Seattle Redhawks men's basketball
College basketball team
Seattle Redhawks men's basketball
2025–26 Seattle Redhawks men's basketball team
UniversitySeattle University
Head coachChris Victor (5th season)
ConferenceWest Coast Conference
LocationSeattle, Washington
ArenaRedhawk Center / Climate Pledge Arena
(capacity: 999 / 18,100)
NicknameRedhawks
ColorsRed and white[1]
   
Uniforms
Home jersey
Team colours
Home
Away jersey
Team colours
Away
NCAA tournament runner-up
1958
Other NCAA tournament results
Final Four1958
Elite Eight1958
Sweet Sixteen1953, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1964
Appearances1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1969, 2007*
*at Division II level
Conference regular-season champions
2007, 2022

The Seattle Redhawks men's basketball team represents Seattle University in NCAA Division I basketball competition. Established in 1946, the team was previously known as the Seattle Chieftains. The program experienced success during the 1950s and 1960s, reaching the NCAA Division I tournament eleven times. Led by Elgin Baylor (the future 1958 number one draft pick), Seattle finished as the runner-up in the 1958 NCAA University Division basketball tournament.

Seattle was a member of NCAA Division I before budget problems led them to reclassify to NAIA in 1980.[2] They eventually rose to NCAA Division II before rejoining the Division I level in 2008. Seattle is a member of the West Coast Conference, which they rejoined in 2025 after prior membership from 1971 to 1980.[3] They were previously a member of the Western Athletic Conference from 2012 to 2025. The current head coach is Chris Victor,[4] who was previously the associate head coach.

History

Notable alumni of Seattle University basketball include Elgin Baylor, Johnny O'Brien, Eddie O'Brien, Charlie Brown, Eddie Miles, Clint Richardson, John Tresvant, Tom Workman, Frank Oleynick, Charlie Williams, Jawann Oldham, Charles Garcia, and Plummer Lott.[2][5]

1950s and 1960s: National prominence

Established in 1946, the program experienced a period of success during the 1950s and 1960s. Seattle produced more NBA players than any other school from 1960 to 1969.[6] From 1953 to 1969, the Seattle Chieftains reached the NCAA tournament 11 times.[7]

On January 21, 1952, the Seattle Chieftains beat the Harlem Globetrotters in a stunning 84–81 upset, led by Johnny O'Brien.[8] In 1952, O'Brien became the first collegiate player to score 1,000 points in a season.[2][9] Six years later, Elgin Baylor led the Chieftains to the championship game of the 1958 NCAA tournament.[2] Seattle defeated top-ranked Kansas State in the Final Four, but fell to the Kentucky Wildcats in Louisville on March 22.[2] Despite finishing runner-up, Baylor was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and was the first selection of the 1958 NBA draft in April.

Seattle joined the West Coast Conference from 1971 to 1980.[3] In 1974, Frank Oleynick was named WCC Player of the Year.[10]

1980s to 2000s: NAIA and Rejoining NCAA

In 1980, local economic depression and mounting financial pressures for athletics competitiveness led the university to de-emphasize athletics and enter NAIA.[2] After over 20 years in NAIA, Seattle rejoined the NCAA as a Division III member in 2001 and as a Division II member in 2002, joining the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in 2002.[2] In 2007, Seattle won a share of the GNAC regular season title with Seattle Pacific, and was invited to the 2007 NCAA Division II tournament, the program's first postseason tournament appearance since 1969.

In 2008, the program rejoined the Division I level. In 2009, Cameron Dollar was hired as the new head coach to replace Joe Callero.[11] From 2008 to 2012, Seattle played as an independent during NCAA reclassification.[2] They declined an invitation to the now-defunct Great West Conference, and applied for membership with the West Coast Conference, Big Sky Conference, and Big West Conference, but were turned down.

