Orlando Invitational

[LoudMouth]

Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, Maryland, Temple, USC round out the field with us and the Buzzard.

Almost have to schedule us with A&M in the first round. I can see them wanting to put teams with the P6 conferences against non P6 but hard to pass up the drama of Buzz playing Marquette

[Galway Eagle]

I hope its like when we played KO a few years back when he was USC. But sadly I could see a Buzz team pulling off an upset against a Wojo team, depending on if the players buy in.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, Maryland, Temple, USC round out the field with us and the Buzzard.

Almost have to schedule us with A&M in the first round. I can see them wanting to put teams with the P6 conferences against non P6 but hard to pass up the drama of Buzz playing Marquette

Marquette - Fairfield Jesuit bball face-off.

[MU B2002]

Just booked my rooms for Orlando.

[DegenerateDish]

MU/Maryland will be one/two in some fashion. A&M/USC will be 3/4 in some fashion.

If MU gets a Gavitt game, my hope would be it wouldn’t be Maryland. My guess is MU would get Michigan, but problem would be MU would need a home game and Michigan travelled last year.

[BM1090]

MU/Maryland will be one/two in some fashion. A&M/USC will be 3/4 in some fashion.

If MU gets a Gavitt game, my hope would be it wouldn’t be Maryland. My guess is MU would get Michigan, but problem would be MU would need a home game and Michigan travelled last year.

Schedule is going to be pretty tough next year. I wouldn't mind Illinois or NW at home.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Buzz could have the Aggies bouncing back pretty quickly. They aren't losing any players who are top 5 in minutes on the team, just two rotation players. Admon Gilder could also come back. He sat the entire season with a blood clot in his bicep. He led the team in minutes in 17-18 when they were a 7 seed. No defections, add Gilder, plus a grad transfer or poached recruit from VT or two and he could very well have the Aggies dancing in year 1.

Still think on paper the top teams in this tournament will be Marquette, Maryland, and USC. Maryland should return everyone from a 6 seeded team unless they get some surprise defections to the NBA. USC was a trainwreck this season but brings in the number 4 recruiting class in the nation, featuring 2 5-stars. They also just landed a quality grad transfer out of Columbia.

I think they will put the P6 schools against the midamajors in the first round. But I wouldn't be surprised if they set up a Buzz vs. MU rematch in round 2. Get past them and I expect to see Maryland in the Final.

[wadesworld]

I would put the chances of A&M vs. Marquette in the first round, guaranteeing 2 of Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, and Temple playing each other, at about 0.00%.  Outside of Marquette fans (a relatively small D1 school), it's not like this is going to be some giant deal (like it would be if Rick Pittino took over some program and was going up against Louisville or something).  This matchup would be a nothing story nationally.

[DegenerateDish]

Quite honestly, the potential Gavitt game interests me more from a scheduling standpoint. Michigan State is still exempt from Gavitt due to the Champions Classic. Maryland should be pretty good, but I would hope the potential matchup in Orlando negates a matchup in Gavitt. A Marquette/Michigan game seems to scream that it should happen, but I would doubt Michigan wants to go on the road again. MU hosted Purdue a couple years ago. If MU participates, it should get the marquee matchup, it'd be cool to see Marquette/Michigan in Chicago, but I can't see that happening.

[StillAWarrior]

I would put the chances of A&M vs. Marquette in the first round, guaranteeing 2 of Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, and Temple playing each other, at about 0.00%.  Outside of Marquette fans (a relatively small D1 school), it's not like this is going to be some giant deal (like it would be if Rick Pittino took over some program and was going up against Louisville or something).  This matchup would be a nothing story nationally.

Are you suggesting that the college basketball world doesn't revolve around Marquette?  Mind blown.

[Billy Hoyle]

I would put the chances of A&M vs. Marquette in the first round, guaranteeing 2 of Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, and Temple playing each other, at about 0.00%.  Outside of Marquette fans (a relatively small D1 school), it's not like this is going to be some giant deal (like it would be if Rick Pittino took over some program and was going up against Louisville or something).  This matchup would be a nothing story nationally.

Hahvahd fans aren't going to slum it in Orlando.  Maybe if they were in a Cayman Islands tournaments.

It's still football season so A&M fans won't be paying attention yet. Davidson has the shortest distance but a small fanbase. The crowd will have a lot of gold.

