The college basketball season is in its infancy for 2008-2009, and you know what that means: preseason tournaments up the kazoo. Filtered out above those four-team, big-school sponsored shootouts, classics, and challenges are the standards to cross-conference get-togethers (try saying that five times fast).
These tourneys always seem to present big schools with tough contests against top competition, while providing mid-majors with opportunities to beef up their profiles. But which matchups could (or will) be worth paying the closest attention to? Here are some of the possibilities (and actualities) from the next two weeks of roundball feasting.
November 20th
Duke vs. Southern Illinois (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic)
This tournament got underway last week, with the semifinals and finals set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday. Madison Square Garden should be the site for two chess matches. This game features the bruising, slow-down pace of the Salukis against Duke's up-and-down style to showcase their athleticism. SIU might have a hard time slowing down Duke's tandem of Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler, especially if they get hot. However, we'll find at if Duke can handle a rough and tumble game off the bat.
Michigan vs. UCLA (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic)
In the second game at the Garden, the question will continue to be "Which side is more potent?" For the offense, enter Michigan, where coach John Beilein is hoping to see more influence of his long-range bombardier attack that he installed at West Virginia. For the defense, Ben Howland and the Bruins, who look as strong and talented as ever. UCLA got a bit of a scare against Miami (OH), but should be ready for the Wolverines. I believe that UM needs steady point guard play to counteract the Bruins' Darren Collison and keep this game close.
November 21st
Memphis vs. USC (Puerto Rico Tip-Off potential)
This possible semifinal would have featured two of the country's top freshmen last year. But Derrick Rose and O.J. Mayo jumped to the NBA, so all we have now is a matchup of two of the country's top freshmen. Tyreke Evans is this season's phenom for the Tigers, while Trojan fans hope DeMar DeRozan can fill Mayo's scoring shoes.
There's plenty more talent on the floor than just these two. Last season's runners-up from Memphis return Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier, Willie Kemp, and Shawn Taggert amongst others. USC counters with Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett, and Alex Stepheson all back on the floor. Loads of sun, warmth, and talent in the same place? What more could you ask for?
November 23rd
Miami (FL) vs. San Diego (Paradise Jam potential)
We'll stay in the Caribbean for a couple days. Between the pina coladas and lying in hammocks, you could check out two of last season's strongest finishers. The Hurricanes, picked to finish fourth in a loaded ACC, will be led by All-ACC first team member Jack McClinton. As always, expect athletes to jump out of the gym with a Frank Haith team.
Then, you have the Toreros. They had a magical run through the West Coast Conference tournament and wormed their way into the Big Dance on their home floor. They didn't disappoint anybody with the stunning win over Connecticut in the tourney's first round. Now they're back to make sure it was no fluke. The fact that all five starters return might help push the legitimacy argument forward.
Connecticut vs. Wisconsin (Paradise Jam potential)
Speaking of San Diego's victim from the NCAA, they're back, with as much talent and even more anger. Hasheem Thabeet is just one of the many upperclassmen (A.J. Price, Jeff Adrien, Jerome Dyson, Craig Austrie) that won't be satisfied unless they get to Detroit in March. A tourney win in the Virgin Islands would be nice, but they'll probably have to be black and blue to get it.
The Badgers lost Michael Flowers and Brian Butch from last year's battering ram of a team. However, Marcus Landry is back for his senior campaign. Trevon Hughes will control the offense from the point. Jason Bohannon should be back behind the arc bombing threes. And overall, Wisconsin will dig, bruise, claw, and fight you to the end. A UConn/USD rematch would be worthwhile, but Bucky and the crew will do their best to mess up that reunion.
November 24th
Florida vs. Syracuse (CBE Classic)
The Orange were snubbed yet again from the NCAA tournament last year. Eric Devendorf, Paul Harris, and Jonny Flynn alone prove that they have more than enough talent to get back there this year. Florida missed out on defending their title for a second time due to their overall youth and inexperience. The Gators improved in the second half of last season and want to prove themselves once again.
Simply put, something's gotta give. Who gets themselves a quality out-of-conference win that could be very helpful come Selection Sunday?
November 26th
North Carolina vs. Texas (Maui Invitational potential)
Possibly the marquee game of the Thanksgiving Weekend before the bird even gets stuffed. Can A.J. Abrams, Connor Atchley, and Damion James put a huge footprint on the season, or will Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Deon Thompson (and on and on and on) keep the mantle of "team to beat" in March?
I simply can't hype the matchup well enough. Come Thanksgiving Eve, it might just deserve a little attention.
November 28th
Arizona State vs. Baylor (Anaheim Classic potential)
Herb Sendek brought his defensive-minded style of play to the normally run-and-fun Pac-10. It started to take hold last season, with the Sun Devils becoming the most talked about team left out of the NCAA tourney. Now, as freshmen and sophomores dominate the lineup, can senior Jeff Pendergraph put the team on his shoulders?
ASU was a nice story last year, but nothing compared to Baylor. Just a few years removed from the program being put on life support, Scott Drew enthusiasm took the Bears all the way to its first "Big Tourney" birth in almost 20 years. Most of that team (including all five starters) is back to take another shot at the postseason. Could this be a preview of two tournament teams later on down the road?
Gonzaga vs. Michigan State (Old Spice Classic potential)
Whoever was in charge of scheduling this year in Orlando should get a raise because this eight-team field is loaded. Out of the plethora of matchups to choose from, this one may be the juiciest (outside of a Gonzaga/Tennessee final). The Bulldogs bring back Jeremy Pargo, Josh Heytvelt, Matt Bouldin, and bring in Kansas transfer Micah Downs. The Spartans counter with Raymar Morgan, Marquise Gray, Goran Suton, and Kalin Lucas, who'll have to step in and take the reins from Drew Neitzel. Not a bad way to finish off that leftover turkey.
November 29th
Washington State vs. Pittsburgh (Legends Classic potential)
In the easiest way I can describe it, this is a Titans/Ravens NFL game put on a basketball court. Expect physical play, grinding defense, and a possible 52-50 final score (not kidding). I usually like more up-and-down hoops, but I really like this matchup.
Pitt would be favored. They've got the floor general in Levance Fields and the bigs in Sam Young and "Beast of the Big East" DeJuan Blair. The Cougars counter with some experience of their own in Taylor Rochestie, Daven Harmeling, and "Moose of the Palouse" Aron Baynes. How WSU deals without Derrick Low, Kyle Weaver, and Robbie Cowgill will be big question mark in this early season.
With Oklahoma (and Blake Griffin's 25 points and 21 rebounds) squeaking past Davidson (and Stephen Curry's 44 points) Tuesday night, the tourney season is kicking into high gear. So, whatever game you'll be watching, sit back and enjoy the cornucopia of possibilities. Just don't get too full. There's a long season to go.
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