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NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 8 teams for 2019 Maui Invitational

By Tristan Freeman

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: The Gonzaga Bulldogs pose for a photo with the 2018 Maui Invitational championship trophy after beating the Duke Blue Devils 89-87 at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 21: The Gonzaga Bulldogs pose for a photo with the 2018 Maui Invitational championship trophy after beating the Duke Blue Devils 89-87 at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 21, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 27: The Dayton Flyers mascot, Rudy Flyer, performs during a regional semifinal of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the FedExForum on March 27, 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 27: The Dayton Flyers mascot, Rudy Flyer, performs during a regional semifinal of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the FedExForum on March 27, 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Dayton Flyers

There wasn’t much discussion about who the top two teams were in the 2019 Maui Invitational. Same goes as to who should be placed at the bottom two spots. But the middle section is close to call between 3-6. I went with the safest option for No. 3 with the Dayton Flyers.

Although key forward Josh Cunningham graduated, just about everyone else returns for Dayton. That includes potential future NBA Draft pick and leading scorer Obi Toppin, along with point guard Jalen Crutcher and forward Ryan Mikesell. The core of a 21-win team essentially is back with even more coming in.

The Flyers bring in four transfers who are eligible for next season. Rodney Chatman is another capable ball handler, while Chase Johnson is a former four-star forward recruit from Florida. Then there is the duo of Big Ten transfers Ibi Watson and big man Jordy Tshimanga. At the very least, this team has plenty of depth for next season. But if any of these newcomers become All-Atlantic 10 performers, Dayton could very well win the conference next year.

Dayton might not be as talented as Georgia when it comes to pro prospects but they have the advantage of playing them early on. The chemistry and experience of this team should give them an edge and may help them put up a real fight against a top-10 team in the country. That would be a nice win for their resume.

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