The 9 longest NCAA tournament appearance streaks of all time Posted Oct 28, 2018 2: North Carolina — 27 (1975-2001): Dean Smith took UNC to 27 NCAA tournaments. 23 of those appearances came in a row. Bill Guthridge continued the streak for three years before Matt Doherty took UNC to one more. 1: Kansas — 29 (1990-present): Speaking of UNC coaches, Roy Williams started the longest NCAA tournament appearance streak in history. (NCAA.com)