I was recently having dinner out with a couple of buddies. The conversation turned to college basketball, and we talked about several teams from last season. We looked at a few surprises and disappointments.
It got me to thinking ahead to this season.
Here's a look at five teams that missed out on the NCAA tournament last season -- teams I think will be dancing this season, making the fans at these five schools very happy. (Records listed are from 2014-15.)
Connecticut Huskies, 20-15
Kevin Ollie has done a good job bringing in new talent for the upcoming campaign. He added veterans who will be eligible right away in Sterling Gibbs from Seton Hall and Shonn Miller from Cornell. Ollie brought in diaper dandy Jalen Adams at point guard. Daniel Hamilton and Rodney Purvis return. The Huskies should contend for the Top 25.
The Aggies settled for the NIT last season. Billy Kennedy has a good blend of veterans and newcomers for 2015-16. Alex Caruso, Jalen Jones and Danuel House provide senior leadership. A&M has one of its best recruiting classes in school history. The team will have the advantage of playing in a summer exhibition trip, gaining important experience.
California Golden Bears, 18-15
One key for excitement in Berkeley is the arrival of touted freshman Jaylen Brown. Cuonzo Martin's second season with the Golden Bears should produce a lot of excitement, as veterans Tyrone Wallace, Jordan Mathews and Jabari Bird also return.
Miami Hurricanes, 25-13
Jim Larranaga's Hurricanes fell just short in the finals of the NIT, losing to Stanford at Madison Square Garden. The Canes return their top four scorers, including Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan. Rodriguez missed some time because of injury late last season.
Michigan Wolverines, 16-16
This is a guard-oriented team that will be aided by the return of Caris LeVert. Add Derrick Walton Jr., Zak Irvin and Aubrey Dawkins and there is talent. John Beilein is a tremendous teacher, and this program will not stay down for long.