ESPN reveals first half of early season tournament brackets
By Jacob Rude
Puerto Rico Tip-Off
Notable Teams: UConn, West Virginia, Dayton, Texas A&M, Boston College, New Mexico
Date: November 20-23
On one hand, you have the defending national champions in UConn, who were led to a surprising title at the hands of new coach Kevin Ollie. Can Ollie sustain his success, or was last season a flash in the pan as he looks to integrate his own players into his own system.
On the other hand, you have a school like Dayton, whose Cinderella run caught America’s attention. Can THEY prove last March wasn’t a flash in the pan? Better yet, these two sides could meet on Day 2.
Orlando Classic
Notable Teams: Kansas, Michigan State, Marquette, Tennessee, Georgia Tech
Date: November 27-30
These is a top-heavy tournament, likely designed with the intention of Michigan State and Kansas to meet in the final game. With Bill Self and the Jayhawks looking to replace Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid, they’ll rely on returnee Wayne Selden and newcomers Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre. Across the bracket is Tom Izzo and Michigan State, who are always contenders come March.