Will there be a George Mason in the 2007 Final Four?

The 2006 Final Four was historic for many reasons, but none more so than the stunning appearance of George Mason, a “mid-major” that broke through with the big boys in the Big Dance.  Experts and fans alike have been debating for years whether it’s worth the time to include these mid-major teams in the field of 65, but George Mason proved all of them wrong with their historic run.

Now the talk has turned to the “next edition” of George Mason, as the mid-majors have arrived on the scene for good.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that there will always be a mid-major in the Final Four, but two teams in particular are showing that potential.

These two teams are Missouri State and Butler.  Missouri State already has 10 wins, and that includes a victory over powerful Wisconsin.  All Butler has done already is win the preseason NIT and win games against Indiana, Tennessee, Notre Dame and Gonzaga along the way to their current 12-1 record.

There may or may not be a mid-major still playing in April.  One thing is sure, though - Final Four tickets are now a real possibility to just about any college basketball team, regardless of their conference or “status.”

Posted in General on December 30, 2006

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