Futile Five 2016-2017 Outlook
Posted by
Dano (aka dano)
Nov 12 '16, 06:31
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There are five programs that have played Division 1 college basketball every season that the NCAA Tournament has existed that have yet to play in the NCAA Tournament. Here is the outlook for these five teams for the current season. Will any of them leave futility behind this season?
ARMY
Last Year: 18-12 overall, 9-9 Patriot League, lost in conference tournament semifinals
Athlon Sports Prediction: last place in Patriot League
Outlook: Last year was one of the more successful seasons for Army, making it to the CIT tournament. However, they have lost their coach and their top five scorers from that team, making their outlook grim.
Prediction: A 20 loss season, last place in the Patriot League, and continued futility
THE CITADEL
Last Year: 10-22 overall, 3-15 Southern Conference, lost in 1st round of conference tournament
Athlon sports prediction: last place in the Southern Conference
Outlook: They got a new head coach last year who completely changed their playing style. There are nine freshman on the squad as he recruited to match the new style, so expect growing pains but possible hope for the future.
Prediction: 7th place in conference with a late season surge, continued futility
NORTHWESTERN
Last Year: 20-12 overall, 8-10 Big 10, lost in 2nd round of conference tournament
Athlon Sports Prediction: 10th place in the Big 10
Outlook: As the only major conference team on the list they have the disadvantage of a tough conference schedule, but the advantage that they could earn a bid even with a middle of the pack finish. They have been becoming more competitive in the Big 10 and have experience. They won't be near in the hunt for the conference title, but they don't have to be to break the drought.
Prediction: 8th place in the conference, in the bubble conversation, but ultimately an NIT berth and continued futility
ST FRANCIS (BROOKLYN)
Last Season: 15-17 overall, 11-7 NEC, lost in quarterfinals of conference tournament
Athlon Sports prediction: 8th Place in the NEC
Outlook: Two years ago was the best chance for them to end their futility and it's been two years of key player losses since. The Terriers are in a rebuilding phase now and this looks likely to be a rough season.
Prediction: 7th place in the NEC and continued futility
WILLIAM & MARY
Last Season: 20-11 overall, 11-7 CAA, lost in semifinals of the conference tournament
Athlon Sports prediction: 3rd place in the CAA
Outlook: W&M has become a perennial contender in the conference partially due to their own improvement and partially due to the conference's power teams graduating to bigger conferences. They have perhaps the best backcourt in the conference but are thin in the frontcourt. They should be in the mix again.
Prediction: 2nd place in the CAA, loss to UNC-Wilmington in the conference tournament final, continued futility.
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