Monday marks the start of one of the biggest weeks of the college basketball season: Feast Week! Because of all the multi-team events this week’s preview will look a little different. Instead of previewing the biggest games, I’ll be showcasing the biggest tournaments instead.
Maui Invitational
Dates: Monday, Nov 20-Wednesday, Nov. 22
Opening matchups: No. 7 Tennessee vs. Syracuse; No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 11 Gonzaga; No.1 Kansas vs. Chaminade; UCLA vs. No. 4 Marquette
Tournament outlook: The Maui Invitational truly is the king of the multi-team events and this field shows exactly why. Almost any team in the tournament can win it and even the consolation matchups will be big-time games. Most experts pick Purdue and Kansas, but Marquette might just be the best team in this field. Gonzaga and Tennessee are also incredibly talented groups with proven head coaches. It’s pretty much anyone’s trophy to grab, which is why this may be the best holiday tournament we have seen in quite some time.
Battle 4 Atlantis
Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24
Opening matchups: No. 14 North Carolina vs. Northern Iowa; Texas Tech vs. Villanova; Michigan vs. Memphis; No. 20 Arkansas vs. Stanford
Tournament outlook: This year’s Battle 4 Atlantis field may not be as exciting as previous years, but there are still teams to note. UNC is looking vastly improved from last season and, while they have all suffered upsets recently, Villanova, Michigan and Arkansas are all very talented teams. One sleeper to watch out for in this one is Memphis. Penny Hardaway has a very tough squad and is hungry to get recognized on a national stage. While it may not be as appealing as Maui, this should be a very good tournament.
NIT Season Tip Off
Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24
Opening matchups: No. 13 Baylor vs. Oregon State; Florida vs. Baylor
Tournament outlook: This one may seem like an easy win for the Bears of Baylor, but they have some competition for the trophy. Both Pitt and Florida are solid teams looking to show what they can do. While Oregon State is not a team many have on their radar, anything can happen in college hoops, especially in a tournament setting. That being said, Baylor is the consensus pick here, but Florida is certainly a close second.
ESPN Events Invitational
Dates: Thursday, Nov. 23-Saturday, Nov. 25
Opening matchups: Penn State vs. No. 12 Texas A&M; No. 19 FAU vs. Butler; Iowa State vs. VCU; Boise State vs. Virginia Tech
Tournament outlook: After FAU’s upset loss on Saturday, this field may not look as impressive as it once did, but it is still filled with solid teams. Texas A&M is looking like the favorite for this one. They do have some competition, though, as FAU is still a top-25 team and Iowa State is a good group of players. We’ll most likely see the Aggies raise the trophy, but there should still be some close matchups in this tournament.
Elms' Essentials: Rivalry Week
Elms' Essentials: Week 13
