What year was the first year there was a final four in the NCAA men's basketball championships.?

Answer 1

Depends on how you look at it. In 1939, the "first" NCAA Tournament, there were only 8 schools participating, so after one round you had the "Final Four". In 1951 the tournament expanded to 16 schools, so after two rounds you had the "Final Four". From 1951 thru 1984 there were several different formats used for the tournament, it wasn't until 1985 where you see the present day format of 64 schools and a "Final Four" after winning four games as you know it. But to answer your question technically, 1939 was the first year.