The Rice Owls men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball program of Rice University. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the American Athletic Conference. They previously participated in the Southwest Conference (1914–1996), the Western Athletic Conference (1996–2005), and Conference USA (2005–2023).
The Owls play their home games in Tudor Fieldhouse, which they have called home since 1950. Previously known as Rice Gymnasium, it was renamed in honor of Rice alum Bobby Tudor, who spearheaded the 2008 renovation of the facility with a multimillion-dollar donation. Rice has appeared four times in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, most recently in 1970. Their 54 years without making the Tournament is currently the fifth longest in active history.
Rice has never reached a conference tournament final in any of the conferences they have played in (Southwest, WAC, Conference USA, The American).
Contents
Postseason history
NCAA tournament results
The Owls have appeared in four NCAA tournaments. Their combined record is 2–5, with their only wins coming in third-place games, a practice that no longer exists. Their drought of 56 years is the eighth longest drought between appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament history.
NIT results
The Owls have appeared in five National Invitation Tournaments. Their combined record is 1–5.
CBI results
The Owls have appeared in three College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournaments. Their combined record is 2–3.
CIT results
The Owls have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). Their combined record is 2–1.
Players of note
Owls in the NBA
Morris Almond
Ken Austin
Bill Closs
Mike Harris
Bill Henry
Bob Kinney
Trey Murphy III
Ricky Pierce
Brent Scott
Mike Wilks
Drew Peterson
Quincy Olivari
Owls in international basketball
Suleiman Braimoh (born 1989), Nigerian-American in the Israel Basketball Premier League
Egor Koulechov (born 1994), Israeli-Russian basketball player for Israeli team Ironi Nahariya
Politicians
Glenn Youngkin (born 1966), 74th Governor of Virginia
Retired numbers
Rice University has retired six numbers.