A Look at Howard University Basketball's Rise in the NCAA Rankings

I remember watching Howard University basketball a few years back when they were struggling to find their footing in the NCAA landscape. Fast forward to today, and there's something special brewing in Washington D.C. that deserves our attention. The team's recent climb in the rankings isn't just about wins and losses—it's about culture, identity, and that intangible quality we often call spirit. When I think about their transformation, I'm reminded of that powerful quote about carrying the "NSD" spirit from challenging beginnings into NCAA competition, especially with a young team. That philosophy seems to be at the heart of Howard's remarkable journey.

Looking at their statistical improvement tells part of the story, but it doesn't capture the full picture. Last season, Howard finished with a 15-13 record in conference play, a significant jump from their 6-10 performance just two years prior. Their scoring average increased from 68.2 points per game to 74.8, while their defensive efficiency rating improved by nearly 12%. These numbers matter, of course, but what's more fascinating to me is how they've built this resurgence around young talent. The current roster features seven underclassmen in key roles, which makes their competitive performances against established programs even more impressive. I've always believed that building through youth requires extraordinary coaching and culture, and Howard appears to have both.

The mental aspect of their rise interests me most. That "NSD" spirit—whatever difficult situation they faced, they maintained their identity and fighting spirit—has become their trademark. I've watched them bounce back from double-digit deficits in three separate games this season, something that would have been unimaginable two years ago. Their resilience reminds me of what makes college basketball so compelling: when players buy into something bigger than themselves, they can overcome talent gaps and experience disadvantages. I've noticed their fourth-quarter performances have been particularly strong, outscoring opponents by an average of 5.3 points in final periods—a testament to their conditioning and mental toughness.

Recruiting has been another fascinating component of their ascent. Howard has successfully leveraged its historical significance and academic reputation to attract higher-caliber athletes. The coaching staff secured commitments from two four-star recruits in the last cycle, something unprecedented for the program in recent memory. What's more impressive to me is how they've developed three-star prospects into all-conference performers. Player development has become their secret weapon, with individual skill work showing dramatic results—their starting point guard improved his three-point percentage from 28% to 39% in just one offseason. That kind of improvement doesn't happen by accident; it requires dedicated coaching and player buy-in.

The cultural impact extends beyond the court, which is something I find particularly meaningful. Home game attendance has increased by 47% over the past two seasons, creating an electric atmosphere that fuels their home-court advantage. The student section has become one of the most vibrant in the MEAC conference, with themed games and consistent turnout that would make much larger programs envious. This community engagement matters—it creates a feedback loop where player performance energizes fans, and fan energy elevates player performance. I've attended games where the crowd literally willed them to victory, and that kind of support becomes self-perpetuating.

Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about their trajectory. With only two seniors graduating and a top-100 recruiting class incoming, Howard appears positioned for sustained success. Their non-conference schedule next season includes games against three power-five opponents, providing opportunities for statement wins that could further accelerate their rise. The program's ambition is palpable—they're not just content with being competitive in their conference anymore. They're aiming for NCAA tournament appearances and potentially making noise once they get there. Based on what I've observed, I wouldn't bet against them. The foundation they've built, combining tactical sophistication with that unmistakable fighting spirit, creates the kind of program that can outperform expectations year after year. Their story serves as a blueprint for how culture and identity can transform a team's fortunes, proving that with the right approach, even the most challenging rebuilds can lead to remarkable turnarounds.