Indiana basketball is looking to take the next step as a program and return back to national prominence and one analyst believes it will be next year.

While the Hoosiers are in the midst of making their first NCAA Tournament appearance under Archie Miller, they are also looking to make an even bigger jump next season. Indiana basketball is always one of the most talked-about ‘brands’ but recently it has been down. But that’s about to change.

Indiana has not made it to a Final Four since the 2001-02 season, the same year the Hoosiers were in the National Championship Game. Since then, the Hoosiers have missed the tournament more times than made it.

So, for now, while Indiana will be dancing this March, one recruiting analyst believes that next year will be a ‘big step forward’.

“Archie Miller’s Hoosiers are currently on the bubble for this year’s NCAA Tournament and an appearance would be their first since 2016. But, Indiana’s potential in the 2020-21 season is looking pretty considerable in what should be a loaded Big Ten,” Rivals Eric Bossi said. “Assuming star freshman big man Trayce Jackson-Davis decides to stay in school, they’ll return nine of their top 10 players and they’ll have as much backcourt experience as anybody in the country…. Indiana fans have all the reason in the world to be skeptical, but it’s hard to imagine them not taking a big step forward next season.”

In the age of one-and-done basketball, it is always upperclassmen heavy teams that not only go far in the NCAA Tournament but ultimately cut down the nets in April. What also helps? Deep and talented guard play.

While Indiana has had questions at the guard position, if Khristian Lander moves into the 2020 class, it would be a game-changer for the ceiling next year. Either way, Rob Phinisee will look to take another step forward in his development and Al Durham as well. Pair that with Armaan Franklin, Anthony Leal and Trey Galloway, and Indiana will be looking at one of the more talented backcourts in recent memory.

With Trayce Jackson-Davis looking like a potential Big Ten Player of the Year candidate next year, the possibility of having an explosive guard like Lander would take Indiana’s offense to the next level.

Archie Miller has done a good job at progressing each season in Bloomington, whether you like to admit it or not, and with his first year of having all of his recruited players on the roster next season, taking a big step forward in year four is something that all fans should expect.