Maui Invitational: An Insider's Guide

Tyshawn Taylor and Kansas take part in a star-studded Maui Invitational starting tomorrow in Hawaii. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

Early in-season tournaments are a dream come true for the die-hard college basketball fan. On one hand, you have potential Final Four matchups just two weeks into the year; and on the other, you have upstart teams that come out of seemingly nowhere to establish themselves among the nation's elite. In just about 18 hours, the tournament regarded by most to be the premier early-season gathering in the nation tips off from the Aloha State, and we'll get you caught up with what lies ahead in the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

Game #1: Michigan vs. Memphis - John Beilein's Wolverines overcame a scare against Western Illinois, and next up for the maize and blue is a tough matchup against a Tigers squad that put up 97 points in their season opener against Belmont. Michigan will make this game more about defense, and the matchup between Joe Jackson and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be fun to watch in the backcourt. Wesley Witherspoon and Will Barton will be key for Memphis against a Michigan frontcourt featuring Jordan Morgan, who has made ten of his first twelve shots to start the season.

Game #2: Tennessee vs. Duke - Cuonzo Martin brings the Vols into their first major test of the season before they take on reigning national champion UConn later this year, but Tennessee is still a work in progress. Point guard Trae Golden has been nothing but impressive to open the season, averaging 23 points and 10 assists over the first two games; and will draw rookie sensation Austin Rivers in defensive matchups against the Blue Devils and all-time wins leader Mike Krzyzewski. Tennessee's biggest test will come inside, however, as a rather inexperienced frontcourt goes up against the three Plumlee brothers and Ryan Kelly.

Game #3: UCLA vs. Chaminade - The hometown team gets an 0-2 Bruins squad for its first game in the tournament they host; and Chaminade will be looking to do what Wichita State attempted to pull off against UConn last year, and that's knock off a reputed Division I powerhouse. The Bruins did reinstate Reeves Nelson recently after he was suspended for the first two contests, and his return boosts a UCLA inside game desperately lacking a leader due to the struggles of the Wear twins. Lazeric Jones and Jerime Anderson are still one of the better backcourts in the country, and should have a coming-out party sooner rather than later.

Game #4: Georgetown vs. Kansas - After Kansas struggled against Kentucky at Madison Square Garden, some began to wonder if the Jayhawks were as good as advertised to open the season. Bill Self's team may still be adjusting to life without Josh Selby and the Morris twins, but Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson are still among the more underrated players in the nation. Georgetown is also trying to recover from the graduations of Chris Wright and Austin Freeman, and the Hoyas possess the long range talents of sharpshooter Jason Clark, who can change games in mere seconds with his efficiency from three.

The Way I See It: Predictions

Quarterfinals: Memphis defeats Michigan, Duke defeats Tennessee, UCLA defeats Chaminade, Kansas defeats Georgetown

Semifinal Consolation: Michigan defeats Tennessee, Georgetown defeats Chaminade

Semifinals: Memphis defeats Duke, Kansas defeats UCLA

7th Place Game: Tennessee defeats Chaminade

5th Place Game: Michigan defeats Georgetown

3rd Place Game: Duke defeats UCLA
Championship: In a rematch of the 2008 national championship game, Memphis gets their revenge and defeats Kansas