NCAA Basketball: 4 teams who could make their first Final Four in 2020-21

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 26: Tennessee Volunteers huddle together before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 86-69. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images /

4. Richmond Spiders

Richmond is returning most of their roster from a season ago after seeing no seniors depart following the 2019-20 season. That kind of continuity and leadership could pay big dividends in 2020-21.

Not only has Richmond never made the Final Four, they’ve never made the Elite Eight either. They’ve made two trips to the Sweet Sixteen, with the most recent coming in 2011; they haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since.

Chris Mooney’s team has a real path next season, though. They’ll be led by Jacob Gilyard, who has a chance to be the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. As a junior, his scoring dipped to 12.7 points per game, but his passing and rebounding improved and he averaged a stunning 3.2 steals per game, finishing second in the nation in swipes. He’ll be raring to go during his senior season.

In addition to returning most of last year’s squad, point guard Isaiah Wilson is also joining the fold this year. The top-250 prospect might not make an immediate impact, but he is the best Richmond commit in several years.

Richmond should also have an easier path to making the NCAA Tournament. Dayton is weakened by the departure of Obi Toppin, leaving a vacuum atop the A10. If the Spiders can seize that spot, they can crawl towards a first Final Four.

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