Your information to 13 early-season faculty basketball tournaments

2:00 PM ET

Myron Medcalf

ShutESPN Employees Author Covers faculty basketball
Joined ESPN.com in 2011
Graduate of Minnesota State College, Mankato

Jeff Borzello

ShutESPN Employees Author Basketball recruiting insider.
Joined ESPN in 2014.
Graduate of College of Delaware.

13 occasions comprising 84 groups throughout 21 conferences had been revealed on Thursday, as ESPN introduced its early-season event schedule for the 2019-20 season. Beneath is your complete (but useful!) information to what and who you will be seeing throughout all 13 occasions, in video games that can seem on ESPN networks. (Click on right here for full community and tip time info.)

Bounce to an occasion: Charleston Traditional | Myrtle Seaside Invitational | Empire Traditional | Air Pressure Reserve Tip-Off | MGM Resorts Important Occasion | Maui Invitational | Legends Traditional | Corridor of Fame Traditional | Battle Four Atlantis | NIT Season Tip-Off | Orlando Invitational | Wood Legacy | Diamond Head Traditional

Virginia Tech switch Kerry Blackshear Jr. is a serious cause Florida is pondering Ultimate 4 in 2019-20. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities

Charleston Traditional

Dates: Nov. 21, 22 & 24, 2019
Web site: TD Area / Charleston, SC

First-round matchups:

Missouri State vs. Miami
Florida vs. Saint Joseph’s
Xavier vs. Towson
Buffalo vs. Connecticut

Group to beat: Florida. With Kerry Blackshear Jr. now within the fold, Florida is a authentic nationwide title contender — and we’ll additionally get an early take a look at the influence of Gators five-star freshman Scottie Lewis.

Sleeper crew: Miami. The Hurricanes ought to take a step ahead subsequent season, with Chris Lykes operating the present and the addition of four-star guards Harlond Beverly and Isaiah Wong.

Participant to observe: Xavier brings again 4 starters from a crew that completed robust — however Travis Steele will want a right away influence from Ohio graduate switch Jason Carter up entrance.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: What’s subsequent at Buffalo? The Bulls have been to the NCAA event 4 occasions within the final six seasons and misplaced coaches Bobby Hurley (Arizona State) and Nate Oats (Alabama) alongside the best way. Can Jim Whitesell proceed the successful methods? — Jeff Borzello

Jay Wright and Villanova can reinforce their Huge East favourite standing in Myrtle Seaside. Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos

Myrtle Seaside Invitational

Dates: Nov. 21, 22 & 24, 2019
Web site: HTC Middle / Conway, SC

First-round matchups:

Villanova vs. Center Tennessee
Mississippi State vs. Tulane
Ohio vs. Baylor
Utah vs. Coastal Carolina

Group to beat: Villanova. Since 2014, Jay Wright has averaged practically 32 wins a 12 months, and the upcoming season ought to assist preserve that common with three returning starters and an elite recruiting class led by five-star prospects Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Bryan Antoine.

Sleeper crew: Baylor. Scott Drew hasn’t obtained sufficient credit score for combating by means of accidents final season to win 20 video games. This 12 months, he has one other successful group with Tristan Clark, who missed the majority of the season with knee harm, and two different double-figure scorers returning.

Participant to observe: Antoine is a wonderful, 6-foot-5 guard who might be in subsequent in line to go professional after a stint with Wright, however he is at the moment in rehab to handle a shoulder harm he suffered earlier this 12 months that would influence the beginning of his freshman season.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: We do not speak about Villanova the best way we speak about Duke, Kentucky and Kansas, however you might make the case that the Wildcats are the true kings of school basketball proper now and so they’re all the time enjoyable to observe. — Myron Medcalf

Tre Jones might be among the many leaders of a Duke crew that misplaced a plethora of star energy. Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports activities

Empire Traditional

Dates: Nov. 21 & 22, 2019
Web site: Madison Sq. Backyard / New York, NY

First-round matchups:

Texas vs. Georgetown
Duke vs. Cal

Group to beat: Duke. Mike Krzyzewski tapped the Minnesota pipeline once more with Matthew Harm (Rochester, Minnesota) becoming a member of sophomore Tre Jones (Apple Valley, Minnesota) on a roster that appears outfitted to win one other championship within the post-Zion Williamson period of Duke basketball.

