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. If you disagree with the order -- and we're sure you do -- re-arrange our Top 25 here. Oh, and if your team didn't crack the top 50, click here to see where they rank among their peers.

8. Syracuse (431 points)

Positives: Incredibly consistent over the long term, ranking in the top six for NCAA berths and win percentage points, with no losing seasons since 1969. No original Big East team totaled more points than Syracuse’s 353 in the Jim Boeheim-era (since ’76-77). Three top-10 NBA picks in the past four drafts is topped by only Kentucky.

Negatives: Last season's trip to the Elite Eight was just the third time since 1990 that the Orange advanced past the Sweet 16. Due to a pair of NIT trips, Syracuse has the fewest points of any national championship school in the past decade. The program also was docked six points for NCAA infractions in 1992.

Fun fact: Syracuse is the highest-rated school on our list with just one national title to its name.

Rank by the decade

1962-69: 16 (T-53rd)

1970-79: 57 (23rd)

1980-89: 104 (11th)

1990-99: 80 (T-17th)

2000-present: 141 (11th)

50 in 50 starting five (1962-present)

G – Sherman Douglas (1985-89)

G – Dave Bing (1963-66)

F – Billy Owens (1988-91)

F – Carmelo Anthony (2002-03)

C – Derrick Coleman (1986-90)

Top options off the bench

Lawrence Moten (1991-95)

John Wallace (1992-96)

Gerry McNamara (2002-06)

50 in 50 coach: Jim Boeheim (1976- )

Best teams (1962-present)

1986-87 (31-7, NCAA runner-up)

1995-96 (29-9, NCAA runner-up)

2002-03 (30-5, NCAA national champions)

--Nick Loucks and Brett Edgerton contributed to this post