The full list of teams dancing to the 2009 NCAA Basketball Tournament thus far can be found here, but we wanted to give you a heads up on a few of the teams that could make some real noise in the tourney.
Of the twelve teams to qualify so far, here are our favorite three:
1. Gonzaga
This should hardly be considered a surprise. The WCC Champs are making their tenth straight appearance in the tourney, and really haven't needed to win the conference tournament to get in for quite some time. Of course, they won it anyway, and went 14-0 in regular season conference play just for good measure. They are one of the most legitimate programs of all the mid-major schools, and should advance past the first round for the first time in three years.
2. Virginia Commonwealth
From the Colonial Conference comes VCU, who ride a five game winning streak and a very convincing win over George Mason into the tournament. Something about this team just has us believing that VCU will turn a lot of heads during March Madness.
3. Siena
Though we still think that Niagara is playing better ball at this point (at least on a neutral court), the Metro Atlantic champs aren't exactly pushovers. The Saints are no strangers to the big dance, either, and their experience could help them wreak havoc on your brackets in just over a week.
Look out for the mid-majors this year, that's all we're saying. Especially, especially, especially these three.