2012 to 2025: Western Athletic Conference

In 2012, Seattle joined the Western Athletic Conference during the 2010–14 NCAA conference realignment.[2] Seattle lost to New Mexico State in the 2015 WAC tournament finals. Seattle earned an invite to the 2015 CBI tournament, their first Division I postseason appearance since 1969, beating Pepperdine and Colorado before losing to Loyola (Ill.) in the semifinals. Seattle earned an invite to the 2016 CBI tournament, beating Idaho in the first round before losing to Vermont in the quarterfinals. Dollar was fired in 2017 after compiling a 107–138 record and two CBI appearances at Seattle.[12]

On March 29, 2017, Jim Hayford was hired as the Redhawks' head coach to replace Dollar, coming from rival Eastern Washington.[6] In his first year as head coach, Hayford compiled a 20–14 record, the Redhawks' first 20-win season since 2008 and first 20-win season in Division I play since the 1960s.[13] The Redhawks fell to Central Arkansas in the first round of the 2018 CBI tournament.[14] In his second year, Hayford compiled an 18–15 record, marking the Redhawks' first back-to-back 18+ win seasons since 2008–09 and 2009–10.[15] The Redhawks fell to Presbyterian in the first round of the 2019 CIT tournament.[15] Hayford resigned in 2021 after compiling a 64–55 record and two CBI appearances at Seattle.[16]

Following Hayford's resignation, Chris Victor was named interim head coach in 2021, and was named head coach in 2022.[17] In Victor's first year as head coach, Seattle was named WAC regular season co-champions with a 23-9 record, the Redhawks' winningest season since the 1950s.[18][19] Victor was named the 2022 Don Haskins WAC Coach of the Year.[20]

During the 2022–23 season, Seattle earned its first appearance in a Division I national poll since the 1964–65 season, receiving votes in the January 23 Coaches Poll, while also earning its highest-ever NET ranking at No. 61.[21] Seattle won the 2024 CBI tournament over High Point for its first-ever championship title.[22] From 2021 to 2024, the Redhawks went three straight seasons with 20+ wins, their first such streak since 1957–59.[21]

2025 to present: West Coast Conference

In 2025, Seattle rejoined the West Coast Conference, after its initial membership from 1971 to 1980.[3][23] Seattle's 9–2 record to start the 2025–26 season marked the Redhawks' best start since their 1968–69 season.[24]

Home court

When Seattle returned to Division I in 2009, the Redhawks began playing the majority of their home games at KeyArena at Seattle Center. Following the 2017-18 season, KeyArena was closed for major refurbishment. During the closure, the Redhawks played the majority of their home schedule on-campus at the Redhawk Center. Seattle U also hosted its CBI games at the Redhawk Center in 2015 while KeyArena was in use for the NCAA men's basketball tournament. In 2021, following a two-year refurbishment, the former KeyArena reopened as Climate Pledge Arena.

Seattle now splits its home schedule between Climate Pledge Arena and the Redhawk Center. The team has also played select games at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, known as the "ShoWare Classic."

Rivalries

Seattle U has two recognized rivals: Washington and Eastern Washington.

Washington

Despite the two teams' proximity, their first meeting only occurred in the West-2 Regional semifinal round of the 1953 NCAA basketball tournament.[25] The teams did not meet again until 1969, when they began a split home-and-home series, as played annually until 1980, and renewed again in 2009.

Washington leads the series 35–5.[26] In 2017, the two schools played in the 2K Sports Classic. In 2024, in the 40th meeting between the teams, Seattle snapped a 46-year old, 19-game losing streak in the rivalry with a 79-70 victory.[27]

Eastern Washington

Seattle U and Eastern Washington have engaged in the "Intrastate Battle"[28] rivalry game on a regular basis since 2009.

Eastern Washington leads the series 9–8.[29] In 2017, a new chapter in the rivalry began when Jim Hayford left his head coaching position at EWU for the same job at Seattle U. Hayford's assistant, Shantay Legans, was hired as his successor. On December 3, 2017, in Hayford's first game against his former team and assistant, Seattle U won 85–64.[30]

Postseason appearances

NCAA Division I tournament

Seattle has made the NCAA Division I tournament 11 times. They have a combined record of 10–13. The Redhawks have not reached the NCAA Division I Tournament since 1969, which is the fifth longest drought between appearances in NCAA Division I Tournament history, although they were not in Division I for 29 years of the drought.

