5 teams that missed the NCAA Tournament but will make it in 2020
Of the 68 teams in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, 36 missed out on the Big Dance a year earlier.
There's always plenty of turnover. Already, a few schools look equipped to return to the tournament in 2020 after down seasons.
Here are five teams we expect to reappear in the NCAA Tournament in 11 months.
Arizona
2018-19 record: 17-15, no postseason
Why they'll be back: After missing the tournament for the first time since 2012, the Wildcats will welcome the top recruiting class in the country to Tucson. Arizona signed a pair of five-star recruits in point guard Nico Mannion and small forward Josh Green. Sean Miller's team also brings back its top three scorers in Brandon Randolph, Chase Jeter, and Brandon Williams. The Wildcats should be picked in the upper tier of the Pac-12 in the preseason.
Providence
2018-19 record: 18-16, NIT first round
Why they'll be back: The Friars could return five starters from a team that reached the NIT. If UMass transfer Luwane Pipkins, who led the Minutemen in scoring this season, can provide quality point guard play, Ed Cooley's team will be experienced and talented. Providence made five NCAA Tournaments in a row before this season.
Davidson
2018-19 record: 24-10, NIT first round
Why they'll be back: While VCU will likely be the preseason favorite in the Atlantic 10, Bob McKillop's squad should be experienced enough to give the conference a chance at two bids. With no transfers, the Wildcats will bring back their top six scorers, including Kellan Grady (17.3 points per game) and Jon Axel Gudmundsson (16.9). Davidson plays in the Maui Invitational early in the season, almost guaranteeing a couple chances at quality nonconference wins.
Georgetown
2018-19 record: 19-14, NIT first round
Why they'll be back: The Hoyas were a bubble team at one point in Patrick Ewing's second season but had to settle for the NIT. Three of their top four scorers - James Akinjo, Mac McClung, and Josh LeBlanc - were freshmen. The natural progression would be for Georgetown to get back to the tournament in year three. The program hasn't been since 2015.
Texas
2018-19 record: 21-16, NIT champion
Why they'll be back: After winning the NIT, Texas ended the season ranked 25th by KenPom - highest among schools that missed the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns are losing Jaxson Hayes, Kerwin Roach, and Dylan Osetkowski, but guards Courtney Ramey and Matt Coleman will be back. Shaka Smart, entering what could be a pivotal season, will rely on a freshman class with three top-60 players, including five-star center Will Baker. Smart is 0-2 in the NCAA Tournament in four seasons at Texas.