NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 teams in 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament
Among the annual non-conference tournaments in NCAA Basketball, the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament is among the very best, with arguably only the Maui Invitational ahead of them. There are usually several big-name programs that participate, creating some nice matchups.
Last year was no different, with Kansas and Tennessee headlining the event. They eventually made it to the finals, with the Volunteers beating them to win the title. The hope is that the next group can be just as good as advertised. We knew who the teams in the 2023 field but now we know the bracket, which was recently announced.
The official bracket for the 2023 @badboymowers Battle 4 Atlantis is here!
— Battle4AtlantisOfficial (@B4AOfficial) August 2, 2023
We look forward to an exciting tournament at @atlantisbahamas on @espn featuring @razorbackmbb, @memphis_mbb, @umichbball, @unc_basketball, @uniathletics @stanfordmbb, @texastechmbb, and @novambb. pic.twitter.com/n4uqsYrIeS
Who should be the favorites in this season’s Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament? Here’s a power ranking of the eight teams playing.
8. Northern Iowa Panthers
2022-23 season record: 14-18 (9-11 MVC)
As the lone non-power conference program in this field, it’s not a surprise that the Panthers are going to be last. However, do not assume that they’ll go 0-3 during Thanksgiving week. That’s because they’re set to return the vast majority of its production from last season. Leading scorer Bowen Born (17.9 ppg) is back along with double-digit scorers, Tytan Anderson and Michael Duax.
Northern Iowa and coach Ben Jacobson also have a history of knocking off power conference programs, both in the NCAA Tournament and non-conference play. And if they can have a healthy Austin Phyfe to boost the frontcourt depth, this Missouri Valley program will be a tough out.