Year Round Opponent Result
1953 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional third place		 Idaho State
Washington
Wyoming		 W 88–77
L 70–92
W 80–64
1954 First Round Idaho State L 75–77 OT
1955 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional third place		 Idaho State
Oregon State
Utah		 W 80–63
L 71–83
L 85–108
1956 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional third place		 Idaho State
Utah
UCLA		 W 68–66
L 72–81
L 70–94
1958 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
Final Four
Championship Game		 Wyoming
San Francisco
California
Kansas State
Kentucky		 W 88–51
W 69–67
W 66–62 OT
W 73–51
L 72–84
1961 First Round Arizona State L 70–72
1962 First Round Oregon State L 65–69 OT
1963 First Round Oregon State L 66–70
1964 First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional third place		 Oregon State
UCLA
Utah State		 W 61–57
L 90–95
W 88–78
1967 First Round Texas Western L 54–62
1969 First Round Weber State L 73–75

NCAA Division II

In their time in NCAA Division II, Seattle made the tournament once. They had a record of 1–1.

Year Round Opponent Result
2007 First Round
Second Round		 Cal Poly
Cal State San Bernardino		 W 69–55
L 66–72

NIT appearances

Seattle has made two appearances in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). They have a combined record of 0–2.

Year Round Opponent Result
1952 First Round Holy Cross L 72–77
1957 Quarterfinals St. Bonaventure L 68–85

CBI appearances

Seattle has made four appearances in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI). They have a combined record of 7–3. They won the championship in 2024.

Year Round Opponent Result
2015 First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Pepperdine
Colorado
Loyola–Chicago		 W 62–45
W 72–65
L 48–63
2016 First Round
Quarterfinals		 Idaho
Vermont		 W 68–63
L 53–74
2018 First Round Central Arkansas L 90–92OT
2024 First Round
Second Round
Semifinals
Championship Game		 Delaware State
Evansville
Fairfield
High Point		 W 79–66
W 71–57
W 75–58
W 77–67

CIT appearances

Seattle made their first appearance in the CIT tournament in 2019. They have a combined record of 0–1.

Year Round Opponent Result
2019 First Round Presbyterian L 68–73

Awards and honors

Retired numbers

Seattle U has retired six jersey numbers, with the most recent being Tom Workman on February 5, 2011.[31]

Seattle Redhawks retired numbers
No. Player Pos. Career
3 Ed O'Brien[32] 1950–1953
4 John O'Brien[32] 1950–1953
20 Eddie Miles F 1960–1963
22 Elgin Baylor SF 1956–1958
32 Tom Workman C 1964–1966
44 Clint Richardson SG 1975–1979