Sleeper crew: Georgetown. Patrick Ewing received 19 video games in his second season because the chief of his alma mater and with the incoming items and one other 12 months for Mac McClung, Georgetown may begin a doable NCAA tournament-worthy marketing campaign with a shocker.

Participant to observe: Duke massive man Vernon Carey Jr. is a five-star expertise who can dominate the motion on the ground along with his massive physique and fluid recreation.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Seeing Ewing as a coach at Madison Sq. Backyard, probably in a finale towards Duke, is definitely worth the worth of admission. — Myron Medcalf

Tony Bennett and the Cavs will look to get some early momentum on the Mohegan Solar. Lance King/Getty Photos

Air Pressure Reserve Tip-Off

Dates: Nov. 23 & 24, 2019
Web site: Mohegan Solar Area / Uncasville, CT

First-round matchups:

Virginia vs. Massachusetts
Arizona State vs. St. John’s

Group to beat: Virginia. Regardless of shedding Ty Jerome, Kyle Man and De’Andre Hunter to the NBA draft, the Cavaliers are nonetheless going to be nationally related and can enter as the favourite.

Sleeper crew: Arizona State might be favored over St. John’s in a First 4 rematch, however the Crimson Storm have one of many higher scoring duos within the Huge East in Mustapha Heron and LJ Figueroa.

Participant to observe: UMass had a large recruiting coup when it landed ESPN 100 heart Tre Mitchell within the spring. Mitchell can have an early probability to make an impression.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: An upset must occur within the first spherical for it to occur, however a tempo battle between new St. John’s chief Mike Anderson and Virginia’s Tony Bennett can be fascinating. — Jeff Borzello

McKinley Wright IV is among the many underrated gamers in what ought to be a vastly improved Pac-12. AP Picture/David Zalubowski

MGM Resorts Important Occasion

Dates: Nov. 24 & 26, 2019
Web site: T-Cell Area / Las Vegas, NV

First-round matchups:

TCU vs. Clemson
Colorado vs. Wyoming

Group to beat: Colorado. McKinley Wright (13.zero PPG, Four.9 RPG, Four.eight APG) is again together with the majority of a Buffaloes roster that completed 12-Four in February and March final season and had a top-40 mark in defensive effectivity per KenPom.

Sleeper crew: TCU. Jamie Dixon misplaced key gamers from final 12 months’s 23-win crew however returnee Desmond Bane will be a part of top-100 participant P.J. Fuller on a squad that can battle to keep away from the underside of the Huge 12.

Participant to observe: Wright did not get the correct buzz final 12 months after connecting on 39% of his Three-pointers and 55% of his pictures contained in the arc throughout Pac-12 play.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: The Jumbotron at T-Cell Area is so cool that when you’re within the constructing, it’s best to spend a half or two simply utilizing it to trace the motion on the ground. — Myron Medcalf

Will Tom Izzo and Cassius Winston dwell as much as the Michigan State preseason hype? Patrick Semansky/AP Picture

Maui Jim Maui Invitational

Dates: Nov. 25, 26 & 27, 2019
Web site: Lahaina Civic Middle / Lahaina, HI

First-round matchups:

Dayton vs. Georgia
Michigan State vs. Virginia Tech
Kansas vs. Chaminade
UCLA vs. BYU

Group to beat: Michigan State goes to be preseason No. 1 in various rankings, and the Spartans are skilled, versatile and have Wood Award favourite Cassius Winston.

Sleeper crew: It was missed on the time, however when Yoeli Childs introduced he was returning to BYU on NBA draft deadline day, it put the Cougars in place to be an element. TJ Haws and Jake Toolson can fill it up on the wings.

