NCAA Basketball: 2019 Paradise Jam preview and predictions
By Joe Chambers
Valparaiso Crusaders
The Crusaders look to make a statement in the Paradise Jam. They enter the tournament at 3-1 with wins over Toledo, SIUE, and North Dakota. Their only loss so far was to Saint Louis by a score of 81-70. They look to be one of the premier teams in the Missouri Valley Conference this season. The Crusaders can be one of those teams that people don’t take seriously in this tournament but can sneak by opponents and cause trouble for opponents too. With a decent remaining non-conference schedule, the Crusaders look to build on their success.
The Crusaders are led by Javon Freeman-Liberty. The 22.3 ppg scorer is their leader and leads the team in many categories too. Averaging a little under 8.0 rpg, Freeman-Liberty is a triple threat and is going to be the primary focus on everyone’s scouting report. He is the player that opponents really need to lock in on if they want to win. Freeman-Liberty has a good chance to lead the Crusaders in the tournament
Grand Canyon Antelopes
Grand Canyon enters the Paradise Jam with a 2-3 record. They have beaten Arkansas – Pine Bluff and Montana State. They lost to Illinois and San Diego State and their other loss that really catches my eye is the loss to Davenport. Anytime a Division 1 school loses to a non-Division 1 school draws a red flag to me. The Antelopes will need to step it up if they want to be competitive in the Western Athletic Conference.
In order for the Antelopes to be able to contend for this title, Carlos Johnson is going to need to kick it in a different gear. He averages 14 ppg and really needs to step it up. The starting five for the Antelopes are all averaging double digits, so he has some backup in case he can’t get something going. I can see GCU getting better and possibly making some close games in this tourney.
Fordham Rams
Fordham enters the Paradise Jam at 3-0 with wins over St Francis Brooklyn, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Marist. The Rams were looked at to finish in the bottom part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. It is too early to tell, but the Rams look good right now entering the Paradise Jam and that’s what you want when you enter any type of tournament.
Chuba Ohams heads the Rams into the Paradise Jam. He is averaging 14.3 ppg and 8.7 rpg. He is an inside scorer, having missed all three 3-pointers taken this season. He is an inside presence who will most likely get doubled teamed early on so he is going to need the help of his teammates to help the Rams get going.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Nevada Wolf Pack are currently sitting at 2-3 with wins against Loyola – Marymount and Texas – Arlington. They have lost games to Utah, USC, and Davidson. Ever since losing the Martin twins to the NBA and losing their coach, Nevada looks to be on a complete rebuild and they are going to need to step it up if they want to be able to contend for the Mountain West title come March.
Nevada is led by Jazz Johnson entering the tournament. He is averaging a little over 18 ppg and is looked at to be the leader and help get the Wolf Pack back on the right track. With Nevada’s first matchup against Fordham, Nevada is going to need Johnson to step up and make plays for Wolf Pack so they can get a few wins in this tournament.