Conference awards

Coach of the Year

Player of the Year

Freshman of the Year

Season-by-season records

Statistics overview
Season Coach Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Seattle (Independent[2]) (1946–1971)
1946–47 Len Yandle, Bill Fenton 18–12
1947–48 Len Yandle, Bill Fenton 10–16
1948–49 Al Brightman 12–14
1949–50 Al Brightman 12–17
1950–51 Al Brightman 32–5
1951–52 Al Brightman 29–8 NIT first round
1952–53 Al Brightman 29–4 NCAA Regional third place
1953–54 Al Brightman 26–2 NCAA first round
1954–55 Al Brightman 22–7 NCAA Regional Fourth Place
1955–56 Al Brightman 18–11 NCAA Regional Fourth Place
1956–57 John Castellani 24–3 NIT Quarterfinals
1957–58 John Castellani 23–6 NCAA Runner-up
1958–59 Vincent Cazzetta 23–6
1959–60 Vincent Cazzetta 16–10
1960–61 Vincent Cazzetta 18–8 NCAA first round
1961–62 Vincent Cazzetta 18–9 NCAA first round
1962–63 Vincent Cazzetta 21–6 NCAA first round
1963–64 Bob Boyd 22–6 NCAA Regional third place
1964–65 Bob Boyd 19–7
1965–66 Lionell Purcell 16–10
1966–67 Lionell Purcell 18–8 NCAA first round
1967–68 Morris Buckwalter 15–14
1968–69 Morris Buckwalter 20–8 NCAA first round
1969–70 Morris Buckwalter 15–10
1970–71 Morris Buckwalter 12–14
Seattle (West Coast Conference[10]) (1971–1980)
1971–72 Morris Buckwalter 17–9 10–4 3rd
1972–73 William O'Connor 13–13 6–8 T–5th
1973–74 William O'Connor 15–11 11–3 2nd
1974–75 William O'Connor 8–18 6–8 6th
1975–76 William O'Connor 11–16 6–6 4th
1976–77 William O'Connor 14–14 7–7 T–3rd
1977–78 William O'Connor 11–17 6–8 5th
1978–79 Jack Schalow 16–11 8–6 4th
1979–80 Jack Schalow 12–15 8–8 7th
Seattle (Independent) (1980–1992)
1980–81 Jack Schalow 9–13
1981–82 Len Nardone 6–22
1982–83 Len Nardone 15–16
1983–84 Len Nardone 14–14
1984–85 Len Nardone 21–12
1985–86 Bob Johnson 10–20
1986–87 Bob Johnson 17–13
1987–88 Bob Johnson 13–17
1988–89 Bob Johnson 7–23
1989–90 Bob Johnson 10–20
1990–91 Bob Johnson 16–15
1991–92 Al Hairston 14–17
1992–93 Al Hairston 6–24
1993–94 Al Hairston 17–14
1994–95 Al Hairston 10–20
1995–96 Al Hairston 14–17
1996–97 Al Hairston 13–18
Seattle (Northwest Conference[34]) (1997–1999)
1997–98 Al Hairston 4–20 3–15 10th
1998–99 Al Hairston 4–20 4–14 10th
Seattle (Independent) (1999–2001)
1999–00 Al Hairston 7–17
2000–01 Dave Cox 6–21
Seattle (Great Northwest Athletic Conference) (2001–2008)
2001–02 Joe Callero 6–23 4–14 9th
2002–03 Joe Callero 16–11 9–9 7th
2003–04 Joe Callero 9–18 5–13 T–8th
2004–05[35] Joe Callero 11–16 6–12 8th
2005–06 Joe Callero 16–11 9–9 7th
2006–07 Joe Callero 20–9 11–5 T–1st NCAA Division II Second Round
2007–08 Joe Callero 18–9 11–7 8th
Seattle (Independent) (2008–2012)
2008–09 Joe Callero 21–8
2009–10 Cameron Dollar 17–14
2010–11 Cameron Dollar 11–20
2011–12 Cameron Dollar 12–15
Seattle (Western Athletic Conference) (2012–2025)
2012–13 Cameron Dollar 8–22 3–15 10th
2013–14 Cameron Dollar 13–17 5–11 8th
2014–15 Cameron Dollar 18–16 7–7 4th CBI semifinals
2015–16 Cameron Dollar 15–17 7–7 4th CBI Quarterfinals
2016–17 Cameron Dollar 13–17 5–9 6th
2017–18 Jim Hayford 20–14 8–6 4th CBI first round
2018–19 Jim Hayford 18–15 6–10 7th CIT first round
2019–20 Jim Hayford 14–15 7–7 T–5th
2020-21 Jim Hayford 12-11 4-5 5th
2021-22 Chris Victor 23-9 14-4 T-1st
2022-23 Chris Victor 20-12 11-7 T-4th
2023-24 Chris Victor 23-14 11-9 T-4th CBI Champion
2024-25 Chris Victor 14-18 8-8 T-5th
Seattle (West Coast Conference) (2025–present)
2025-26 Chris Victor
Total:

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

The 2006 film Glory Road depicts the 1956-66 Texas Western team, coached by Don Haskins, the first team with an all-black starting lineup to win the national championship. As depicted in the film, Seattle dealt Texas Western (now UTEP) its only defeat of its historic season.[2][36]

