By Jack Stewart
What makes March Madness has never been the blue bloods or star players, but the unexpected Cinderella teams who ruin brackets and upset powerhouses. These mid major squads have ingrained themselves into college basketball history and inspire small teams to go on generational runs every year.
5. 2022 St. Peter’s
The 15 seed St. Peter’s Peacocks went on one of the most memorable streaks in recent history, conquering three top seven opponents on their way to the Elite Eight. In the first round, the Peacocks stunned second seed Kentucky on the back of point guard Doug Edert, who’s become one of the most legendary figures in March Madness history. In the second round, they followed up their incredible first round performance with a statement 70-60 win over seventh seed Murray State. The moment when this Peacocks squad became an all time Cinderella team was in the Sweet Sixteen, when St Peter’s defeated the number three Purdue Boilermakers in a 67-64 thriller. This miracle run would eventually come to an end in the Elite Eight with a loss to North Carolina, however Doug Edert and this Peacocks team solidified their place in college basketball history.
4. 2024 North Carolina State
When you hear “North Carolina basketball”, NC State would never cross your mind. The two most recognizable blue bloods hail from this state, and while Duke and UNC are seemingly March Madness favorites every year, 2024 was the year for NC State. This roster was anchored by D.J. Burns, a 6’9” 275lb center who became a social media sensation as the Wolfpack stormed through the 2024 bracket. Their run was kicked off by a shocking win over a ranked Texas Tech squad and an overtime victory over Oakland. NC State followed this up with a groundbreaking victory over a second seeded Marquette team in the Sweet Sixteen, however their biggest challenge was yet to come. As the little brother of North Carolina basketball, the Wolfpack’s biggest challenge was ahead of them, with a looming matchup against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight. To everyone’s shock, the Wolfpack was able to secure a huge double digit triumph over the Blue Devils to earn a spot in the Final Four. While the eventual loss to Purdue in the semi finals ended this incredible story, the legacy of D.J. Burns and the rest of this North Carolina State team will undoubtedly ring out in Raleigh for decades to come.
3. 2011 VCU
From the moment the VCU Rams were picked on Selection Sunday in 2011 they were doubted. They were one of the last four teams selected, and therefore had to play a “First Four” game, and while their dominant win over USC turned heads, nothing could’ve prepared fans for what was about to happen. The Rams kicked off their tournament with back to back 18 points wins against Georgetown and Purdue. Coming off these huge victories, VCU had to play an elite Florida State squad, however the Rams’ standout defense helped them secure a 72-71 win over the Seminoles. Their true “Cinderella moment”, however, would come later in the Elite Eight when VCU was able to defeat number one seed Kansas by 10 to advance to the Final Four. The Rams defeated one of the most historic programs in college basketball history, and despite their loss to eighth seeded Butler, this VCU team has given hope to mid majors ever since.
2. 2018 Loyola Chicago
Stories like that of 2018 Loyola Chicago show how sports can be more than just a game. While the miraculous run of this Ramblers team was unbelievable, the story behind it is what makes this performance so legendary. In contrast to every other basketball team in history, the most iconic part of this squad wasn’t a player or coach, but a 98 year old nun named Sister Jean who elevated this team to greatness. Sister Jean wasn’t just a fan of this team, but was genuinely a part of their success, leading prayers and giving interviews alongside the coaching staff and athletes. On the back of her efforts and generational performances from the players, Loyola Chicago eked out three one score victories in a row over U Miami, Tennessee, and Nevada to reach the Elite Eight. It was in this game, against a brutal Kansas State opponent, when many thought Loyola Chicago’s luck would run out, however the Ramblers persisted, and they were able to win by an incredible 16 points. This once in a lifetime performance would eventually end at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines, however what 2018 Loyola Chicago was able to do for sports culture as a whole was so much more important. This team became one of the quintessential March Madness Cinderella stories and proved that success in sports is not always about money and big name players, but a team that’s able to function together, hustle, and have heart.
1. 2006 George Mason
While other schools have had incredible upset runs, nobody defines what it means to be a true Cinderella quite like 2006 George Mason. This George Mason team is the blueprint for a Cinderella story and one of the most iconic teams in sports history. The facts are simple, George Mason reached the final four and conquered three historic blue bloods while on its way. In Round 1, the Patriots shocked a sixth seeded Michigan State team lead by Tom Izzo, who is undoubtedly one of the most famous and best coaches in college basketball history. In the second round, George Mason continued this run with a groundbreaking win over the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, drawing major attention to this program. In the Sweet Sixteen, the Patriots stunned the world again with a win against Wichita State, who has edged out a role as one of the most decorated mid majors in the nation. Their Elite Eight game against first seed and second overall UCONN would be their truest tests, and just when everybody thought their story would be over, George Mason cemented themselves as an all time great team with an 86-84 overtime victory over the Huskies. Their run would eventually come to an end in the Final Four to the eventual national champion Florida Gators, however the legacy of the 2006 George Mason Patriots as one of the greatest teams and stories in college basketball history is undeniable.