There is now a blurry line between what is a mid-major and a power team. When George Mason crashed the Final Four in 2006 it ushered in an era where everyone believed it could make it there. Butler went to back-to-back championship games in 2010 and 2011. In 2011, VCU went from playing in the "First Four" to the Final Four. Last year the quintessential successful mid-major, Gonzaga, narrowly lost to one of the bluest of blue bloods, North Carolina, in the title game.
One-and-done players go to mid-major schools. Better facilities and access to players have made more schools accessible to top recruits. We are living in a golden age of mid-majors where nothing really surprises us anymore.
With Wichita State now in the American Athletic Conference, the Shockers are no longer considered a mid-major. Neither is Gonzaga. But there are plenty of mid-majors to watch for in 2017-2018. Some you've seen before, and some could be the next breakout team. One of them could put a scare in your favorite team come tournament time.
Here are 15 mid-majors to watch for this season.
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