Mid-Majors

[pmayjr]

With this Bracket Buster showcase of matchups going al weekend on various ESPN matchups, there's one thing that all of these mid-major schools have in common: UPPER CLASSMEN.

I think this is the reason more and more mid-majors will be going deep in the NCAA tourney every year. These unsung recruits do something that the Blue Chippers playin for the Blue Devils don't do: DEVELOP. When a freshman at Duke jumps to the NBA after 1 year, Duke (and the other high-major big time programs) are forced to re-load. Yes they re-load with talent, but it's Raw talent.

When watching Missouri State and Winthrop play last night: the starting lineups were as follows:
Winthrop- 3 Seniors, 2 Juniors
Missouri State- 3 Juniuors, 2 Seniors

Yeah, these guys were ignored by the Tar Heels as high schoolers. But they are allowed to develop their games, really learn a coaches system, and get the most out of their games by staying for 4 years at these schools. That's why even if they're under-sized, their talent, and savvy comes through, especially in March (see George Mason, UAB, Bradley, Kent St., Nevada, Southern Illinois, Pacific etc., etc. in the last 5 years).

That's why my Final Four Sleeper for this year is the University of Nevada Wolfpack. They have an All-American forward in Nick Fazekas, and they're deep around him. So guys- Florida looks damn good so far, but don't ignore those Mid-Majors. They might not have the Raw Talent, but they got the savvy, and know how to fully utilize matchups, and a coach's system to beat "better" high-major teams.

[saucon17]

Originally Posted by pmayjr

With this Bracket Buster showcase of matchups going al weekend on various ESPN matchups, there's one thing that all of these mid-major schools have in common: UPPER CLASSMEN.

I think this is the reason more and more mid-majors will be going deep in the NCAA tourney every year. These unsung recruits do something that the Blue Chippers playin for the Blue Devils don't do: DEVELOP. When a freshman at Duke jumps to the NBA after 1 year, Duke (and the other high-major big time programs) are forced to re-load. Yes they re-load with talent, but it's Raw talent.

When watching Missouri State and Winthrop play last night: the starting lineups were as follows:
Winthrop- 3 Seniors, 2 Juniors
Missouri State- 3 Juniuors, 2 Seniors

Yeah, these guys were ignored by the Tar Heels as high schoolers. But they are allowed to develop their games, really learn a coaches system, and get the most out of their games by staying for 4 years at these schools. That's why even if they're under-sized, their talent, and savvy comes through, especially in March (see George Mason, UAB, Bradley, Kent St., Nevada, Southern Illinois, Pacific etc., etc. in the last 5 years).

That's why my Final Four Sleeper for this year is the University of Nevada Wolfpack. They have an All-American forward in Nick Fazekas, and they're deep around him. So guys- Florida looks damn good so far, but don't ignore those Mid-Majors. They might not have the Raw Talent, but they got the savvy, and know how to fully utilize matchups, and a coach's system to beat "better" high-major teams.

Great points you make on the Mid-Major teams. I enjoy watching
these mid-majors teams than these elite conferences except for the
ACC. Your right on about the the upperclassen they bring leadership
and experience to their teams and also game smarts that why they
do so well in March Madness. I've been following Patriot League
basketball for years and either Holy Cross or Bucknell can do some
damage in MarcH Madness.

Also good luck to Scav's So. Illinois Salukis against the Butler Bulldogs
in the Bracket Buster game on ESPN2