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Bob Richey has been the head coach of the Furman University men’s basketball team since the 2017-18 season, leading the Paladins through eight seasons as of March 18, 2025. Ranking his teams involves evaluating their performance based on overall records, Southern Conference (SoCon) standings, postseason achievements, and notable accomplishments. Below is a ranking of Richey’s Furman teams from best to worst, based on these criteria, with the 2024-25 season incomplete but included with current data up to the present date.
1. 2022-23 Season
Record: 28-8 overall, 15-3 SoCon
Achievements: Won the SoCon regular-season title (tied) and the SoCon Tournament, earning an NCAA Tournament berth—the program’s first since 1980. Upset No. 4 seed Virginia 68-67 in the first round, Furman’s first NCAA win since 1974, before losing to San Diego State in the second round. Set a school record with 28 wins.
Why It Ranks First: This season marked the pinnacle of Richey’s tenure, with a conference championship, a historic NCAA Tournament run, and the most wins in program history. Jalen Slawson was named SoCon Player of the Year, and the team’s late-game heroics against Virginia cemented its legacy.
2. 2018-19 Season
Record: 25-8 overall, 13-5 SoCon
Achievements: Started 12-0, the best start in school history, including wins over Final Four teams Loyola Chicago and defending national champion Villanova. Earned the program’s first AP Top 25 ranking (peaked at No. 23) for three weeks. Finished third in the SoCon and lost in the NIT first round to Wichita State.
Why It Ranks Second: The undefeated start and high-profile wins showcased Furman’s potential under Richey. The AP ranking was a historic milestone, though the lack of a conference title or NCAA bid keeps it below 2022-23.
3. 2019-20 Season
Record: 25-7 overall, 15-3 SoCon
Achievements: Tied for the SoCon regular-season title with a 15-3 record but lost in the SoCon Tournament semifinals to Wofford. No postseason due to COVID-19 cancellation. Finished No. 74 in NET rankings.
Why It Ranks Third: A strong regular season with a co-championship and a school-record-tying 25 wins (at the time) make this a standout year. The absence of postseason play limits its ceiling compared to 2022-23 and 2018-19.
4. 2017-18 Season
Record: 23-10 overall, 13-5 SoCon
Achievements: Richey’s first season as head coach resulted in a then-school-record-tying 23 wins. Finished third in the SoCon and reached the CIT quarterfinals, losing to San Francisco. Beat Final Four team Loyola Chicago during the regular season.
Why It Ranks Fourth: A successful debut with a 20-win season and postseason appearance, plus a notable win, but it lacks the conference titles or national spotlight of higher-ranked years.
5. 2020-21 Season
Record: 16-9 overall, 10-5 SoCon
Achievements: Finished third in the SoCon during a COVID-shortened season. Lost in the SoCon Tournament semifinals to VMI. No postseason invitation.
Why It Ranks Fifth: A solid winning record and competitive SoCon performance, but the lack of a championship or postseason run places it mid-tier.
6. 2021-22 Season
Record: 22-12 overall, 12-6 SoCon
Achievements: Finished second in the SoCon but lost the tournament final to Chattanooga. Played in the NIT, losing in the first round to Louisiana.
Why It Ranks Sixth: A 20-win season and runner-up finish in the SoCon are notable, but falling short of a title and an early NIT exit keep it below other years.
7. 2023-24 Season
Record: 17-16 overall, 10-8 SoCon
Achievements: Finished fourth in the SoCon and lost in the tournament quarterfinals to Mercer. No postseason.
Why It Ranks Seventh: The first sub-.500 SoCon season under Richey and a rare losing overall record mark this as his weakest full season, with no significant accolades.
8. 2024-25 Season (Incomplete)
Record (as of March 18, 2025): 19-13 overall, 10-8 SoCon (projected full season based on current trajectory)
Achievements: As of now, Furman is mid-season, with a likely middle-of-the-pack SoCon finish unless a late surge or tournament run occurs. No postseason data yet.
Why It Ranks Last: With the season ongoing, it’s premature to judge fully, but the current record suggests a step back from Richey’s peak years. This ranking could shift depending on the outcome.
Summary
Richey’s tenure has been marked by consistent success, with six 20-win seasons in eight years and a .687 winning percentage (170-77 through 2023-24, plus 2024-25 partial data). The 2022-23 team stands out for its championship and NCAA heroics, while 2018-19 and 2019-20 reflect his ability to build nationally competitive squads. Lower rankings reflect seasons with fewer wins or no postseason impact, though even these years remain competitive by Furman’s historical standards. The 2024-25 season’s final ranking hinges on its conclusion, but it currently trails due to incomplete data and a middling record.
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