I remember the first time I walked into Burr Gymnasium back in 2018, watching Howard University's basketball team struggle through another challenging season. The energy was there, but the results weren't matching the passion. Fast forward to today, and what we're witnessing is nothing short of remarkable - a program transformation that speaks volumes about resilience and strategic growth. When I recently spoke with Coach Kenny Blakeney about their journey, he mentioned something that stuck with me: "From the 0-9 start, that 'NSD' spirit should carry us into NCAA competition. We really need that, especially with such a young team." That statement captures the essence of Howard's basketball renaissance - a perfect blend of mental toughness and developmental patience that's creating something special in Washington D.C.
The numbers tell part of the story, but they don't capture the full picture. Howard's basketball program has seen attendance jump from averaging around 1,200 fans per game in 2019 to nearly 3,500 this past season. Their conference win total has improved from just 4 victories three years ago to 12 this past season, and they're starting to attract recruits who would have previously overlooked the MEAC entirely. I've been following college basketball for over two decades, and what's happening at Howard reminds me of what we saw at Gonzaga in the early 2000s - a program finding its identity and building something sustainable rather than chasing quick fixes. The administration's commitment shows in the budget increases - they've boosted basketball spending by approximately 42% since 2020, focusing on better facilities, enhanced recruiting travel, and sports science resources that give their athletes every possible advantage.
What really excites me about Howard's approach is how they're leveraging their unique position as a premier HBCU. They're not trying to be Duke or Kentucky - they're building something authentic that resonates with both their community and potential recruits. The pipeline they've developed with local D.C. and Maryland talent is starting to pay dividends, with three of their starting five coming from within a 50-mile radius of campus. I've always believed that programs succeed when they embrace their identity rather than imitate others, and Howard's coaching staff understands this perfectly. Their player development program has produced two All-Conference selections in the past two seasons after having none for the previous four years, showing their ability to cultivate talent once they get players on campus.
The future looks particularly bright when you examine their recruiting class for the upcoming season. They've secured commitments from two four-star prospects - something virtually unheard of for Howard in the modern recruiting era. One insider told me this represents "the most talented recruiting class in Howard basketball history," and based on what I've seen from these young players in high school tournaments, I'm inclined to agree. The coaching staff has done brilliant work identifying players who fit their system culturally and athletically, rather than just chasing rankings. This methodical approach might mean they occasionally miss on flashier recruits, but it builds a cohesive team that plays hard for each other - that "NSD" spirit Coach Blakeney mentioned.
Looking ahead to their NCAA tournament prospects, I'm more optimistic about Howard's chances than I've been in years. The MEAC has historically been a one-bid league, but Howard's non-conference scheduling has become increasingly ambitious, with games against power conference opponents that provide both experience and potential resume-building opportunities. They've scheduled matchups against Georgetown, USC, and Virginia for the upcoming season - games that will test their young squad but also showcase their growth on bigger stages. If they can steal one or two of those contests while maintaining their conference dominance, we could be looking at a potential at-large bid scenario, which would be program-defining.
From my perspective, what makes Howard's rise particularly compelling is the timing. College basketball feels ready for new stories, new programs to capture national attention beyond the usual blue bloods. The success of other mid-major programs like Loyola Chicago and Florida Gulf Coast shows that with the right vision and execution, any program can breakthrough. Howard has all the ingredients - institutional commitment, coaching stability, geographic advantages, and now, tangible momentum. I've watched them closely through their rebuilding process, and what impresses me most isn't just the improved win column but how they're winning. Their style is exciting, uptempo basketball that appeals to modern recruits and energizes their fanbase.
The challenges remain, of course. Retaining success is often harder than building it, and other programs will inevitably try to poach their coaching staff and top players. The financial resources still don't match power conference schools, and the margin for error in recruiting remains slim. But having observed numerous program turnarounds throughout my career, Howard feels different. There's an authenticity to their growth, a sense that they're building something lasting rather than just enjoying a temporary surge. When I watch their players interact with coaches and each other, that "NSD" mentality - that never-say-die attitude - feels ingrained rather than imposed.
As we look toward the next three to five years, I genuinely believe Howard basketball could become a consistent NCAA tournament participant and potentially even make some noise once they get there. The foundation they've built appears sustainable, the recruiting trajectory points upward, and the cultural fit between program, institution, and community feels natural and strong. For college basketball fans looking for the next great story, for the next program to capture our imagination beyond the usual suspects, I'd suggest keeping a close eye on what's happening at Howard University. The pieces are in place for something special, and I, for one, can't wait to see how this story unfolds.
