Five potential teams that can emerge into mid-major powers

NCAA Basketball: Five teams that can emerge as mid-major powers

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34) and center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 15, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Saint Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett watches practice at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Saint Mary’s Gaels

The Gaels have been on the fringe of being a powerhouse mid-major for years. The only thing they really need to do is have NCAA Tournament success to cement their place.

Three of Saint Mary’s losses this past season came against Gonzaga and the Zags are one of the few roadblocks in the way of the Gaels achieving their goals. They have been consistent in reaching the WCC finals and the NCAA Tournament.

Jock Landale will return as one of the league’s premier rebounding players and big men. The Australian native was a first-team WCC selection, Associated Press Honorable Mention, and a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Top-5 Finalist.

He was first in the conference in rebounds per game with 9.5 and is one of the best bigs in the nation. He will look to get the Gaels back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010.

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