Jim Larranaga predicted the rise of the mid-major to the Final Four

Jim Larranaga predicted the rise of the Mid-Major when he led George Mason to the Final Four in 2006. The Patriots were the first true mid-major to advance to the Final Four since 1979.

The reasoning that Jim Larranaga gave for the mid-majors being able to narrow the gap with the more powerful programs was the implementation of the NBA’s one and done rule.

In the fall of 2005 NBA Commissioner David Stern negotiated a minimum age of 19 or at least one year removed from high school to be eligible for the NBA Draft.

That meant that the best players on the traditional would be Freshman or Sophomores. Jim Larranaga has spoken openly about his preference for more experienced players. Ranked 13th to begin the season, Miami lost in the first round to Loyola who will play in the Final Four.

The Hurricanes were relying on a team that had the majority of players in the rotation as Freshmen or Sophomores. Loyola’s rotation is primarily full of Juniors and Seniors. Their run to the Final Four is the fifth time since George Mason’s run in 2006 that a mid-major is in the Final Four.

Butler is the only mid-major in the time that has gone twice. The Bulldogs lost in back to back National Championship games in 2010 and 2011.