Participant to observe: All eyes might be on Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, the top-five recruit who spurned Kentucky to remain house and play for the Bulldogs.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Michigan State and Kansas are Nos. 1 and a pair of, respectively, within the newest Approach-Too-Early Up to date Preseason Prime 25 rankings — and will face off within the title recreation. — Jeff Borzello

A 12 months after reaching the Ultimate 4, Bruce Pearl brings a youthful crew into 2019-20. Ray Carlin/USA TODAY Sports activities

Legends Traditional

Dates: Nov. 25 & 26, 2019
Web site: Barclays Middle / Brooklyn, NY

First-round matchups:

Wisconsin vs. Richmond
Auburn vs. New Mexico

Group to beat: Bruce Pearl is not going to have the nucleus that helped Auburn attain final 12 months’s Ultimate 4, but when Samir Doughty can stabilize the backcourt and Austin Wiley can lastly attain his potential, the Tigers may win right here and, down the road, compete for a spot within the NCAA event.

Sleeper crew: It is simply tough to know what Wisconsin might be with out Ethan Happ, however D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison will attempt to make this a scrappy Badgers crew that exceeds expectations.

Participant to observe: New Mexico’s Vance Jackson is a troublesome massive man who may make a nationwide assertion in Brooklyn.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Davison grew to become one of the crucial polarizing gamers within the recreation with just a few questionable (OK superb, soiled) performs final 12 months, however he isn’t going to alter now that he is the chief of this crew in his junior season and might be value monitoring. — Myron Medcalf

Kamar Baldwin will attempt to lead Butler to a few key victories in Kansas Metropolis. Raj Mehta/USA TODAY Sports activities

Corridor of Fame Traditional Powered by ShotTracker

Dates: Nov. 25 & 26, 2019
Web site: Dash Middle / Kansas Metropolis, MO

First-round matchups:

Butler vs. Missouri
Oklahoma vs. Stanford

Group to beat: Oklahoma loses a number of key gamers off final season’s NCAA event group, however the return of Kristian Doolittle and Brady Manek ought to hold the Sooners within the tourney dialog.

Sleeper crew: Missouri was higher final season than its 5-13 SEC report indicated, and the Tigers carry again seven of their high 9 scorers and add potential influence newcomers Dru Smith and Tray Jackson.

Participant to observe: Butler goes to be a veteran-led crew, together with all-league guard Kamar Baldwin, however the Bulldogs’ season may come all the way down to how Valparaiso graduate switch Derrik Smits adapts to high-major hoops.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: A title recreation between Missouri and Oklahoma in Kansas Metropolis would carry again some enjoyable Huge 12 recollections — one thing we’ve not seen since Missouri left for the SEC. — Jeff Borzello

North Carolina’s Cole Anthony might be amongst faculty basketball’s highest-visibility gamers in 2019-20. Sam Forencich/USA Basketball

Dangerous Boy Mowers Battle Four Atlantis

Dates: Nov. 27, 28 & 29, 2019
Web site: Imperial Area / Paradise Island, Bahamas

First-round matchups:

Michigan vs. Iowa State
North Carolina vs. Alabama
Gonzaga vs. Southern Miss
Seton Corridor vs. Oregon

Group to beat: That is powerful however this event is early, so search for Mark Few’s veterans like Killian Tillie and grad switch Admon Gilder to be able to go and win this event as Roy Williams continues to be determining his younger crew.

Sleeper crew: I do not assume individuals understand how good Seton Corridor is likely to be this season with the return of Myles Powell, however the buzz would possibly start if the Pirates emerge because the victors within the Bahamas.

Participant to observe: Cole Anthony, the highest incoming guard within the nation, might be the Zion Williamson of the 2019-20 season.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: This stacked event is a type of occasions the place you watch the primary recreation, the final recreation and each recreation in between. — Myron Medcalf

The all the time passionate Jim Boeheim might be among the many marquee sights in Brooklyn. Wealthy Barnes/Getty Photos

NIT Season Tip-Off

Dates: Nov. 27 & 29, 2019
Web site: Barclays Middle / Brooklyn, NY

First-round matchups (Brooklyn):

Ole Miss vs. Penn State
Oklahoma State vs. Syracuse

Dates: Nov. 25 & 26, 2019
Web site: HP Area Home / Orlando, FL

First-round matchups (Orlando):

Yale vs. Western Michigan
Seattle vs. Bucknell

Group to beat: Ole Miss. Breein Tyree (17.9 PPG, 38% from the Three-point line) and Devontae Shuler (10.Three PPG), who helped Kermit Davis win 20 video games in his first season, return for the 2019-20 marketing campaign.

