How Huggins Turn UC Basketball into a National Sensation Overnight

Wed, 06 May 2026 17:58:34 +0000

How Huggins Transformed UC Basketball into a National Sensation Overnight In a remarkable blend of strategy, passion, and unexpected opportunity, Head Coach Ken Huggins turned UC Berkeley’s basketball program into a national phenomenon within an astonishingly short time—overnight, for all intents and purposes. Known for steady development and a thoughtful coaching style, Huggins’ sudden ascension from regional coach to national conversation starter has captivated fans, analysts, and media alike. Here’s how he orchestrated one of the most striking late-career turns in collegiate basketball history. ### The Before: A Program with Potential, but Not Overdrive Before Huggins’ full impact, UC Berkeley basketball had built a solid foundation—consistent but measured progress, solid defense, and a passionate but relatively quiet fanbase. The program lacked the flash of bigger conference programs and struggled to turn championships into national headlines. While players developed well, the team rarely appeared in national spotlights or major postseason runs.