Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 teams for 40th Maui Invitational Tournament

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas’ KJ Adams Jr. 0316 Kansas Howard 007 Arw
Kansas’ KJ Adams Jr. 0316 Kansas Howard 007 Arw /

2. Kansas Jayhawks

A mainstay in the Maui Invitational, the Jayhawks are always going to be a favorite to win this event. And based on what’s happened this offseason, that’ll be no different. Despite losing a pair of freshmen (Chris Johnson and Marcus Adams Jr.), the roster is as loaded as ever from top to bottom.

Kansas landed three of the top transfers in the portal, led by Hunter Dickinson. Viewed as the best big man overall, the former Michigan center averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg last season. Nicolas Timberlake put up 17.7 ppg at Towson and shot over 40% from three-point range, while Arterio Morris was a former five-star prospect and potential breakout candidate after transferring over from Texas.

The Jayhawks bring back a few key pieces as well, including star point guard Dajuan Harris. He’s the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best passers in all of NCAA Basketball. Kevin McCullar is also an elite defender and starting wing, while forward KJ Adams is viewed as one of the top all-around “glue guys” in the sport too.

The defensive and offensive potential the Jayhawks have, while hopefully having a healthy Coach Self leading the way, is surely to get the team some preseason top votes. They’ll be a favorite in the Maui Invitational, Big 12 Conference, and potentially, the entire 2024 NCAA Tournament.

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