ESPN reveals first half of early season tournament brackets
By Jacob Rude
MGM Grand Main Event
Notable Teams: Auburn, Oregon State, Tulsa, Oklahoma State
Date: November 24, 26
The biggest headline from this tournament is likely Bruce Pearl, who returns to the coaching ranks with Auburn. We’ll quickly find out just how good Pearl and his Tigers team is, albeit against a modest field of teams. With Pearl is former NBA player Anthony Mason’s son, Antoine Mason, who will attempt to help reestablish Pearl as one of college basketball’s best coaches.
MGM Grand Showcase
Notable Teams: Utah, UNLV, Oklahoma, Washington
Date: December 20
On the heels of one of the program’s best recruiting classes in recent memory, UNLV will look to capitalize on that talent coming in. Ranked the 5th best recruiting class in the nation by Rivals last year, the Runnin’ Rebels will sport three of the top 35 recruits. However, we know the challenge that is turning potential into talent, and that will be a tough task for head coach Dave Rice.