Bracket Busters- Mid-Majors you need to watch out for!

Every year there are a hand full of teams that are capable of playing the role of Cinderella. These are the teams that any major teams and fans hate playing, because you have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Here is a list of this year's Top 5 Mid-Major teams that will make some noise. Keep in mind, I do not consider Gonzaga a Mid-Major anymore. They have proved they are an elite team year in and year out.

1) Davidson
With a non-conference schedule that includes North Carolina, Duke, N.C State, and UCLA will have this team battle tested when they get to the tournament. They are led by sensational Sophomore Stephen Curry (21.5 ppg.), who might be the best shooter in the country. (Sorry Tennessee fans). This team returns all five starters and will be a nightmare for any school big or small to play this year.

2) Butler
The Bulldogs made a sweet sixteen run last year before falling in the regionals to eventual National Champions Florida. They are back this year and led by do-everything Guard A.J Graves (16.9 ppg). Two other starters are back to take some pressure of of Graves. Alabama transfer Avery Jukes (6-8) will be eligible in December, and will give some size to a very small frontcourt. Out of Conference games with Michigan, Ohio St., and Florida St. should be interesting.

3) Virginia Commonwealth
Who can forget the mighty Dukies going down almost single-handily to Eric Maynor (13.9 ppg. 6.4 apg.) and VCU in the first round of last years tournament? I know I won't!! Well Maynor is back and looks to lead his team to another NCAA tournament birth. He will be joined by returning starters Will Fameni (8.9 ppg) and Michale Anderson (6.4 ppg). Maryland should be there only real test out of conference.

4) Southern Illinois
What would a Mid-Major list be without a team from the MVC? This conference has been the darling of Mid-Majors over the past few years, and Southern Illinois has been the darling of the conference. This year is no different. Senior Randal Falker (12.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is back and ready to lead the Salukis to their 6th conference championship in the last 7 years.

5) Western Kentucky
Courtney Lee (17.3 ppg.) is one of the best players in America that nobody has ever heard of. The Hilltoppers have all 5 returning starters and top 7 players back from last years 22-11 team. To make things even better, Stefpphon Pettigrew, Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in 06-07 has signed. He will look to add depth to an already deep and explosive team.


Others to watch for: Missouri St. U.C Santa Barbara, High Point, Austin Peay, Vermont, Holy Cross