2011 Maui Invitational
I'm sure they'll schedule a cupcake or two to tune up, but the next time we get to see the Hoops team play is the 2011 Maui Invitational
Joining us in the 8-team field will be Duke, Kansas, UCLA, Georgetown, Tennessee, Memphis. Oh, and, host Chaminade. Wow. Michigan will surely have 2, if not 3, high end games to watch.
This event plays out in the three days before Thanksgiving. And, in between Michigan football home games against Nebraska and Ohio State
Talk about some killer games
I wonder who we'll play in the tourney. Draw is months away probably. We'll need to keep track which players leave early off those teams.
UCLA is young and got better and better this year. As another poster mentioned the Wier twins will be eligible as well. They probably a top 5 team next year.
Duke: They are losing Smith, Singler, probably Kyrie (so think he may actually stay) but I still think they will be the preseason number 1 or 2 team. They have the number 3 recruiting class and will have the best front court depth in the country by far. I would be worried about them.
Kansas: They are losing the Morris twins most likely and word is Josh Selby wants to get out as well. They lose a few other good rotations players as well. They probably lose 5 or 6 of their top 8 rotation players. Kansas is always good and seems to play well even after losing a lot but I would project Michigan to be quite a bit better.
Memphis: They are young like Michigan and project to be very good next year. However, there's a rumor Wetherspoon wants out and Burton might just be crazy enough to try to go pro as well. If they both stay they will be a very dangerous team.
Tenn I think will completely colapse next year with declarations and transfers if Pearl is gone and I wouldn't worry about them too much right now. Georgetown loses a lot but always seems to have guys step up and have really good seasons when no one expects them too. They are a wild card.
I would rate them (knowing I think will declare) as Duke, UCLA, Michigan, Memphis, Kansas, Georgetown, and then Tennessee. There will probably we a smaller team or too that hasn't been announced yet them will sneak up on us.
It should be a fun tourney and great way to kick of the season.