Editor's note: Using a point system devised by the ESPN Stats & Information department, ESPN.com is counting down the 50 most successful programs of the past 50 years. A running list of the top 50 can be found here. For an explanation of the scoring system, read our intro.
38. Kansas State (214 points)
Positives: Made 1964 Final Four; six conference titles in 11-season span from 1963 to 1973.
Negatives: Zero NCAA tournament appearances from 1997 to 2007; no conference title of any kind since 1980.
Fun fact: Kansas State's current stretch of three consecutive NCAA tourney appearances is its longest streak since making four straight from 1987 to 1990.
Rank by the decade
1962-69: 44 (T-23rd)
1970-79: 88 (11th)
1980-89: 51 (T-40th)
1990-99: 1 (T-161st)
2000-present: 30 (T-86th)
50 in 50 starting five (1962-present)
G – Steve Henson (1986-90)
G – Rolando Blackman (1977-81)
F – Mitch Richmond (1986-88)
F – Michael Beasley (2007-08)
C – Ed Nealy (1978-82)
Top options off the bench
Willie Murrell (1962-64)
Chuckie Williams (1972-76)
Jacob Pullen (2007-11)
50 in 50 coach: Jack Hartman (1970-86)
Best teams (1962-present)
1963-64 (22-7, NCAA national semifinals)
1980-81 (24-9, NCAA Elite Eight)
2009-10 (29-8, NCAA Elite Eight)
--Harold Shelton and Brett Edgerton contributed to this post.