The 1977–78 UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball team represented the University of California, Irvine during the 1977–78 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This was the program's first season in Division I after spending the previous 12 season in Division II. The Anteaters were led by ninth year head coach Tim Tift and played their home games at Crawford Hall as members of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association. They finished their inaugural season 8–17 and were 2–12 in PCAA play to finish 8th place. The anteaters did not receive an invitation to the 1978 PCAA tournament.
Previous season The 1976–77 UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball team finished their final season in NCAA Division II as an Independent with a record of 10–17.
In July 1977, the anteaters were formally accepted into the Pacific Coast Athletic Association and reclassified as an NCAA Division I program beginning with the 1977–78 season.GUSTKEY, E. (1976, Jul 15). "PCAA WILL ADMIT UC IRVINE IN '77". Los Angeles Times
Off-season Incoming transfer Name Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Notes Steve McGuire F 6'5" N/A Jr. N/A Junior college transfer from Rio Hondo CollegeGUSTKEY, E. (1977, Jan 14). "UCI cagers have youthful outlook." Los Angeles Times
1977 Recruiting Class
Source(1977, Apr 28). UCI signs three basketball stars. Los Angeles Times
Roster
Schedule and results
!colspan=12 style="background:#002244; color:#FFDE6C;"| Regular season
Source
Awards and honors Wayne Smith Second Team All-PCAA
Team players drafted into the NBA Round Pick Player NBA club422Wayne SmithPhoenix Suns Source
References