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Hello, Hawaii. May I come over?
Enveloping sunshine. Brilliant surf. Delicious Mai Tais. So many mind-bending Mai Tais.
Maui is magical, whether for a battery recharge or tourney hoops.
As usual, this year’s Invitational field features more quality teams than the number of scrumptious locally sourced clams floating in Mama’s Fish House legendary bouillabaisse. The participants — UConn, North Carolina, Iowa State, Auburn, Michigan State, Colorado, Memphis and Dayton.
Yep, LOADED.
The pick — UConn to win the Maui Invitational (+155, BetMGM)
With a very favorable draw in the bracket’s top half, UConn has a relatively smooth road to the title game. Despite its positive projected path, the reigning national champions do have looming questions.
For starters, even its opening-round matchup against Memphis is a major competition upgrade. The Huskies have mushed to sweat-free victories against “powerhouses” Sacred Heart, New Hampshire, Le Moyne and East Texas A&M, winning by an average margin of 37.8 points per game.
Naturally, pulverizing patsies has artificially inflated the overall profile of UConn, which ranks No. 5 in effective field goal percentage offense and No. 2 in effective field goal percentage defense. The Huskies issued thumpings in convincing fashion, but stiffer opponents bring unique challenges. How Dan Hurley’s squad responds is anyone’s best guess.
This bettor is banking on the Big East reps to blaze a trail to a Maui Invitational title. UConn has the size (top 10 nationally in both offensive rebound percentage and defensive rebound percentages), experience, bench and 3-point marksmanship (35.3%) to rattle off the multiple wins required. Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and St. Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney can rain from outside, and Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr. and versatile forward Liam McNeeley can hold their own in the post.
North Carolina, Auburn and Iowa State pose the biggest obstacles. However, the Tigers and Cyclones square off in the first round and UNC has its inefficiencies.
Chasing a rainbow on Waikiki, this always-Hawaii-minded gambler is making his mark in chalk.
Season record: 4-4, +0.01 units