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; Buffalo, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jevon Carter (2) controls the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Temple Gibbs (left) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

8. West Virginia Mountaineers

Bob Huggins is a staple of college basketball and rightfully so. That alone shoots the West Virginia into the top half of the likability rankings of the teams remaining. However, they sit directly in the middle of this list for a reason.

Any other year and they’re likely batting top five. The lone reason they are not batting top five right now is simply because they have Gonzaga next on their schedule and there’s a chance they could end the Bulldogs’ dream of reaching the Final Four.

We’re at a point with Gonzaga where people are tired of waiting and want to see them playing in that final weekend of college basketball. The Mountaineers are one of those teams that seem primed to pull the upset.

Huggins really likes to get his guys ready for the big showdowns with top teams and there’s no reason to expect anything less this weekend. Jevon Carter is an absolute machine for the Mountaineers and his big day helped them eliminate Notre Dame.

So, if they do indeed beat Gonzaga, it won’t be the end of the world for those hoping to see the Bulldogs make the Final Four. If anything, Huggins at the Final Four and a chance to coach his team to the National Championship game would be a sight to see.

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