Mid-Major Momentum

The talent gap between the top tier conferences and the mid-major programs is growing ever more close to being even. Granted it could be a decade or so away but momentum is growing for small schools across the country, especially in the nations heartland.

The 2009 class might be the most impressive collection of talent for mid-major programs to date. Look at some of these numbers:

Rivals: This is where the overall impact can be seen at its most profound level, because the nice folks at Rivals take their rankings a little deeper than the average site does. According to the Rivals rankings 16 out of the top 150 players for the class of 2009 are committed to mid major programs. That is 10.5 percent of their top players for the class. Georgia State even managed to snag a top 60 player in Rashanti Harris, who snubbed offers from Memphis, Ole Miss and Mississippi State to be a Panther, or the Panther. Pounce the Panther is more ferocious than a Bulldog, Tiger or a Rebel, just ask Harris.

In addition to the 10.5 percent of the top 150, mid-majors also snagged multiple skilled three star players. Many solid kids turned down power conference affiliation for mid-majors. A good example of just one of these young men is Sherrod Wright, who committed to George Mason. This kid had offers on the table from Cincinnati, Marquette, Kansas State, South Carolina and Providence. Instead of opting for a BCS school, the Mount Vernon, NY native took his game to the Colonial conference.

ESPN: 5 of the top 100 prospects are committed to mid majors: Aaric Murray (LaSalle) Terrrell Vinson (UMASS),Zeke Marshall (Akron), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State), Anthony Marshall (UNLV). Five percent of the ESPN top 100 chose mid majors. Overall Mid Major schools acquired 7-8 percent of impact players according to ESPN.com rankings.

Scout: Here is another good example of this trend gaining momentum. As 7 of the top 100 prospects of the 2009 are committed to mid major programs. Including two players that are un-ranked according to the other two rankings. Keith Clanton (UCF) and Arsalan Kazemi (Rice). Mid Majors have devoured a full 7 percent of the talent from Scouts top tier of athletes.

Granted UNLV and Gonzaga do have more tradition than your average non "BCS" and power conference team for that matter, but the overall talent here is amazing. Aaric Murray could have attended any number of national contenders but instead opted for LaSalle. Zeke Marshall left offers on the table to attend Pittsburgh, Virgina and Virgina Tech to attend Akron. Western Kentucky has built on the programs recent success with the signing of two of the Rivals 150 in Terrance Boyd (#64) and Jordan Swing (#141). The mid major band wagon is up and running and next season more top players are sure to jump aboard.

This coming weekend we will be at the Stimulus Tournament in Louisville Ky. Please check back for plenty of updates, interviews, etc.