The next Texas A&M?

[Cosmo]

While much consternation has been shed over the "next George Mason," which in this tournament, there clearly won't be one, how about the next Texas A&M? The next big-time school that's traditionally been a basketball wasteland to rise up and make noise in March.

Since A&M has done it two years in a row, I think it's safe to say they're back on the college hoops map, maybe for the first time.

I know Washington State could fit into this category, but I'd like to see if the Cougs repeat this year's success next year. Same with Virginia Tech.

How about others?
Nebraska
Baylor
Penn State
Oregon State
Northwestern
South Carolina (NIT doesn't count)
Arizona State
Colorado

None of these programs have been much in the way of college hoop players in the last two decades, save for a blip here or there. Is there potential?

 

[KnuteRockne]

How about a team already in the Sweet 16: USC (particularly when O.J. Mayo arrives next year).

 

[Ellis Redding]

Baylor has some potential. It's done a nice job coming back from the scandal(s). But the rest predominantly are football schools. Just like you wouldn't expect much from Duke, North Carolina, Indiana, etc., in the way of football.

 

[Hammer Pants]

It's made noise in the past, so it wouldn't be exactly like TAMU, but I think Mississippi State is going to be really good next year. People who don't know Jamont Gordon will, and the Dogs have scary athleticism and length. They could win the SEC West next season.

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

Michigan has some potential to be included. Barren wasteland for almost a decade with the Ed Martin scandal and six years of NIT coaching wonder Amaker.

But with a pretty strong recruiting class coming in, it could happen. (So far the recruits have said they are still committed too).

 

[SCEditor]

I think South Carolina has the potential to do something special (yeah, I know I'm a Gamecock homer). They got eight new players who will step on the court, including three guys who transferred from Syracuse, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati). They've also got a pretty good freshman coming in the post (if he doesn't get arrested before basketball season) and a couple guards. Dave Odom's got the talent coming, the question is whether he can mesh it all together.

I wouldn't count out Clemson either. They were on fire at first before dropping 10 of 14 games. If they could ever figure out how to play basketball in the ACC, they could make some noise.

 

[Jimmy Pips]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

 

[joe_schmoe]

I don't follow hoops nationwide, but I do agree that K-State and Baylor both have potential. Biggest obstacle with Baylor now is with TAMU rising and Texas strong, recruiting will be more competitive. But they have some talent in and coming in.

 

[Del_B_Vista]

It's made noise in the past, so it wouldn't be exactly like TAMU, but I think Mississippi State is going to be really good next year. People who don't know Jamont Gordon will, and the Dogs have scary athleticism and length. They could win the SEC West next season.

Hell, they won the SEC West *this* year.

 

[Hammer Pants]

It's made noise in the past, so it wouldn't be exactly like TAMU, but I think Mississippi State is going to be really good next year. People who don't know Jamont Gordon will, and the Dogs have scary athleticism and length. They could win the SEC West next season.

Hell, they won the SEC West *this* year.

Good point. OK, maybe they'll win it with a winning record.

 

[Oz]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

That's what school came to mind here.

 

[zimbabwe]

Wouldn't Depaul be the type of place that a coach with outstanding recruiting skills (or a coach without a conscience, as it were) could go and thrive? Imagine if Depaul could recruit 1 out of the 10 best players from the city every year?

I've never understood how Depaul hasn't been able to maintain elite status, given the absurd talent constantly present in its front yard.

 

[ADifferentOkie]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

Until they get put on probation, that is.

That's what school came to mind here.

Agreed. K-State will never win less than 20 games again as long as Huggins is there. Ole Miss, DePaul and Baylor are my programs on the rise.

 

[Ellis Redding]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

That's what school came to mind here.

Agreed. K-State will never win less than 20 games again as long as Huggins is there.

They also won't graduate a single player.

 

[HoopsMcCann]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

That's what school came to mind here.

Agreed. K-State will never win less than 20 games again as long as Huggins is there.

They also won't graduate a single player.

didn't take long for the ol' huggs doesn't graduate anyone myth... glad it made it so early

 

[Freelance Hack]

Cosmo,

You also could title this thread "The next USC?"

 

[WSKY]

I go with Michigan. The next guy to take that job will have them in the NCAAs in two season or less.

 

[Oz]

I go with Michigan. The next guy to take that job will have them in the NCAAs in two season or less.

Didn't they say that about the last guy?

 

[Bubbler]

Ball State!

 

[MU_was_not_so_hard]

Kansas State. If Bill Walker stays another year, with the recruiting class they have coming in they could turn it around awfully fast.

You beat me to it.