Vanderbilt Commodores

The Vanderbilt Commodores play at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, where the unique raised court and bench design create one of college basketball's most distinctive venues. Under Mark Byington, the Commodores aim to build on the program's academic and athletic tradition. Vanderbilt's black and gold colors and Nashville location create appeal. The program has reached an Elite Eight. The Commodores are the SEC's only private school. Vanderbilt's rivalry with Tennessee defines in-state bragging rights.

Vanderbilt reached the Elite Eight in 1965 under Roy Skinner. The Commodores have made 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. Clyde Lee, Will Perdue, and Festus Ezeli are among the program's NBA alumni. Memorial Gymnasium's design, with benches on the baselines, is unique in college basketball. Vanderbilt's combination of SEC competition and academic excellence is rare. The rivalry with Tennessee is the in-state showdown.