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
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 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears have done some incredible things this season and getting to the Sweet 16 is a major accomplishment. While they’re low and near the bottom on this list of likable teams remaining, it’s more or less because of the amount of likable teams left.

It’s always interesting when there’s a ton of heavyweights left, as to see where rooting interests lie with fans looking to bandwagon onto a team in March. The Bears have also managed to avoid something that’s plagued them in the past and that’s upsets in the NCAA Tournament.

When a team reaches the second weekend, they’ve validated their season and it’s something they can hang their hat on. Getting to the Final Four would be a dream come true for the Bears and they certainly have the credentials this year to get there.

There’s a lot of respect to be had for a team that isn’t afraid to schedule tough opponents. Beating those teams has made Baylor a better team for it and that could potentially be the reason for their success.

When it comes to stories that stand out like say Michigan and South Carolina have right now, they’re on the back burner a bit. That’s okay, as they have a golden opportunity in front of them this weekend.