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 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; East Tennessee State Buccaneers guard T.J. Cromer (0) drives to the basket against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at McCamish Pavilion. East Tennessee State defeated Georgia Tech 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

5. East Tennessee State Buccaneers

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee

First Appearance since: 2010

Name to know: T.J. Cromer (19.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 40% 3pt)

ETSU makes their first NCAA Tournament appearance in some time after winning a competitive Southern Conference Tournament as a 3-seed. Steve Forbes’ team will take on Florida in the 4-13 game in the East region in Orlando.

Senior guard T.J. Cromer is as electric of a player as you are likely to find this year. The 6’3″ Georgia native was one of the SoCon’s best pure scorers and keys a dangerous Buccaneer attack. Even if Florida can stop him, they have to contend with former Wichita State Shocker Tanner Glass and Indiana transfer Hanner Mosquera-Perea. East Tennessee State has a lot going for it even against a tough SEC program. They are one of my favorites this year and I hope they become one of yours too.

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