VMI Keydets

The VMI Keydets carry the discipline of America's oldest state military college onto the Southern Conference hardwood, playing home games at Cameron Hall in Lexington, Virginia. Despite a small enrollment and a military lifestyle that sets its cadet-athletes apart from typical college rosters, VMI has produced flashes of real March magic. The program's history of upsetting bigger, more talented teams has made the Keydets a perennial League spoiler even in leaner years.

VMI has fielded basketball teams since 1908 and has competed in the Southern Conference for most of its history, save for a stretch in the Big South from 2003-2014. The Keydets won SoCon titles in 1964 (upsetting a top-ranked Davidson team) and again in 1976 under Hall of Famer Ron Carter, a season that produced a stunning run to the NCAA Elite Eight. VMI reached the tournament again in 1977, and its three NCAA appearances remain a source of pride for the small Lexington program.