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

By Alan Rubenstein

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 31: Head coach Jim Larranaga of the George Mason Patriots stands with his team during practice the day before the Final Four on March 31, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 31: Head coach Jim Larranaga of the George Mason Patriots stands with his team during practice the day before the Final Four on March 31, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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"“What we did in ’06 was like [Roger] Bannister breaking the four-minute mile…It broke the barrier and gave mid-major [programs] a clear idea that they could make it to the Final Four. Butler almost beating Duke last year (2010) in the championship has given every mid-major program the hope that the national championship can be won by someone not from a big conference — if that team plays extremely well for three weeks.”"

ESPN posed the question Can Loyola win the National Championship. Perhaps no one knows better than Larranaga after the Hurricanes lost to the Ramblers in the first round.

"“Yeah, it’s going to happen. Can the 11-seed win? Yes. Of course. But you have to have the right combination of elements, and I think Loyola-Chicago is a team that has an excellent chance to win this weekend. You look at what Butler did…they were one Gordon Hayward shot away from winning the national championship. It will happen”"

This Loyola team has some pressure from the beginning of the Tournament. CBS’ Seth Davis, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and several other prognosticators picked Loyola over Miami in the first round.

Next: Jim Larranaga will continue to coach Miami Hurricanes for foreseeable future

Now that Loyola is in the Final Four is the pressure off? Will Loyola let up against Michigan or are they ready to become the first 11 seed to advance to the National Championship Game?

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