March Madness: 10 teams that deserve your fandom

By Doug Winkey | Mar 16, 2017

Mar 11, 2017; Birmingham, AL, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders head coach Kermit Davis with Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward JaCorey Williams (22) hold the trophy after defeating the Marshall Thundering Herd for the Conference USA Tournament Championship at Legacy Arena. Blue Raiders defeated the Herd 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 18, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Jalen Hudson (23) looks to pass while being defended by Jacksonville State Gamecocks guard Malcolm Drumwright (21) in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas St. 71-62. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Location: Jacksonville, Alabama

First Appearance since: Ever

Name to know: Malcolm Drumwright (12.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.8 apg)

The Gamecocks made their first ever NCAA appearance as the Ohio Valley’s 4-seed. They beat the OVC’s top two teams in consecutive games for the privilege of facing Louisville in the Midwest’s 2-15 matchup.

No JSU player is truly dominant, but Malcolm Drumwright does a bit of everything. He is the team’s top scorer and assist man. The team has several other dangerous options in Erik Durham (11.1 points, 48 percent 3pt) and Christian Cunningham (8.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks). Jacksonville State has former Western Kentucky coach Roy Harper on the sidelines, so they have an interesting opportunity as a deep, deep sleeper against the touted Cardinals. Check out JSU when you get the chance.

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