Paradise Jam Men's Basketball Breakdown
The Paradise Jam has always been one of my favorite tournaments. Nothing beats a November in the Virgin Islands. This year’s crop of participating teams is a little watered down, but there should still be some good games.
Norfolk State vs. Drexel
Drexel will be a very interesting team to watch this year. They have some high hopes of following in the footsteps of George Mason and VCU and becoming the next big thing out of the CAA. Any hopes of an at-large bid will not be won in the Virgin Islands, but it can be lost. The Dragons and Coach Bruiser Flint should have little trouble with Norfolk State, but beating a big name team like Virginia would go a long way.
Texas Christian vs. Virginia
Like Drexel, Virginia has NCAA Tournament hopes this year. This is year three under Tony Bennett and it is time for the Cavaliers to take the next step. With Mike Scott dominating the paint and sophomore guards K.T. Harrell and Joe Harris a year older and wiser, this is a Virginia team that can make some noise in the ACC. The presumed showdown with Drexel could be a huge game when we look back at it in March.
Drake vs. Mississippi
Drake and Mississippi may not be ready for the NCAA Tournament this year, but both have potential. Drake returns a lot of talent from what was a 13-18 team last year. How much have they grown up? We will find out in the Virgin Islands. Mississippi has to rebuild their entire backcourt, but they are a very talented team. Freshman Jelan Kendrick is a stud, but early in the season Ole Miss may not be ready to compete with teams like Marquette, Virginia and Drexel.
Winthrop vs. Marquette
Marquette is the favorite to come home from the islands with three wins. Coach Buzz Williams has kept the Golden Eagles in the NCAA Tournament during his three years with the team and that will not end any time soon. Darius Johnson-Odom is one of the most versatile players in the country and is ready to become a household name. With a frontcourt of Jae Crowder and Chris Otule, this is a team that should have little trouble with Winthrop and Mississippi.
Men's Basketball Games of the Week and Tournament Breakdowns
