NCAA Basketball: 2018 Hall of Fame Classic preview and predictions
By Bryan Mauro
Teams playing in the Hall of Fame Classic
Nebraska
The Huskers enter the year with the highest expectations they have had in program history. Nebraska is led by a trio of seniors in guard Glynn Watson, guard James Palmer Jr. and wing Issac Copeland. These three when paired with other starters Thomas Allen and budding superstar Isaiah Roby the starting five for the Huskers is one of the better starting fives in the country. Nebraska hangs its hat on their defensive ability. If Nebraska gets stops they are a freight train in the transition game. The Huskers can blow a tight game open quickly.
Missouri State
The hometown schools get the Nebraska matchup to kick off the tournament. The Bears have a new coach Dana Ford who looks to turn around the program. The Bears have been impressive early in the season against inferior competition. Missouri State likes to show teams many different looks on defense throughout the game to confuse teams. It remains to be seen how this philosophy will work against teams who have better athletes. They will get their first real test in this tournament.
The Bears are led by two guards is Keandre Cook and Jarred Dixon. Both players score at a high volume and are both good rebounders for their size. The Bears and Coach Ford are going to need to ride these two until early December when Xavier transfer Jared Ridder becomes eligible.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders were a top seed in the NCAA tournament a year ago. Most of the key pieces from that team are gone and have moved on. Many expect this to be a rebuilding year in Lubbock, but head coach Chris Beard does have some good pieces to work with.
Texas Tech has the makings of a team who will get better as the year goes on. In the early going of the season, the Red Raiders have had a difficult time putting the ball in the basket at times during games. The offense this year revolves around Jarret Culver. The sophomore guard has been the only reliable source of offense through 3 games. Texas Tech is going to need far more production from the rest of their roster to make noise in this tournament.
USC
The Trojans much like Nebraska have the highest expectations coming into the year. USC has one of the best and more experienced frontcourts in all of college basketball in Nick Rakocevic and Bennie Boatwright. These two players can score, rebound and protect the rim. USC also displays one of the most dynamic freshman players in the country who has an outside chance to become a lottery pick. Kevin Porter Jr. is a skilled guard who has turned into must-see TV.