Puerto Rico Tip-Off Men's Basketball Breakdown
The Puerto Rico Tip-Off has a deceptively good field. There may not be any top ten teams, but there are a lot of squads who are expecting to be in the NCAA Tournament. The likes of Purdue, Temple, Alabama and Wichita State are probable candidates to earn an at-large bid. Of course it is a long road to the NCAA Tournament, but it starts in Puerto Rico with what will amount to quality games in the eyes of the Selection Committee.
Temple vs. Western Michigan
Temple is expected to battle it out with Xavier for the Atlantic 10 title, and they will certainly be tested early in Puerto Rico. The Owls do return a lot of talent, most notably the backcourt duo of Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore. However, Western Michigan returns all five starters and has a lot of very promising sophomores who should be ready to contribute more this season. The Broncos will come out firing and they may not be a good team to play early in the season. Even if Temple gets past WMU, they will have to face Purdue or Iona.
Purdue vs. Iona
Iona has two of the best players in the MAAC with guard Scott Machado and forward Mike Glover. Purdue finally has a healthy Robbie Hummel to lead the way. The Boilermakers may go through some early growing pains without JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore, but they will have to be ready early or they could go home with a couple losses. This side of the bracket is not very friendly and Purdue will have to find their new scorers because Iona will give them a run for their money.
Maryland vs. Alabama
The Terps will be an interesting team to watch this year. Coach Mark Turgeon inherited a solid backcourt with Terrell Stoglin, Sean Mosley, Pe’Shon Howard and freshman wing Nick Faust, but Maryland will get beat up inside. And if you want to find a team that can beat up anybody inside, you do not have to look any further than Alabama. The Crimson Tide has double-double machine JaMychal Green and the smaller version of a double-double machine in Tony Mitchell. Those two should send Maryland into the loser’s bracket.
Wichita State vs. Colorado
Colorado had a fine season last year during Coach Tad Boyle’s first with the Buffaloes. This year might be a little tougher without Alec Burks and Cory Higgins, but this is a program heading in the right direction. That may not lead to NCAA Tournament appearance in 2012, or even a victory over Wichita State in Puerto Rico, but this is a Colorado team that can pull off surprises. Wichita State has a very experienced backcourt that should keep the Shockers under control. This should be a close game, but early in the year Wichita State should have the advantage. Looking forward, center Garrett Stutz will be the key player for Wichita State if they have any hope of stopping Alabama’s frontcourt.
Men's Basketball Games of the Week and Tournament Breakdowns
