College Basketball: 5 Mid-Major Teams That Will Shake Up the 2012 Tournament

With all of the young talent in college basketball today it doesn't matter what conference you play in.  The Butler Bulldogs of the Horizon League have played in consecutive NCAA Tournament finals and proven that anyone can win in March.

Although the start of the 2011-2012 college basketball season is still a few months away, it is never too early to start thinking about next season's Cinderella's.

Here are five mid-major schools that will not only make the 2012 NCAA Tournament but will win games, making March even more mad.

5. Creighton Blue Jays

If you haven’t heard the name Doug McDermott, you will after the 2011-2012 college basketball season. 

In his first year at Creighton last season, McDermott led the Blue Jays in scoring and rebounding on their way to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Final.  He also became the first freshman since 1952 to be named First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference. 

For his sophomore campaign, McDermott teams up with point guard Antoine Young and big man Gregory Enchenique to form the most balanced trio in the Missouri Valley Conference. 

The challenge for Creighton in the upcoming season will be surviving their difficult regular season schedule and setting themselves up in good position to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

4. Central Florida Knights

After starting last season a 14-0 record, the UCF Knights seemed poised to make 2010 their year. But their success didn't last long. The Knights lost eight consecutive Conference USA games after cracking the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history. 

Last season’s tremendous start was merely a sign of things to come in the 2011 season.  The Knights return their leading scorers Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton, as well as their best recruiting class under head coach Donnie Jones.  What makes next season different from last year’s is experience. 

Not only are most of the key players back from a season ago but the Knights also add experience from two transfer students.  Tristan Spurlock of Virginia and Josh Crittle of Oregon both have played a lot of basketball and should do well in Jones’ up-tempo offense. 

Conference USA is going to be very competitive next season, but the Knights are not the young program they used to be. They should be prepared for the challenge. 

3. Belmont Bruins

The Belmont Bruins are becoming regulars in the NCAA Tournament after making the field four of the past six seasons.  They return four starters from a team that went 30-5 a year ago. 

Despite their regular season success, Belmont hopes that their fifth tournament trip will yield their first tournament victory.  What makes Belmont unique is their depth.  Head coach Rick Byrd made more substitutions than any coach in the nation, using 11 players for over ten minutes a game. 

The Bruins were one of the best offensive teams in the nation last season, ranking No.1 in scoring margin, No. 3 in three-point field goals per game and No. 11 in scoring offense.  During the 2011-2012 season Belmont expects to have the same type of offensive success. However, they will need their reserves to play more consistent defense if the Bruins are going to take the next step.

2. Temple Owls

In the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the Temple Owls were one shot away from making the Sweet 16.  This season the Owls return four starters from that team, including their two lead guards Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore. 

The Atlantic 10 is going to be very competitive this season, but Temple has the talent and the experience to rise above the rest.  Temple fans will be excited to see the healthy return of Scottie Randall and Michael Eric, who were both injured during last season. 

When the 2012 NCAA Tournament arrives, the Owls should be one of the most ready teams in the country. They will be poised for a March run for the ages.

1. Memphis Tigers

Of all the mid major teams in the country, the Memphis Tigers arguably have the most talent of any team.  Head coach Josh Pastner is one of the best recruiting coaches in the nation and has assembled a very talented team in Memphis. 

After bringing in a great class of guards in 2010, Pastner added two big time forwards in 2011.  Adonis Thomas and Stan Simpson will arrive in Memphis ready to play alongside the young but more experienced Tarik Black and company. 

Unlike during the John Calipari years, Conference USA will not be dominated by one team.  If Pastner continues to recruit like he has been, the Tigers could return to dominance atop Conference USA.