NCAA Basketball: 2019 Las Vegas Invitational preview and predictions
By Jacob Shames
Top bracket favorite: Texas Tech
This is mostly by default, as the Red Raiders are the only ranked team in the field. Moretti, the only returning starter from last year, is as good a pure shooter as you’ll find in the nation, and Ramsey looks like a superstar in the making. Kyler Edwards and Terrence Shannon Jr. add young talent to the backcourt and Holyfield and grad transfer Chris Clarke give the frontcourt great experience. The Red Raiders have a chance to show the nation that their run to the national title game last year wasn’t just a blip on the radar.
Top bracket sleepers: Creighton, San Diego State
Both the Bluejays and Aztecs were March mainstays in the early part of the decade, but have gone under the radar for the last few years. Neither has fallen off the face of the earth, though — they’ve both remained 20-win teams during that time. Both teams have NCAA Tournament talent on their roster, and Las Vegas is a prime venue for them to show that.
Top bracket most to gain/lose: Iowa
Jordan Bohannon, the Hawkeyes’ focal point, has played four games thus far after hip surgery in May. Iowa’s eased him back into action, but Bohannon was always a long shot to return to full health this year, and he’s looked less than 100 percent — shooting just 30 percent from three. Bohannon can play in up to five more games and still seek a medical redshirt, and the Hawkeyes’ performance against quality competition in Vegas could play a big role in that decision.
Bottom bracket
North Florida is the unquestioned favorite here, while Cal Poly looks to be the worst — the Mustangs are bad, like LIU and Tennessee State, but without any real distinguishing features in playing style. The Sharks and Tigers at least have the offense and shooting capability to sneak up on the Ospreys.