The Hall of Fame Tip Off gets underway this weekend at Mohegan Sun. It is truly one of my favorite MTEs to attend but you can hear about the Crier’s experiences on the podcast. This year’s field is shaking up to provide potentially one of the best events of Feast Week, with all four programs entering with unblemished records. Let’s take a look at the Friars opposition to take the tournament title.
Miami
The Hurricanes could’ve been Providence’s Elite 8 opponent had a few things bounced their way against Kansas. Gone is Charlie Moore and insteps Kansas St transfer Nigel Pack. Pick and returnee Isaiah Wong form a truly potent backcourt that charges the Canes. Although, Jordan Miller is proving to key cog in what they do as well in his second season in Coral Gables, after spending three years at William & Mary. In the frontcourt they feature key portal addition Norchad Omier but not a ton of depth at the position. Miami is a really good team that could find themselves in the Top-25 throughout this season and possibly have another deep tournament run in store.
St. Louis
The Billikens appear to be the class of the Atlantic 10 this season. St. Louis is off to a 3-0 start and definitely have the best win of the field to date, with their victory over Memphis Wednesday. Guard Yuri Collins is dishing out the biscuits this year with 36 assists in 3 games. Sophomore Gibson Jimmerson has shown to be a shooter/scorer and leads them in scoring. On top of that Javonte Perkins returns to the squad. This team has plenty of experience and is one of the best mid-major teams in the country.
Maryland
As soon as Maryland and Mark Turgeon parted ways a month into last season the rumors of Kevin Willard leaving Seton Hall began to fly. Now he’s the new man in College Park and is putting an emphasis on local talent and his roster proves it. His top two scorers are from the state of Maryland with forward Julian Reese and guard Jahmir Young. The Terps were picked to finish 10th in the 14-team Big Ten but could surprise in year one under Willard.
