Discover the Rise of Howard University Basketball Program and Future Prospects

I remember the first time I walked into Burr Gymnasium back in 2018, watching Howard University's basketball team struggle through what would become another disappointing season. The energy was there, the passion was evident, but something crucial was missing - that intangible winning spirit that transforms good teams into great programs. Fast forward to today, and I've witnessed what can only be described as a basketball renaissance in our nation's capital. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, and what excites me most is that we're only seeing the beginning of what this program can achieve.

When I think about Howard's journey, I can't help but reflect on that powerful statement about the 'NSD spirit' needing to carry into NCAA competition. For those unfamiliar, NSD refers to the National Search for the Disadvantaged program, but in Howard basketball circles, it's taken on a deeper meaning - representing the Never Stop Dreaming mentality that has fueled this resurgence. Coach Kenneth Blakeney has done something truly special here, taking a program that won only four games in his first season and building it into a legitimate MEAC contender. The numbers tell part of the story - from that 4-29 record in 2019-20 to 17-13 last season and their first MEAC regular-season title in over twenty years. But what the statistics don't capture is the cultural shift that's occurred within those locker room walls.

What really stands out to me about this Howard team is how they've embraced their youth rather than using it as an excuse. With six freshmen and only two seniors on last year's roster, many programs would have written off the season as a rebuilding year. Instead, these young players have brought an infectious energy that's revitalized the entire program. I've had the privilege of speaking with several players after games, and what strikes me is their genuine belief in what they're building. They're not just playing for this season - they're laying the foundation for something lasting. When sophomore standout Elijah Hawkins told me they're "changing the narrative around Howard basketball," I could see in his eyes that he genuinely meant it.

The recruiting pipeline Blakeney has established is arguably the most impressive aspect of this turnaround. Landing five-star prospect Makur Maker in 2020 was the headline grabber, but what's more significant is the consistent flow of talent that's followed. This year's incoming class includes three players ranked in the top 150 nationally, something that would have been unimaginable just five years ago. I've followed college basketball recruiting for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that Howard is doing something unprecedented for an HBCU program. They're not just competing for local talent anymore - they're winning recruiting battles against Power Five programs.

Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about the program's potential to become a consistent NCAA Tournament team. The MEAC has historically been a one-bid league, but with the expansion of the tournament to 68 teams and potential future growth to 72 or even 80 teams, the path for mid-major programs has never been clearer. Howard's non-conference schedule this season includes games against Kansas, USC, and Cincinnati - exactly the type of challenging matchups that prepare teams for March Madness. I particularly love that they're not shying away from these tough games early in the season. It shows a confidence that simply didn't exist in previous eras of Howard basketball.

The infrastructure improvements have been just as crucial as the on-court development. The $5 million renovation to Burr Gymnasium completed last year has transformed the facility from a relic into a modern basketball venue. New locker rooms, upgraded weight training facilities, and improved fan amenities might not seem glamorous, but they're absolutely essential for attracting and developing top talent. Having visited numerous mid-major programs throughout my career, I can confidently say Howard's facilities now rival many Power Five programs.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is the academic component. Howard's graduation rate for basketball players has improved from 67% to 92% over the past four years while the team's success has grown. This proves you don't have to sacrifice academic integrity for athletic success - a point I wish more programs would recognize. The players I've spoken with take genuine pride in representing an institution with Howard's academic reputation and historical significance.

I believe we're witnessing the emergence of the next great mid-major program, similar to what Gonzaga built over the past two decades. The parallels are striking - strong leadership, commitment to player development, strategic scheduling, and most importantly, patience from the administration. It took Mark Few nearly a decade to build Gonzaga into a national power, and Howard appears committed to giving Blakeney similar runway. The recent contract extension through 2027 signals that the university understands this is a marathon, not a sprint.

The fan engagement has been another remarkable aspect to watch. Average attendance has increased from 1,200 per game to over 3,500, with several sellouts last season. The student section, in particular, has become one of the most energetic environments in mid-major basketball. Having experienced both the sparse crowds of the lean years and the electric atmosphere of recent games, I can attest to how dramatically the culture has shifted. There's a genuine buzz on campus about basketball that simply didn't exist before.

As someone who's covered college basketball for various publications since 2010, I've seen numerous programs attempt similar turnarounds. Most fail because they lack the comprehensive approach Howard has implemented. The combination of upgraded facilities, strategic recruiting, cultural development, and administrative support creates a foundation that's built to last rather than being dependent on a single recruiting class or coach. While nothing in sports is guaranteed, I'm more confident about Howard's sustained success than I've been about any other rising program in recent memory.

The future looks exceptionally bright, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Howard make some noise in the NCAA Tournament within the next three years. They have the talent, the coaching, and perhaps most importantly, that 'NSD spirit' that transforms hopeful teams into championship programs. The journey from 0-9 to MEAC champions demonstrates what's possible when vision meets execution, and I genuinely believe this is just the beginning of Howard basketball's return to national relevance.