[2][3] Known as the "Father of UAB athletics," Coach Bartow was able to guide the Blazers to early success by reaching the NCAA tournament in just their third season of existence.

UAB has been productive in its NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Elite Eight once, and the Sweet Sixteen 3 times.

Their record is 0–1 UAB has retired four jersey numbers since its inception and they now hang from the rafters of Bartow Arena.

[10] Some of UAB's highest NBA draft picks include: Other former Blazers to play in the NBA are: UAB initially played their home games at the BJCC Coliseum, but moved their home games to an on-campus facility starting with the 1988–89 season.

[12] The 8,508-seat arena is named after Coach Gene Bartow, the man who built UAB's men's basketball program from scratch starting in 1978.