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NCAA Basketball: Who might be the best mid-major teams in 2018-19?

By Lukas Harkins

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

5. Montana Grizzlies

2017-18 result: 26-8 (16-2 Big Sky), NCAA first-round appearance (No. 14 seed)

There are not many teams in the country who will tout a better trio of seniors than the Montana Grizzlies in 2017-18. Head coach Travis DeCuire has a great group of returning players as they look to build on the success from last season. While a first-round exit in the Big Dance may not have been what they planned, Montana made eventual national runner-up Michigan Wolverines work hard to advance.

Leading the charge in 2018-19 will be seniors Ahmaad Rorie (17.2 points), Michael Oguine (15.8 points), and Jamar Akoh (12.8 points). In addition, rising junior Sayeed Pridgett (8.4 points) could become the fourth player on the team to average in double-figures. The only major contributor that the team is losing from last season is Fabijan Krslovic (7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds). As is obvious by the above numbers, the Grizzlies have a balanced scoring attack that can run up points in a hurry. However, they are more than just an offensive team.

Montana’s adjusted defensive efficiency last season landed at No. 56 in the nation, a ranking far better than some other teams who made the Big Dance. This ability to not only score the basketball but also defend is what makes the versatile Grizzlies a dangerous team. As we look ahead to next season, their shooting needs to be improved most.

Last season, Montana shot the 324th (out of 351) most 3-pointers in the country (549) and connecting on only 33.9% of those attempts (236th). In the modern age of basketball, it is helpful to play to your strengths but shooting the ball from three is a common strength of the best teams in the nation. Let’s see if they can improve from distance.

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