Busting Brackets
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Mid-major Basketball: 5 key questions and storylines for 2021-22 season

By Tristan Freeman

Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts on the bench against the Baylor Bears in the second half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts on the bench against the Baylor Bears in the second half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mid-major Basketball
Mid-major Basketball Lucas Williamson Loyola-Chicago Ramblers Keith Clemons (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2. Outside of Gonzaga and St. Bonaventure, which team is most likely to make the Sweet 16 and beyond?

Ferruci

Colorado State

The Rams return all contributors, outside of backup point guard P.J. Byrd, from last year’s team that made a Final 4 appearance in the NIT. Nico Medved has coached consecutive 20-win seasons but has yet to reap the rewards of a trip to the NCAA tournament.

That will all change this season as the dynamic guard duo of Isaiah Stevens and Kendall Moore could be one of the best backcourts in America. David Roddy provides a strong presence down low with his ability to guard multiple positions while 5th-year transfer Chandler Jacobs, who shot 44.5% from deep and tallied over 20 points per game for division II Dallas Baptist, is another guard that can stretch the floor. This group is experienced, and that could be the difference in making it to the second weekend come March.

Watson

Loyola Chicago. Again. Porter Moses and Cameron Krutwig are gone, but the Ramblers chose the right man for the job in Drew Valentine, who will have the pleasure of coaching a team that has eight seniors and three juniors—every first-year coach’s dream come true.

Schroeder

I’m assuming you’re calling the American Athletic as a mid-major. If so, Memphis is the obvious team to pick here. Last year’s NIT title and additional talent will give them the momentum to head deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Loose

Matchups play a big role when it comes to the NCAA Tournament, but from a pure talent standpoint, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Loyola-Chicago back in the Sweet Sixteen again. While the Ramblers lost coach Porter Moser and center Cameron Krutwig, everyone else is back and this is one of the deepest and most talented mid-major rosters.

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