March Madness Sweet 16 2017: Likability rankings

Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) celebrates with forward D.J. Wilson (5) after defeating the Louisville Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 16, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Butler Bulldogs forward Kelan Martin (30) goes up for a shot while defended by Winthrop Eagles guard Keon Johnson (5) and center Duby Okeke (0) during the second half of the game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Butler Bulldogs

Like Gonzaga, the Butler Bulldogs are a program that is likable because of the way they’ve established themselves over the years. Now playing in the Big East, the once mid-major program made two consecutive NCAA Championship games.

They’re exactly the definition of March. A team that proves they can be just as good as the larger programs and eventually become one themselves. They earned their spot through their play and it serves as something for other mid-majors to try and attain.

People always tend to have a soft spot for teams that are filled with four-year players that stick around for a while. That’s part of what helps build a successful program by having players in place over a while that can get the job done.

This team has survived battles with Winthrop and Middle Tennessee State. However, they aren’t going to be playing any smaller programs the rest of the way. They have their toughest task yet in the Sweet 16, when they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels.

If the Bulldogs are able to get by the Tar Heels, then it will be another banner and hallmark year that the program can hang their hat on. This team just knows how to win in March and they’re fun to watch.

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