The Wahoos, as they are unofficially known, began their history under the tutelage of a Welshman and American immigrant known best as "Pop", Henry Lannigan. Lannigan began the program in 1905 after training Olympic Games hopefuls in track and field and quickly brought the basketball program into near-dominant form. He led the Cavaliers to a perfect record of 17–0 in 1914-15 and a Southern Conference title in its inaugural season of 1921–22.
The Wahoos, known informally as such, began their history under the mentorship of Henry Lannigan, a Welshman and American immigrant referred to as "Pop". Lannigan established the program in 1905 after coaching Olympic hopefuls in track and field. He rapidly elevated the basketball team's performance to near dominance. In the 1914-15 season, he led the Cavaliers to an unbeaten record of 17–0 and secured a Southern Conference title during their inaugural year in 1921-22.