March Madness Spotlight: New Orleans Privateers

Every day this week in honor of March Madness I am spotlighting one local team and showcasing their history in the NCAA Tournament. Today we head to the Big Easy to talk about the UNO Privateers, who have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2017.

NCAA Tournament Appearances
5 (1987, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2017)

NCAA Tournament Record
1-5

NIT Appearances
6 (1983, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997)

The Privateers began their journey in NCAA Division II in 1968, where they quickly made a name for themselves. Under head coach Ron Greene, the team reached the Division II Final Four in 1974 and finished as national runners-up in 1975. These early successes set the stage for their transition to NCAA Division I in 1976, where they would join the Sun Belt Conference.

By 1980 they would have left the Sun Belt Conference and become an independent. The Privateers made their first Tournament in 1987. they would be a #7 seed matching up with #10 seed BYU. It would be a historical feat for the program as they would get a 83-79 win over BYU to advance to the Round of 32 where they would lose to Alabama. As of 2025 it would be UNO’s only win in the NCAA tournament.

The Privateers would join the newly formed American South Conference in 1987. The next year a young man from Hattiesburg would be named Head Coach in Tim Floyd. Floyd would guide the Privateers to two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1991 and 1993. In 1991, In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Privateers faced the 3rd-seeded Kansas Jayhawks, a formidable opponent. Despite their best efforts, UNO fell short, losing the game 55–49. By the 1991-92 season the Privateers would be back in the Sun Belt Conference. Two years later the Privateers would be back in the Tourney. In the first round, UNO faced Xavier, a 9th seed in the Midwest Region. Despite their efforts, the Privateers were defeated, with Xavier securing a 73–55 victory

(Hattiesburg native Tim Floyd coach for UNO from 1988-94. He would also have a prominent coaching career with stops at Idaho, Iowa State, USC and UTEP. And as a Head Coach in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Hornets)

In the early 90’s the Privateers were led by one of their greatest players to ever play in program history. Ervin Johnson played from 1989-93 and was drafted 23rd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics and have a 13 year career in the NBA.

(New Orleans native Ervin Johnson during his time with Seattle SuperSonics)

The Privateers would make another appearance in the Tournament in 1996. Seeded 11th in the East Region, UNO faced a tough first-round matchup against the 6th-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels. Despite their best efforts, the Privateers were defeated, with North Carolina, led by Vince Carter securing an 83–62 victory.

The most recent appearance in the Tourney by the Privateers occurred in the First Four of 2017 Tournament. Seeded 16th in the East Region, the Privateers faced Mount St. Mary’s in the First Four round. It was a closely contested game, with both teams battling fiercely for the win. Despite their valiant effort, UNO fell short, losing 67–66 in a nail-biting finish.