NCAA Basketball: 2019 Paradise Jam preview and predictions
By Joe Chambers
Illinois State Redbirds
The Redbirds of Illinois State look to be a strong contender in the Paradise Jam. Entering the tournament at 2-1 with wins over Belmont and Little Rock, the Redbirds look to make a statement early on and cause opponents to wish they didn’t play them. The Missouri Valley conference constantly produces good teams and talent so make sure you keep your eye out for the Redbirds in the Paradise Jam.
The Redbirds are led by Zach Copeland, who averages 14 ppg. The Redbirds have a lot of talent who all produce familiar numbers so this can be a team that you will need to keep an eye for them. They have a deep bench, which can help them, in the long run, to make strides in late-game situations. Being able to rely on your bench in college basketball is huge so this is big for the Redbirds.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats come into the Paradise Jam with a 2-1 record. After losing their season opener to Ohio State, they have beaten Drake and Alabama A&M. After losing Mick Cronin, who left for the UCLA job, John Brannen has stepped up to the plate and is ready for this challenge to rebuild the Bearcats back to the caliber that was at under the helm of Cronin. Their first match-up in the Paradise Jam should get them ready for tournament play.
Jarron Cumberland leads the Bearcats in scoring with 12 ppg. Cumberland as a lot of support with his teammates stepping and filling spots that they need. This Bearcats team did face a tough Ohio State team to open the season and are improving game in and game out. This can be a Bearcats team that has a chance to hoist the trophy on the 25th.
Bowling Green Falcons
Bowling Green has had a good showing this year so far. They are 3-1 with wins over Tiffin, Jacksonville, and Fairmont State. They lost their only game to LSU by 9 points. The MAC has been an up-and-coming conference the past few seasons so be on the lookout for the Falcons to make a difference and cause some teams in the tournament to crumble.
The Falcons leading scorer of 19.3 ppg is Justin Turner. Turner looks to help the Falcons in the tournament with some key plays. He is shooting more than 50% from the field overall and in 3 point percentage as well. He has also knocked down all nine of his free throws too. Turner is a game-changer for the Falcons and has the potential to make some big plays in this tournament for the Falcons.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The 4-0 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers enter the Paradise Jam on a high note. They have beaten Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, and Campbellsville. This Hilltoppers team is a high scoring team that can possibly make a run in the Paradise Jam. Look for the Hilltoppers to make a strong showing in all three games played.
Carson Williams leads the Hilltoppers in scoring with 17.5 ppg. He is a big-time scorer who is shooting 67.5% from the field. He has the potential to be on the All-Tournament team at the conclusion of the tournament. He can make shots and that is exactly what the Hilltoppers need to do in order to get a few W’s.