1981-1982 Men's Basketball Team (2018) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame

1981-1982 Men's Basketball Team

Induction:
2018

When it comes to athletics accomplishments that forever change the course of a department and even a university, few rank higher than the 1981-1982 men's basketball team. The Dukes earned national acclaim and ensured that the nation heard the name "James Madison University" by receiving the second of three consecutive bids, the only one at-large, to the 48-team NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. A team that included future JMU Hall of Famers Linton Townes (1978-82), Dan Ruland (1979-83) and Charles Fisher (1980-83) along with Hall of Fame Head Coach Lou Campanelli (1972-1985) established a JMU wins record by going 24-6, which still stands as the best winning percentage (.800) in program history. The 52.0 points allowed per game still stands as a JMU team record. After falling by one point in the ECAC South title game, the Dukes earned an at-large spot to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 9 seed (best in program history) and went on to take down Ohio State 55-48. In the round of 32, the Dukes went toe-to-toe with eventual national champion North Carolina, falling 52-50 after leading in the final minutes. That team featured future NBA first-round draft picks Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Sam Perkins. The achievement changed the national perception of JMU Athletics, paved the way for departmental success that has trended upwards for 35 years and helped to attract a different level of student-athletes, coaches and administrators to the institution. The success came as JMU prepared to move into the Convocation Center and created a culture of spirit and support around JMU Athletics that is still enjoyed today. That success also permeated into interest in the institution as a whole, which coincided with a significant period in enrollment growth while also raising the academic profile of the university under the watch of former President Ronald E. Carrier.

1981-1982 Men's Basketball Team