Unfurl
About the Series
THE HEART OF BONAS BASKETBALL is the story of a storied college basketball program told from many perspectives. St. Bonaventure’s basketball team began 100 years ago, advancing to a pinnacle NCAA Final Four appearance in 1970 during a time of national upheaval. Forming an early alliance with fellow Little Three schools Canisius and Niagara, Bona would achieve early recognition as a regular participant in the NIT, winning the tournament in 1977.
LATER, after gaining membership in the fiercely competitive Atlantic 10 Conference, Bona remained among the smallest Division 1 schools (based on enrollment) playing as a “mid-major.” Bona would find itself sinking in the big business of college athletics that nearly capsized the program, the university and the surrounding community.
THIS is the story of belief in the face of long odds, the importance of institutional Franciscan values, and the basketball program’s journey of redemption to national respectability, national relevance and, once again, national prominence.
The Heart of Bona’s Basketball is the love, and caring, and brotherhood; the passion that we carry with us for fifty years. It’s unbelievable. Very special.
– Bob Lanier
Series Breakdown
Back When We Didn't Know We Couldn't
1950s
Building a Dynasty
Early 1960s
The House That Two Stiths Built
Iron Five and the Final Four
National Champions
1977 NIT Champs
Big Business of
College Athletics
1980s – 2000
The Scandal and Rebuilding Years
Snubbed and Triumphant
2015 – 2018
Returning Home
George Carter and Entering A New Era of Bona’s Basketball
2002 – 2012
