NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from 2020 Maui Invitational Tournament

Providence Friars – Nate Watson has been a revelation

Without Alpha Diallo around, Providence was going to need to find more offensive production outside of David Duke, particularly from the frontcourt. Although they went just 1-2 in the event that included a pair of blowout losses, at least they have a clear go-to in the frontcourt in Nate Watson. The 6’10 center is averaging 18.0 ppg in the first four games, including a pair of 20-point efforts already.

Clear defensive issues aside, the lack of consistent production from the rest of the rotation is a concern. AJ Reeves and Jared Bynum have yet to have good games at the same time, while North Florida transfer Noah Horchler has yet to provide that offensive boost the team had hoped for. At least Watson has made the leap and looks to be one of the top frontcourt players in the Big East.

Alabama Crimson Tide – John Petty and Herb Jones are the lead guys

The Tide has plenty of talented newcomers on the roster, including now back-to-back double-digit scoring efforts off the bench and starting guards Javon Quinerly and Jaden Shackelford. They’ve all played well outside of the shellacking they took from Stanford but the key guys who’ll determine how far they go will be both Jones and Petty.

Between the offensive and defensive production, the senior duo puts up every night, they’re also very consistent and can do just about everything Alabama needs in certain games. Whether it’s rebounding or simply energy, Petty and Jones are the types of upperclassmen a coach can use every night for a winning team. As long as the team defense continues to improve, they’ll be a factor in the SEC.