season, the Blazers have made 15 appearances in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, and 12 appearances in the National Invitational Tournament. UAB has been productive in its NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Elite Eight once, and the Sweet Sixteen 3 times. After 40 years of basketball, UAB has had 36 winning seasons, including 24 seasons with at least 20 wins. UAB's win percentage ranks 30th among NCAA Division I basketball programs with at least 40 seasons. UAB's basketball program has featured wins over many of basketball's most historic programs, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Louisville, Kansas, Arizona, Michigan State, Virginia, Villanova, Connecticut and many others. Conference affiliations 1978–79 – NCAA Division I Independent 1979–80 to 1990–91 – Sun Belt Conference 1991–92 to 1994–95 – Great Midwest Conference 1995–96 to present – Conference USA UAB Head Coaches UAB Season-By-Season Records Postseason Results NCAA tournament results UAB has appeared in 16 NCAA Tournaments, with a combined record of 10–16. NIT results UAB has appeared in 12 National Invitation Tournament's, with a combined record of 14–12. CBI Results The Blazers have appeared in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) one time. Their record is 0–1 Highest Seeds Beaten in NCAA tournament UAB Rivalry Games Awards Conference Coach of the Year Conference Player of the Year All--Conference Players Since 2012 Blazers of Note Retired numbers UAB has retired four jersey numbers since its inception and they now hang from the rafters of Bartow Arena. This honor is bestowed only on players who earn AP All-America honors and who complete their degree at UAB. In the NBA UAB has seen numerous players move on to professional careers in the NBA. Some of UAB's highest NBA draft picks include: Oliver Robinson (2nd Round/1st Pick/24th Overall) to the San Antonio