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NCAA Basketball: Previewing the 2017 Maui Invitational

By Brad Cavallaro

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 23: The North Carolina Tar Heels Pose for a team photo after winning the Maui Invitational against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 23, 2016 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 23: The North Carolina Tar Heels Pose for a team photo after winning the Maui Invitational against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 23, 2016 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 19: Wagner
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 19: Wagner /

Best Chance to Pull off an Upset: Marquette

If Marquette advances to the second round, their 3-point shooting and overall offensive prowess makes them a great upset candidate. I am not saying that they will beat Wichita State, in fact, I’m not even sure Marquette will get out of the opening round, but they do have the best chance to grab a surprise win.

Sleeper Team: Michigan

Michigan is a potential NCAA Tournament team on paper but look like the clear third best team in the tournament. The Wolverines have a very skilled frontcourt with Mortiz Wagner and Duncan Robinson as both players can step out behind the 3-point line. Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews and senior wing Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman are both potential double-figure scorers who add production on the perimeter.

PG play has been a concern in the early going. Grad transfer Jaaron Simmons seemed like a shoe-in as the starting PG, but he has been used in a reserve role. Sophomore Xavier Simpson is the current starter, but could barely crack the rotation last season. If Michigan can find PG stability, they could challenge Notre Dame and Wichita State for the title.

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