[SaveOD238]

Quite honestly, the potential Gavitt game interests me more from a scheduling standpoint. Michigan State is still exempt from Gavitt due to the Champions Classic. Maryland should be pretty good, but I would hope the potential matchup in Orlando negates a matchup in Gavitt. A Marquette/Michigan game seems to scream that it should happen, but I would doubt Michigan wants to go on the road again. MU hosted Purdue a couple years ago. If MU participates, it should get the marquee matchup, it'd be cool to see Marquette/Michigan in Chicago, but I can't see that happening.

With the K-State and Wisconsin games on the road, you better believe Marquette is lobbying hard to get the Gavitt game at home.

[DegenerateDish]

With the K-State and Wisconsin games on the road, you better believe Marquette is lobbying hard to get the Gavitt game at home.

Yeah, that’s more or less what I’m getting at, trying to line up one of the best Big 10 teams for next year to come to Milwaukee. Not having Michigan State as an option, playing Wisco and potentially Maryland, and if Michigan participates they’ll want a home game. I’d love for it to be Michigan, that’d be awesome, but could see Purdue or Ohio State coming to Milwaukee.

[brewcity77]

Michigan State is still exempt from Gavitt due to the Champions Classic.

First I heard that MSU is completely exempt. Was that in the original contract?

[Billy Hoyle]

First I heard that MSU is completely exempt. Was that in the original contract?

I think as long as they're in the Champions Classic they are.  They are also in the Big Ten/ACC and an exempt tourney every year. 

Plus, since only 8 games are played that means 8 BT teams won't be scheduled, so exempting MSU is not an issue for scheduling.  Can we exempt Rutgers instead?

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Schedule is going to be pretty tough next year. I wouldn't mind Illinois or NW at home.

Who’s in our non conference last year? I know the Orlando field, Wisconsin, K State, Gavitt game, anybody else confirmed?

[dgies9156]

Count me in. I'll drive over from the Treasure Coast

[DegenerateDish]

First I heard that MSU is completely exempt. Was that in the original contract?

I thought (?) they couldn't play in the Gavitt due to their scheduling and they were "wink wink" exempt from Gavitt. The Champions Classic I thought took the scheduling slot of Gavitt.

Mich St/Marquette would obviously be a great headliner for Gavitt, assuming Markus is back, and at worst it'd be a Final Four team versus a potential top 15 MU team.

I'd be happy to be wrong here, I'd love to see the Spartans come to Milwaukee next year.

[augoman]

Im coming over from Pass a Grille.  Friend from Maryland getting all of us tickets.  I offered to get them, hinted at my huge pile of priority points, but nooooo.  We'll see what he can do.

[pbiflyer]

Im coming over from Pass a Grille.  Friend from Maryland getting all of us tickets.  I offered to get them, hinted at my huge pile of priority points, but nooooo.  We'll see what he can do.

It is a small venue. All good seats.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Quite honestly, the potential Gavitt game interests me more from a scheduling standpoint. Michigan State is still exempt from Gavitt due to the Champions Classic. Maryland should be pretty good, but I would hope the potential matchup in Orlando negates a matchup in Gavitt. A Marquette/Michigan game seems to scream that it should happen, but I would doubt Michigan wants to go on the road again. MU hosted Purdue a couple years ago. If MU participates, it should get the marquee matchup, it'd be cool to see Marquette/Michigan in Chicago, but I can't see that happening.

at some point in the near future MU has to draw Minnesota in Gavitt game.  I would assume next year is the year. 

[MU82]

Decent field, led by our Warriors. Would very much like to go to this. All will depend on my coaching schedule, which I won't know for a few months.

[mubb3434]

Rooms booked last week! Can't wait for this!

[frozena pizza]

I would put the chances of A&M vs. Marquette in the first round, guaranteeing 2 of Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, and Temple playing each other, at about 0.00%.  Outside of Marquette fans (a relatively small D1 school), it's not like this is going to be some giant deal (like it would be if Rick Pittino took over some program and was going up against Louisville or something).  This matchup would be a nothing story nationally.

Every possible matchup in this group is a nothing story nationally.  MU against Buzz is incrementally more meaningful for those two schools.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Every possible matchup in this group is a nothing story nationally.  MU against Buzz is incrementally more meaningful for those two schools.

What about Mark Turgeon against his old school?

[Silkk the Shaka]

What about Mark Turgeon against his old school?

And Wojo against his home state?

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Decent field, led by our Warriors. Would very much like to go to this. All will depend on my coaching schedule, which I won't know for a few months.

