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 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks fall under the same criteria as the Kentucky Wildcats. Both have star freshman and that are getting to create a legacy for themselves in the biggest games of the NCAA Tournament.

Just like Kentucky, right now the Jayhawks are just sort of there on the likability rankings. We know they’re going to be there and we know that they have all the pieces necessary to go win a National Championship.

They are just one of those teams that people have come to expect great things from every season. There is one cool thing that has been special for the program and that is Tyler Self getting to play for his dad Bill.

That’s a story that will continue to get a lot more burn if the Jayhawks end up making it to the Final Four. They have the pieces in place to make a great story and be higher in the likability rankings, but for right now, there are more likable teams for people to get behind and root for.

Their next game is against Purdue and that should be interesting. Caleb Swanigan has been a force for the Boilermakers and the Jayhawks will have to find a way to contain him. The Jayhawks have also been prone to falling short of where they should be. Getting back to the Final Four should be a must right now.

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