NCAA Tournament 2009: Teams To Watch in The Sweet Sixteen and Beyond

In the NCAA Tournament there is always one major surprise team. Last season, it was Davidson. The year before that, it was George Mason.

So we're pretty sure there will be another this year, but who?

I'll take a look at some possible surprise teams that could go much further than expected. They don't necessarily need to be low-seeded teams, they could be a two or three seed, but with the hype surrounding some of the higher seeds these teams could be a major surprise.

So, without further chattering, let's get on with it.

Starting with the Midwest region, here are five teams who may end up surprising us all.

Midwest Region

The Midwest has unfolded in such a way (with all these upsets) that the only teams anyone, including me, is giving a chance anymore are the top three seeds: Louisville, Michigan State, and Kansas. There still is, however, an opportunity for a surprise or two.

(2) Michigan State Spartans

Although Michigan State is a two seed, I doubt most people picked them to win their region and be in the Final Four. I strongly think they could, however, and could quite possibly make it to the championship game in Detroit.

Since they have flown under the radar most of the season, the media all but ignored them until conference tournament week.

West Region

I have a feeling that this year's West region is very closely packed together. There were no huge upsets in the first round, and besides the Maryland-Memphis and Texas A&M-UConn games, all the others seems to have a chance to be very close.

(3) Missouri and (6) Marquette

I have a feeling that the winner of this huge game could really go far in the tournament, not to mention have a good shot at beating Memphis. They would likely have UConn to beat in the Elite Eight, and I doubt they will be much tougher than Memphis.

Although a Final Four berth by either of these two teams may be unlikely, watch for the winner of this match up to really make an impression.

East Region

The East Region covers a lot of different styles from all over the country, and lots of different conferences too, 12 to be exact. Although it should be interesting to watch, we may have some unexpected blowouts in store for us as well.

(3) Villanova

Believe it or not, they were my pick to win the East region before the tournament started. It was definitely not the common pick, and I received more than a few "what?!" responses from viewers of my bracket. Still, Villanova really showed their skills today in their 20-point rout of sixth-seeded UCLA. 

They are becoming a trendy pick to go really, really far.

South Region

This is really somewhat of the average region. Oklahoma is way over-ranked for a two seed, but North Carolina can never seem to accomplish their goal in the tournament either.

This leaves Syracuse, who may be too tired to win it all.

(4) Gonzaga

If you got where I was going with this in the region overview above, the fact that Gonzaga may win the region may have popped into your mind, or you just cheated and read ahead.

Gonzaga got the favorable position when they were put in the Portland, Oregon location with three East Coast teams. If they can win today, in what should be an easy victory against Western Kentucky, they may be able to make an impact against Carolina.

Who knows?

Mark Jones is an avid NHL and NFL fan who casually follows NCAA basketball. However, this is his first attempt at a NCAAB article (even though his my 71st overall), so he would enjoy hearing what you think! Thanks!