References

  1. ^ Seattle U Athletics Style Guide (PDF). June 18, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Athletics History". Seattle University Redhawks - Official Athletics Website. Seattle University Athletics. January 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  3. ^ a b c Faraudo, Jeff (July 1, 2025). "Seattle University Officially Rejoins The West Coast Conference". wccsports.com. West Coast Conference. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  4. ^ "Seattle basketball coach resigns after using racial slur". foxnews.com. 13 November 2021.
  5. ^ "#1 in Seattle University History – Elgin Baylor – Seattle University Redhawks Athletics". Goseattleu.com. 2008-12-19. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  6. ^ a b "Eastern basketball coach Jim Hayford going to Seattle U". 29 March 2017.
  7. ^ "Division I Basketball back at Seattle U". October 6, 2011. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011.
  8. ^ "Fifty years ago tonight, Seattle U. upset the mighty Globetrotters". January 24, 2008.
  9. ^ Effrat, Louis (4 March 1952). "SEATTLE'S O'BRIEN TO PLAY IN GARDEN; First 1,000-Point Collegian to Be Seen With Quintet in Invitation Tourney". nytimes.com. The New York Times. Retrieved 18 December 2025. O'Brien, is the most prolific point-producer in collegiate court history. He is the only individual ever to have amassed 1,000 points in one season. Having played in thirty-six games this campaign, O'Brien clicked for 1,030
  10. ^ a b c d "2010-11 Men's Basketball - Year In Review" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-01-07.
  11. ^ "Seattle University Redhawks hire Washington Huskies Cameron Dollar as basketball coach – ESPN". ESPN. 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  12. ^ "Cameron Dollar out as Head Coach at Seattle after 8 season". USA Today. 13 March 2017.
  13. ^ "Historic Win at WAC Tourney". GoSeattleU.com. 8 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Seattle U Drops OT Contest to Central Arkansas in CBI". Western Athletic Conference. 14 March 2018. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Redhawks to Host Presbyterian in CIT First Round". goseattleu.com. Seattle University. 17 March 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  16. ^ "Seattle Redhawks men's basketball coach Jim Hayford resigns amid investigation over racial slur". espn.com. ESPN. 11 November 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  17. ^ Hanson, Scott (1 March 2022). "Chris Victor gets interim tag removed, officially named Seattle U men's basketball coach". seattletimes.com. The Seattle Times. Retrieved 18 December 2025. Victor, who has led the Seattle University men's basketball team to its best season since it moved back to Division I 12 years ago, was named head coach Tuesday after serving as the interim coach since the beginning of the season.
  18. ^ Calkins, Matt (5 March 2022). "Seattle U men provide happy history with share of first WAC title". seattletimes.com. The Seattle Times. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  19. ^ Ali, Qasim (2 November 2022). "Seattle U Men's Hoops Set Eyes on NCAA Tournament in '23". seattlespectator.com. The Spectator. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  20. ^ Crabtree, Curtis (7 March 2022). "Seattle U's Chris Victor named WAC Coach of the Year". fox13seattle.com. FOX 13 Seattle. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  21. ^ a b "Chris Victor". goseattleu.com. Seattle University Athletics. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  22. ^ Associated Press (27 March 2024). "Seattle U closes out High Point to capture first CBI title". espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  23. ^ Parnell, Merrick (14 May 2024). "Seattle University to Rejoin WCC in 2025". 610kona.com. NEWSRADIO 610 KONA. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  24. ^ Finney, Sarah (17 December 2025). "Heimbrodt's Go-Ahead Free-Throw Seals Fourth Straight Win". goseattleu.com. Seattle University Athletics. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  25. ^ University, Seattle (2012-12-05). "1953 Seattle U, UW NCAA Teams to be Honored Dec. 13". Seattle University. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  26. ^ "Matchup Finder".
  27. ^ Allen, Percy (December 23, 2024). "Seattle U men shock Huskies, snap 19-game skid vs. UW". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 4, 2025. Washington's 46-year-old, 19-game winning streak in the neighborhood rivalry came crashing to an end Monday night when Seattle U unleashed decades worth of frustration and claimed a 79-70 victory in the 40th meeting between the teams.
  28. ^ "Men's Basketball Renews Rivalry with EWU Monday". 9 December 2012.
  29. ^ "Men's Basketball History vs Seattle University from Dec 12, 2009 - Nov 12, 2025". goeags.com. Eastern Washington University Athletics. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  30. ^ "Eastern Washington vs. Seattle Box Score, December 3, 2017".
  31. ^ "SU Hall of Famer Tom Workman To Be Honored With Number Retirement". Seattle University. January 17, 2011.
  32. ^ a b "Seattle University Dedicates O?Brien Center for Athletic Administration - Seattle University".
  33. ^ Crabtree, Curtis (7 March 2022). "Seattle U's Chris Victor named WAC Coach of the Year". fox13seattle.com. FOX 13 Seattle. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  34. ^ Unknown [permanent dead link]
  35. ^ "Redhawks 2005 Men's Basketball" (PDF). Seattle University. Archived from the original on 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
  36. ^ Newnham, Blaine (12 February 2006). "Seattle U. gave lone loss to Texas Western's storybook team". seattletimes.com. Seattle: The Seattle Times. Retrieved 18 December 2025. Tom Workman, the Seattle U. star who scored the winning points as his team dealt little Texas Western its only defeat of the 1966 collegiate season.
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