NCAA Basketball: Ranking most interesting 2024 Maui Invitational openers

The field is officially set for the 2024 Maui Invitational, one of college basketball's premier events every year. With the event returning to Lahaina after being forced to Honolulu because of tragic wildfires, it should be a special - and emotional - affair this season.

The bracket was officially announced this week. Eight teams are in the field, with competition scheduled to take place for three consecutive days beginning on Nov. 12. All of the games will take place at the Lahaina Civic Center.

The matchups for the first round of the annual Hawaii tournament are set. Which game will be the most intriguing opener in Maui?

The 40th aniversary event will feature four intriguing matchups on the opening Monday of the tournament. Two-time reigning national champion Connecticut will be going up against Penny Hardaway's Memphis Tigers. Colorado will follow with a game against Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans. Later in the day - or night, for those on the east coast - Auburn will play Iowa State and the North Carolina Tar Heels will close out the day against Dayton.

With no Chaminade in the field, the potential for chaos is down, but the potential for drama is up. Any of these teams could realistically leave Hawaii with a title or with three losses in three days, always a bitter pill to swallow.

Before we get there, though, teams need to get through the first day of the week. The Maui Invitational quarterfinals will definitely be a doozy this year.

Here's a ranking of the first four games of the tournament, sorted by intrigue.