NCAA Basketball: 5 programs poised for resurgent years in 2020-21

Several very strong NCAA basketball programs have suffered through some rough years of late. Which of those powers could be poised for resurgent years?

There are very few true blueblood programs in NCAA basketball. Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas are perhaps the most notable of this group while there are a few others that also consistently rank near the tops of the nation each year. Outside of these core powerhouses, though, there are also several programs that have experienced extended stretches of superb seasons before falling out of the national spotlight.

For the most part, the downfall of these former top-tier programs coincides with the retirement of a longtime head coach that experienced a ton of success while at the helm. Additionally, some programs just lose momentum at the wrong time and have trouble righting the ship in the following seasons. Either way, though, while many programs have been in college basketball’s spotlight over the years, only a select few remain at the top year in and year out.

Looking ahead to the 2020-21 season, those same traditional powers are once again expected to be Top 25 teams vying for the national championship. In addition to those squads, though, a few dormant giants could be ready for another awakening. These potential resurgent programs have suffered through their fair share of poor seasons after once gracing the top of the national rankings. They now appear ready to once again taste success.

These revivals could be due to a ton of returning talent, an elite incoming recruiting class, or a combination of both. No matter what, these five programs have all experienced long stretches of elite play in the past and might be able to use this coming season to return to that level of success. Will they be able to pull it off?