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.

45. DePaul (189 points)

Positives: Made 1979 Final Four; eighth most points from 1973 to 1982; three first-team consensus All-Americans and three top-10 picks.

Negatives: Lost eight points due to sanctions and vacated wins; hasn't gained points in any season since 2005, just two NCAA tournament appearances in the past 20 seasons.

Did you know? DePaul finished in the top six in the AP poll seven times from 1978 to 1987.

Rank by the decade

1962-69: 21 (T-47th)

1970-79: 58 (T-24th)

1980-89: 113 (10th)

1990-99: 5 (144th)

2000-present: -8 (T-205th)

50 in 50 starting five (1962-present)

G – Rod Strickland (1985-88)

G/F – Mark Aguirre (1978-81)

F – David Booth (1988-92)

F – Dallas Comegys (1983-87)

C – Dave Corzine (1974-78)

Top options off the bench

Tom Kleinschmidt (1991-95)

Quentin Richardson (1998-2000)

Stanley Brundy (1985-89)

50 in 50 coach: Ray Meyer (1942-84)

Best teams (1962-present)

1977-78 (27-3, NCAA Elite Eight)

1978-79 (26-6, NCAA national semifinals)

1986-87 (28-3, NCAA Sweet 16)

--Harold Shelton and Brett Edgerton contributed to this post.