Sleeper crew: Syracuse. Jim Boeheim has a set of latest faces on his roster however who actually needs to shoot towards that zone in late November?

Participant to observe: Buddy Boeheim had some eye-opening performances within the ACC event, and has an opportunity to impress in Brooklyn.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: This event is about three weeks into the 2019-20 season, which suggests Boeheim’s frustration with officiating will already be at Stage eight on a scale of 1-10. We’re certain he’ll let the referees at this occasion understand how he feels. — Myron Medcalf

Markus Howard might be among the many stars inside a top quality subject in Orlando. Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports activities

Orlando Invitational

Dates: Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1, 2019
Web site: HP Area Home / Orlando, FL

First-round matchups:

Maryland vs. Temple
Texas A&M vs. Harvard
USC vs. Fairfield
Davidson vs. Marquette

Group to beat: Maryland enters the season as a top-10 crew nationally, with a dynamic inside-outside duo in Anthony Cowan Jr. and Jalen Smith. The Terrapins have loads of expertise, and if they will survive this loaded subject, they could be capable of dwell as much as expectations.

Sleeper crew: Davidson has one of many extra underrated scoring duos within the nation in Kellan Grady and Jon Axel Gudmundsson, and will not draw back from making an attempt to outgun Markus Howard and Marquette.

Participant to observe: Harvard brings again everybody from final season, however the important thing participant might be Seth Cities, who averaged 16.zero factors in 2017-18 however missed final season with a knee harm.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Two phrases: Markus Howard. Any recreation that includes arguably the nation’s finest scorer is value watching. — Jeff Borzello

Sean Miller is predicted to educate a gifted younger group in Tucson this season. Casey Sapio/USA TODAY Sports activities

Wood Legacy

Dates: Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1, 2019
Web site: Anaheim Area / Anaheim, CA

First-round matchups:

Windfall vs. Lengthy Seaside State
Wake Forest vs. Faculty of Charleston
UCF vs. Penn
Pepperdine vs. Arizona

Group to beat: Following a uncommon season that ended with out an NCAA event look, Arizona hit the reset button with five-star perimeter stars Nico Mannion, the projected No. 7 choose in subsequent summer season’s NBA draft through ESPN.com, and Josh Inexperienced, the projected No. 15 choose within the 2020 draft, each of whom ought to make the Wildcats a nationwide contender once more.

Sleeper crew: Windfall. Ed Cooley signed an extension after he bought concerned with the Michigan opening and he’ll lead a crew that returns three starters, together with Alpha Diallo, who averaged 16.zero PPG in 2018-19.

Participant to observe: Arizona has a wealthy historical past of manufacturing glorious level guards, and folk who’ve tracked his prep profession imagine Mannion is the subsequent famous person to man that place for the Wildcats.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Properly, any occasion in Anaheim means you’ll be able to watch nice basketball after which hop on the shuttles round city and end the day with the household at Disneyland. — Myron Medcalf

Isaiah Stewart is among the many younger Washington stars who might be featured in Honolulu. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports activities

Hawaiian Airways Diamond Head Traditional

Dates: Dec. 22, 23 & 25, 2019
Web site: Stan Sheriff Middle / Honolulu, HI

First-round matchups:

Houston vs. Portland
Georgia Tech vs. Boise State
UTEP vs. Washington
Ball State vs. Hawaii

Group to beat: Washington has loads of hype proper now, principally because of the arrival of top-10 recruits Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels. It is a younger group, however the Huskies have a really excessive ceiling.

Sleeper crew: After a subpar season a 12 months in the past, Boise State returns its high 4 scorers and provides a number of gifted transfers. The Broncos ought to bounce again to their regular type this season.

Participant to observe: The important thing to Houston’s season is Kansas switch Quentin Grimes. If he will get a waiver to play instantly, the Cougars are a top-25 crew and an AAC title contender.

One thing for the faculty hoops junkies: Christmas in Hawaii, doubtlessly watching a showdown between two of the very best defensive groups within the nation in Houston and Washington? Sounds good to me. — Jeff Borzello