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 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) and guard Ryan Cline (14) celebrate during the first half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Purdue Boilermakers

The Purdue Boilermakers have been taking care of business in the NCAA Tournament thus far. They defeated Vermont, who many had as a potential upset, and then they took care of business against Iowa State after giving up a big lead.

Now, the Boilermakers get a chance to take down the Kansas Jayhawks. In terms of teams that have been most impressive thus far, the Jayhawks have to be near the top of the list. They just have so many weapons that the Boilermakers will have to keep up with.

However, the Boilermakers have a weapon of their own. Caleb Swanigan has been a brute force at the forward a spot and teams just can’t seem to contend with his power. If he wants to put the ball in the hoop he’s going to.

The tournament stage is made for players like Swanigan to show what the rest of the country may have been missing out during the regular season. He’s a big part of what makes the team so likable.

If the Boilermakers could end making the Final Four, it certainly would be a shock to many. It requires taking down Kansas, but a win over the Jayhawks would certainly make them feel near invincible.

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