NCAA Basketball: Previewing the 2017 Maui Invitational
Players to Watch
The players on this list include those who have not already been mentioned in this article.
Don Coleman and Marcus Lee, Cal
Cal is in for a very long season, but their two best players could put up some big numbers in the Maui Invitational and in the remainder of the season. Coleman is the lone returning perimeter player which means he is going to have a huge green light, especially early in the season. He has averaged 26.0ppg in the first three games.
Marcus Lee is more of a household name as he played his first three seasons at Kentucky. Lee transferred to Cal to play a bigger role in the offense and he will certainly get his wish as this Cal team is devoid of offensive talent. Lee will be a consistent double-double threat for the Golden Bears and is off to a hot start (15.3ppg and 10.7rpg).
Sam Hauser, Marquette
Hauser had a remarkably consistent freshman season where he showed poise unusual for his age. The 6’8’’ stretch four is an excellent shooter and gives Marquette another outside threat besides Howard and Rowsey. He is the third wheel of this Marquette team, but do not let that understate his importance. The Golden Eagles need production out of Hauser, and so far, he has delivered.
Temple Gibbs, Notre Dame
Gibbs is ready to breakout for Notre Dame. The 6’3’’ sophomore combo guard has averaged 17.7ppg in his three games and is scoring from everywhere on the court. Gibbs adds so much value to the Notre Dame offense as a secondary ball handler and as a third scorer next to Colson and Farrell. While I wouldn’t expect Gibbs to average 17.7ppg all season, he will be a double-digit scorer who will take a major step forward as a sophomore.
Duop Reath, LSU
Reath is the leading returning scorer on an LSU team that is a little better than people realize. The 6’11’’ center is averaging 11.5ppg and 4.0rpg through the first two games and should thrive against Michigan’s weak defensive frontcourt. The Tigers are probably still in the bottom three of the SEC but will be much more competitive than in recent years.
Darral Willis, Wichita State
Willis is an underappreciated piece for Wichita State due to their abundance of frontcourt talent. He may be their best offensive talent among the big men as he scores regularly from mid-range and around the rim. He is averaging 16.5ppg and 8.5rpg through the first two contests. Expect Willis to lead Wichita State in scoring in at least one of the Maui Invitational games.
Issac Vann, VCU
Vann has already made a huge impact for VCU after transferring from Maine. The 6’6’’ wing has great length and is an excellent 3-point shooter. Vann will not match his impressive numbers from his one year at Maine, but he will prove to be an important piece in Mike Rhoades’ first season as the VCU head coach. However, he is off to a fast start, averaging 14.3ppg and 6.0rpg through the first three games.
Next: 68 reasons to be excited for the 17-18 season
Prediction
While Notre Dame is a very good team and has the best player in the tournament, I am going with Wichita State to win the Maui Invitational. The Shockers are the most complete team and have excellent depth which will only help them in a tournament setting.
Marquette over VCU, Wichita State over Cal, Notre Dame over Chaminade, Michigan over LSU
Wichita State over Marquette, Notre Dame over Michigan
Wichita State over Notre Dame