It is actually a pretty awful field. 

[BM1090]

It is actually a pretty awful field.

It's average for a preseason tournament. We've certainly been in better fields. We've been in worse too (Paradise Jam 2012, Anaheim Classic 2014, Legends classic 2016 where all four teams were 70+ Kenpom). 6 of the 8 teams are Kenpom top 100 this year and Harvard was only slightly below. Fairfield was in the 200s.

Could be better but 6-7 good/solid teams.

[MU82]

It is actually a pretty awful field.

OK, never mind then. I'm staying home.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

It is actually a pretty awful field.

Marquette and Maryland both have potential to be top 10-15 teams next season depending on who does and doesn't go pro. USC has a top 5 recruiting class highlighted by two five star recruits. If Gilder comes back healthy TAMU should be a bubbly team. Davidson, Temple, and Harvard are three of the top mid-majors. It's not the best of fields but its a far cry from pretty awful IMHO.

[MU82]

Marquette and Maryland both have potential to be top 10-15 teams next season depending on who does and doesn't go pro. USC has a top 5 recruiting class highlighted by two five star recruits. If Gilder comes back healthy TAMU should be a bubbly team. Davidson, Temple, and Harvard are three of the top mid-majors. It's not the best of fields but its a far cry from pretty awful IMHO.

I felt that way, too, but JJJJJJJJJJ was pretty darn sure of its awfulness.

[Dr. Blackheart]

If MU beats Harvard, can we claim the Midwest academic title? 

[Benny B]

Tickets on sale now at early bird pricing (save $25).

http://espnevents.com/orlando-invitational/tickets/

Unlike Maui, the Orlando tourney only sells all-session tickets ($150)... so no "booster" tickets that get you into just the games that MU plays. 

Also - in 2014, at least - tickets had to be picked up at the box office at WWOS the week of the tournament, so selling unused session tickets isn't easy to do.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Tickets on sale now at early bird pricing (save $25).

http://espnevents.com/orlando-invitational/tickets/

Unlike Maui, the Orlando tourney only sells all-session tickets ($150)... so no "booster" tickets that get you into just the games that MU plays. 

Also - in 2014, at least - tickets had to be picked up at the box office at WWOS the week of the tournament, so selling unused session tickets isn't easy to do.

They have a mobile app now and there is also print at home option (although the only choice is will call when you buy).

[MU82]

Tickets on sale now at early bird pricing (save $25).

http://espnevents.com/orlando-invitational/tickets/

Unlike Maui, the Orlando tourney only sells all-session tickets ($150)... so no "booster" tickets that get you into just the games that MU plays. 

Also - in 2014, at least - tickets had to be picked up at the box office at WWOS the week of the tournament, so selling unused session tickets isn't easy to do.

I saw that, Benny, and it's a pretty darn good deal for as intimate an arena as this is. If I was even 60% sure I could go, I'd buy the tickets now.

[Jon]

Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, Maryland, Temple, USC round out the field with us and the Buzzard.

Almost have to schedule us with A&M in the first round. I can see them wanting to put teams with the P6 conferences against non P6 but hard to pass up the drama of Buzz playing Marquette

If we face off against the Aggies in Orlando we better beat them because it's probably the last time a Wojo coached Marquette will have any chance to beat a Buzz-led A&M

Buzz Williams has forgotten more about coaching hoops than Wojo will ever have any hope of learning.

[Nukem2]

If MU beats Harvard, can we claim the Midwest academic title?

We already did that in the NIT last year.   

[Benny B]

I saw that, Benny, and it's a pretty darn good deal for as intimate an arena as this is. If I was even 60% sure I could go, I'd buy the tickets now.

Just to save $25?  You been shorting stocks other than TSLA lately?

[MU82]

Just to save $25?  You been shorting stocks other than TSLA lately?

Hey, $25 would buy me almost a full share of T!

[Jay Bee]

OK, never mind then. I'm staying home.

Great news!

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Marquette and Maryland both have potential to be top 10-15 teams next season depending on who does and doesn't go pro. USC has a top 5 recruiting class highlighted by two five star recruits. If Gilder comes back healthy TAMU should be a bubbly team. Davidson, Temple, and Harvard are three of the top mid-majors. It's not the best of fields but its a far cry from pretty awful IMHO.

Sorry if Fairfield, Davidson, Harvard, Temple, and USC don't get me excited.  Half the field is garbage. 

