American men’s basketball will mark its 100th anniversary during the 2026-27 season, celebrating a program that began in 1926. The Eagles enter the milestone year with a century of achievements behind them—and are picked as the Patriot League preseason favorite, with nearly the entire roster returning.

By the Numbers
  • 1926: American’s first season; the team went 15-4.
  • 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, 4 Patriot League tournament titles and 5 Patriot League regular-season titles.
  • 4 NIT appearances.
  • 3 straight Mason-Dixon Conference championships from 1958 to 1960.
State of Play
  • Head coach Duane Simpkins begins his fourth season with the Eagles.
  • Preseason All-Patriot League selections Greg Jones and Madden Collins return.
  • American opens its season Nov. 2 at Cincinnati.
Bottom Line

American’s centennial celebrates more than a milestone: the program’s history includes early conference and regional success, landmark integration, and recent NCAA Tournament runs. The Eagles begin their 100th season with a chance to add to that legacy.