1973 NIT The 1973 American University men’s basketball team enjoyed its most successful season to date with a 21-5 record and a first time bid to the National Invitational Tournament. AU was led by Head Coach Tom Young, who helped transform the Eagles with an American Revolution led by seniors Kermit Washington and Wilbur Thomas. The Eagles faced Louisville in the first round of the NIT in the storied Madison Square Garden. The tournament that year featured Notre Dame, North Carolina, Southern California and Rutgers. Before 15,000 fans in Madison Square Garden, 2,200 of them AU fans, the Eagles fell to the Cardinals, 97-84, despite Washington’s 29 points and Wilbur Thomas who added 26 as AU battled back to within five points late after a 22-point first half deficit. Washington was credited with putting AU basketball on the national map during his prolific career with the Eagles. In 1972-73, he had one of the greatest seasons in NCAA history as he became the last player to average 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. He earned 1973 Associated Press All-America honors while leading the nation in rebounding for the second consecutive season.
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