#41/341 - George Mason Patriots

I've been told I need a better GMU jersey and maybe they're right. This is a flimsy promo with a corporate logo on the back that was probably part of a promotional giveaway. I just couldn't resist landing a jersey of the first truly deep-Cinderella run I'd ever witnessed. Every year one or two schools break into the Sweet 16, maybe the Elite 8 if they're very fortunate. When George Mason held off the UConn Huskies to dance their way into the Final 4, it truly felt like we were breaking new ground.

It's also interesting to see that while they and Butler have ridden their Final 4 trips up the college ranks and into bigger conferences, this past year saw them basement dwelling in the Big East and Atlantic Ten. Whereas Wichita State and Gonzaga continue to flourish as big fish in smaller ponds. I think it raises interesting questions about conference realignment from a fan perspective.

STATUS: NEEDS TO BE REPLACED