As the college basketball season kicks off, teams’ non-conference schedule can determine their direction for the entire season. While some teams like to schedule “buy” games against lower Division 1 teams to pick up easy wins, others challenge themselves against NCAA-tournament-level teams outside of their conference. These neutral-site tournaments have opportunities for teams to pick up early Quad 1and 2 wins for their resume come March when they could see themselves on the bubble of tournament play. Now that the implications are set for all teams, here are four CBB invitational tournaments and who I predict will be the winner.
Maui Invitational: UConn
Every year, the Maui Invitational brings the biggest and baddest teams to Hawaii and this year is no exception. Every team but Colorado is ranked inside of the top 35 in the KenPom rankings, and four teams are nationally ranked by the Associated Press. UConn definitely has the “easier” path to the finals, as all they have to do is beat Penny Hardaway’s Memphis squad and the winner of Michigan State versus Colorado. Auburn and Iowa State will be an early Game of the Year contender. The winner of that bloodbath will have the pleasure of playing either North Carolina or Dayton.
The two-time defending national champion Connecticut Huskies come into Maui with a massive target on their back. To be the best, you have to beat the best and teams bring their A-game every night against the Huskies. Dan Hurley and his squad have never backed down from a challenge and have looked great in the first two games of the season.
Alex Karaban became the first player to record 20 points, seven assists and seven blocks in a Division 1 game since 2003. He followed that performance up with a 17-point, four-block outing against UNH. Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr. has been a beast on the glass, grabbing 11 boards in the opening game and adding eight in the second. Reed also contributed double figures in the scoring department for the Huskies.
Top recruit Liam McNeeley’s college career got off to a hot start against Sacred Heart. The Texas native dropped 18 and 10 on Wednesday, then followed it up with another double-double on Saturday. UConn’s depth is once again a key factor as 2024 Big East Sixth Man Award Hassan Diarra is joined by Jaylin Stewart and Jayden Ross on the bench. If Connecticut can stay healthy and wear off just a bit of championship rust, a Maui Invitational championship should not be out of reach.
Shriners Children’s Hospital Charleston Classic: Miami
The 2023-2024 season was a disappointment for the Hurricanes after the two greatest seasons in program history. Back-to-back Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four appearance in 2023 had the Canes trending in the right direction. Unfortunately, they lost players such as 2023 ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong, Clippers draft pick Jordan Miller and four key transfers. A 15-17 season and a first-round exit in the ACC tournament led head coach Jim Larranaga to hit the transfer portal. Miami added seven transfers including four graduate students headlined by the Stetson transfer Jalen Blackmon who dropped 43 points in the ASUN championship game to beat Austin Peay State University. The Hurricanes also return Nijel Pack, who was phenomenal during their March Madness run in 2023, averaging 16.4 points in the dance.
The rest of the field includes many revamped teams after coaching changes and transfer portal losses. Miami’s first round matchup, Drake, lost their father-son tandem to West Virginia. Head coach Darian DeVries and his son Tucker were the driving force behind back-to-back MVC championships for the Bulldogs. Florida Atlantic lost almost all of its core that led them to the Final Four in 2023, including head coach Dusty May’s departure to Michigan.
Oklahoma State relieved Mike Boynton of his duties after the 2024 season was unsuccessful for the Cowboys. Seton Hall possesses a threat to the Hurricanes as the Pirates just missed the NCAA tournament last year. However, a loss to Fordham at home is not the way you want to get your season started if you are Shaheen Holloway and the Pirates. VCU is the highest rated team according to the KenPom rankings. Ryan Odom’s Rams have a chance to knock off the Hurricanes, but Miami’s experience could challenge Virginia Commonwealth. Miami should be crowned champions if players like Blackmon and Pack show up and show out.
Myrtle Beach Invitational: Princeton
The Myrtle Beach Invitational seems to be a three-team battle for the crown. Princeton, Bradley and South Florida are some of the best mid-major teams in the country heading into the 2024-2025 season. Tragically, South Florida’s head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim passed away just weeks before the season started. The Bulls had one of their best seasons in program history in 2023-2024; however, it would make sense if they are not 100% after the loss of their head coach.
Bradley is always in the mix of the MVC. With a 22-11 record last year, they were right back in the conference semifinals before losing to the eventual champions Drake. This year, Bradley is the consensus No. 1 in the MVC, sporting a very deep roster under head coach Brian Wardle. The Braves were handed their first loss of the season to a Washington State team ranked right below them in the KenPom rankings. They have two more chances to get back on track before facing Texas State at Myrtle Beach.
Riding high off their Sweet Sixteen berth in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Princeton looked poised for another great run in 2024. Those hopes would be dashed from them as Brown University stunned them in the Ivy League semifinals. The Tigers have not let this diminish any hopes for the upcoming season, retaining their two best players from the 24-4 season last year. Ivy League Player of the Year Caden Pierce and star point guard Xaivian Lee returned to Princeton looking to do damage this March. Head coach Mitch Henderson and his squad kick off against Wright State at Myrtle Beach and can add some hardware to the trophy closet by ripping off three wins in South Carolina.
Hawaiin Airlines Diamond Head Classic: Loyola Chicago
This one is a real toss-up between Nebraska and Loyola Chicago, but the Ramblers’ experience and coaching should put them past the Cornhuskers. Since this is not until Christmas time, the tournament also has a “time will tell” factor which could benefit or hinder every team’s chances.
Loyola Chicago used the transfer portal to their advantage despite losing guard Braden Norris. Drexel transfer Justin Moore could fill the gap left by Norris’ departure. The junior averaged 12.4 points and a steal last season for the Dragons. Francis Nwaokorie is also an intriguing transfer, coming over from UCSD. The big man averaged at least 11 points in all three seasons at UCSD, along with at least 5.5 rebounds a game every year. Coach Drew Valentine returned some key pieces for the 2024-2025 season. Des Watson is back after leading the team in scoring, Jayden Dawson has taken a bigger offensive role and Sheldon Edwards Jr. has continued his steady play from last season. The Ramblers’ first opponent in the Diamond Head Classic is the depleted Oakland Grizzlies who lost Jack Gohlke and Trey Townsend among others.
Another team in the classic is the College of Charleston, who lost head coach Pat Kelsey to Louisville. Rounding out the tournament field is Oregon State, Murray State, Charlotte and Hawaii.