About Army Black Knights
Army Black Knights football team play in NCAA Division I FBS Independent Schools. With exception of seven seasons the program has always remained in the independent conference. As far as basketball team goes they are part of Patriot League and represent the United States Military Academy in NCAA Division I.
Colours of the university are black and gold and the team’s mascot are Army Mules, Black Knight.
The main rivals of the football team are Navy Midshipmen, Air Force Falcons and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The football Black Knights had won three national titles between 1944-46 and they have a Bowl record of 3-2.
The team had fielded three Heisman Trophy Winners but none of them really made a big career in NFL with Doc Blanchard, who was the first ever junior to win that trophy, staying in the army after the Steelers selected him fourth overall in draft of 1946. He chose a career of fighter pilot.
Pete Dawkins never considered career in football as after the college he went onto further education. The only one out of these three to make it to the NFL, was Glenn Davis who was picked second overall in 1947 draft and after his service obligation ended in 1950 he joined the Rams where he was voted to Pro Bowl, unfortunately series of injuries finished his career early.
There isn’t many players in the NFL hailing from this college currently therefore persistence of Josh McNary who is a linebacker in Indianapolis Colts is worth taking note.
The basketball hungry fans are still waiting for their team to do well on court but it might be hard due to strict West Point’s academic and height requirements. The Black Knights are one of five original Division I teams in the history to have never taken part in the NCAA tournament.
The program did have some post-season success by taking part in National Invitational Tournament eight times and having a record of 13-10 there, making as far as 3rd place game and winning three out of five such games.
It is hard to find many NBA players among the Black Knights graduates but several of Army West Point former players had made it to Basketball Hall of Fame, most of them in coaching positions. The most known is probably Mike Krzyzewski who played guard in the sixties and then went onto coaching within collegiate level and has led his teams to five NCAA Division I Championships, 12 NCAA Regional Championships and many other awards. He was named National Coach of the Year by Basketball Times twice and he coached US men’s teams that won gold in basketball in Olympic Games as well in World Championship.
It is easy to see why one chooses an army career. It is not really for sporting accomplishments.
