NEW YORK (AP) — The history of Catholic college basketball spans over a century, featuring iconic teams, coaches, and characters. Notable figures include Rollie Massimino, Lou Carnesecca, and Sister Jean, who continues to support Loyola Chicago basketball even after reaching 100 years of age.

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On November 1, 2026, Catholic powerhouses Notre Dame and Villanova will face off in a season opener at Rome's Palazzo dello Sport, located six miles from the Vatican. This matchup celebrates the deep roots of basketball in Catholic institutions across America, which began to flourish as the sport was invented back in 1891.

In 1927, Notre Dame's 19-1 record led to a national championship title, a victory they repeated in 1936. Since the establishment of the NCAA men’s tournament in 1939, Catholic schools have clinched ten championships, including three by Villanova. Holy Cross became the first champion in 1947, with La Salle following in 1954, and the University of San Francisco winning titles in 1955 and 1956, helping to pave the way for racial integration in the sport.

Loyola Chicago made headlines in 1963 when they became the first team to have four Black players in an NCAA championship game, defeating Cincinnati in overtime. In 1984, John Thompson made history as the first Black head coach to win an NCAA championship with Georgetown.

Catholic college coaching legends include Ray Meyer, who had a 42-year career at DePaul, and Lou Carnesecca, who led St. John's for 24 seasons while earning respect for his vibrant personality and commitment to his faith. Al McGuire, whose Marquette team won a championship in 1977, is remembered for his unconventional coaching style.

Mark Few, head coach at Gonzaga since 1999, has led the Zags to 27 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. While these teams often prioritize athletics over religious expressions, they benefit from spiritual support; for instance, Sister Jean served as Loyola Chicago's team chaplain until September 2025, gaining fame during the Ramblers' NCAA Final Four run in 2018.

Looking forward, John Gasaway, author of "Miracles on the Hardwood," mentions the challenges faced by Catholic colleges without major football programs, noting that none have reached the men's Final Four in the past four seasons. However, he remains optimistic about the upcoming Eternal City Tip-Off, calling it a celebratory clash of prestigious Catholic educational institutions.