Going O/T to make a point. Trying to predict the next successful collegiate MBB HC is like trying to predict a Rhodes Scholar in junior high school. More art and luck than skill.
A case study of success: One of the March Madness Cinderellas appears to be Howard University. A school with a dismal MBB history.
Anyway, in May 2019 after apparently being turned down by bigger name coaches, HU hired an ASSISTANT COACH from Columbia. Not Duke. Not MSU. Not Maryland or Michigan but an ivy league school and not even Tommy Amaker's Harvard team.
His first year HU won ONE conference game. 2020/21 season cut short by Covid.
In his 4th year Blakeney, MEAC COY, has this team roaring. Beat their first round opponent 91 - 55. Graduating seniors combined for LESS THAN 10 points. All the while the storied Georgetown program, under Patrick Ewing, is downright terrible. I don't know how AD Lee Reed, fmr. of EMU, keeps him (maybe Georgetown doesn't have a fan forum. Lol).
How did he do it: Mostly by get Ivy league transfers BUT more importantly mined the fertile grounds of DMV, including his h.s. alma mater, DeMatha Catholic, a powerhouse. His key player is Elijah Hawkins a 5' 8" (I think) PG who can do it all. The straw that stirs the drink. Then an impact frosh PF from Bronny James school in L.A. And a few more players from the D.C. area including DeMatha.
In a sense, reminds me a little of Chris Creighton. Not the high profile candidate but built the program and the program is the joy of the school's athletic program.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Blakeney