NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 4 teams in 2023 Vegas Showdown Tournament
ESPN is hosting a brand new NCAA Basketball non-conference event for next season called the “Vegas Showdown”. Which teams are participating in it?
It feels as if we keep getting an extra couple of NCAA Basketball mutli-team events each season in the non-conference. The latest to be created is the Vegas Showdown, set to be hosted in Las Vegas of course. It’s a four-team event and ESPN was able to get four power conference programs to highlight its first tournament.
Here’s a look at the four participants, as well as an early prediction on who should be the favorite overall.
The bracket is set for the inaugural Vegas Showdown at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 23 & 24
— ESPN Events (@TheLVShowdown) August 8, 2023
Game 1: @PackMensBball vs. @VandyMBB
Game 2: @BYUMBB vs. @SunDevilHoops
Tickets go public sale this Friday! pic.twitter.com/YQmgm8EIuY
4. Vanderbilt Commodores
The loss of big man Liam Robbins is going to be tough for the SEC program but look for Notre Dame transfer Ven-Allen Lubin to be a potential breakout candidate with extended minutes. Returning double-digit scorer Tyrin Lawrence is expected to lead the way in the backcourt but there are questions as to how good the supporting cast will be in order to be competitive.
3. BYU Cougars
After finishing in the middle of the WCC, it’s going to be an uphill climb for the Cougars in its first year in the Big 12. Transfers Dawson Baker and Aly Khalifa should be impactful newcomers but after losing Ques Glover, the backcourt could be a weakness. The overall depth on the roster will give them a chance but a lack of starpower remains.
2. Arizona State Sun Devils
After making the NCAA Tournament, the Sun Devils lost just about all of its key pieces, outside of guard Frankie Collins. Several transfers are joining in Adam Miller, Brycen Long, and Zane Meeks and there’s some potential for them to compete in the Pac-12. But like BYU, there are questions as to who’ll be the alphas on the roster.
Next. Top incoming transfer from each ACC team. dark
1. NC State Wolfpack
Despite losing star guards Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner, the Wolfpack landed several double-digit scoring transfers. DJ Horne, Jayden Taylor, and Michael O’Connell will be impact pieces, while former five-star wing MJ Rice has a chance to be a breakout star. And with returning big man DJ Burns anchoring the frontcourt, NC State will be in a strong position to compete next season.