OK, never mind then. I'm staying home.

I will probably be there as well.  Hard to turn down Florida in late November!  But the field doesn't really get me excited (sorry).  The potential for a Fairfield - Davidson - Temple/USC type schedule would be pretty bad for a non con tourney

[MU82]

Great news!

Never mind the never mind. I'm going.

[Spotcheck Billy]

If we face off against the Aggies in Orlando we better beat them because it's probably the last time a Wojo coached Marquette will have any chance to beat a Buzz-led A&M

Buzz Williams has forgotten more about coaching hoops than Wojo will ever have any hope of learning.

Why do you still come on here if you are so pissed off about the program? Just hang at WolverineScoop.

[Billy Hoyle]

Why do you still come on here if you are so pissed off about the program? Just hang at WolverineScoop.

It has to be hard for him to remember what other schools he claims to be affiliated with and are better than MU. I'm sure he's exhausted all options looking for OxfordScoop and SorbonneScoop.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I have reserved Cinderella's Castle for the Princess Summit.

[🏀]

Buzz Williams has forgotten more about coaching hoops than Wojo will ever have any hope of learning.

Not sure if trolling, but Buzz has never drawn up an offensive play at MU or VT.

[wadesworld]

Not sure if trolling, but Buzz has never drawn up an offensive play at MU or VT.

Don’t question Crash or he’ll flex on your young punk ass self.

[🏀]

Don’t question Crash or he’ll flex on your young punk ass self.

I'm middle aged now I suppose.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I'm middle aged now I suppose.

Mathematically and scientifically, middle aged is when your waist size is > than your age.  Proven fact.

If so, sweater vests and Untuckits are your future, young mascot.

[🏀]

Mathematically and scientifically, middle aged is when your waist size is > than your age.  Proven fact.

If so, sweater vests and Untuckits are your future, young mascot.

Oh man! I'm at an odd age right between the even pant sizes I go back and forth between.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Oh man! I'm at an odd age right between the even pant sizes I go back and forth between.

Sansabelt, my man.

[pbiflyer]

I saw that, Benny, and it's a pretty darn good deal for as intimate an arena as this is. If I was even 60% sure I could go, I'd buy the tickets now.

This. And if you can, get tickets to the Marquette Thanksgiving dinner.  Dinner wit the team, picture opportunities is awesome.
Screw who is in the field. I went to the NIT pre season this year. Hung out with the Hauser's parents and Matt's dad. Long chat with the AD.  Saw the players all the time in the hotel. Glimpses of the walk through.
And there is not a bad seat in the arena.
I was at the Paradise Jam in 2012. Yes, not a great field. But hte championship game against Norfolk State came down to a last second shot. Exciting game even though it shouldn't have been.

[Golden Avalanche]

Buzz Williams has forgotten more about coaching hoops than Wojo will ever have any hope of learning.

This is a hysterically stupid set of words.

[🏀]

Sansabelt, my man.

I use Clickbelts. Handy. Only a salad and metamucil for lunch? Click it down a couple. 5 beef and cheddars for lunch? Let some clicks out for that 1:30 to 2:45 nap.

[VegasWarrior77]

Mathematically and scientifically, middle aged is when your waist size is > than your age.  Proven fact.

If so, sweater vests and Untuckits are your future, young mascot.

So when I started at MU at age 17 with a 30 inch waist I was middle aged?

[Dr. Blackheart]

So when I started at MU at age 17 with a 30 inch waist I was middle aged?

Thanks for catching me on the error of my ways as this is an important point.  Reverse it.  When waist (30) is greater than your age. 

When was your intersection?  I bet the math works. It's like the rings on a redwood stump.

Footnote:  This equation is only good for grown ass men.

[PGsHeroes32]

Buzz could have the Aggies bouncing back pretty quickly. They aren't losing any players who are top 5 in minutes on the team, just two rotation players. Admon Gilder could also come back. He sat the entire season with a blood clot in his bicep. He led the team in minutes in 17-18 when they were a 7 seed. No defections, add Gilder, plus a grad transfer or poached recruit from VT or two and he could very well have the Aggies dancing in year 1.

Still think on paper the top teams in this tournament will be Marquette, Maryland, and USC. Maryland should return everyone from a 6 seeded team unless they get some surprise defections to the NBA. USC was a trainwreck this season but brings in the number 4 recruiting class in the nation, featuring 2 5-stars. They also just landed a quality grad transfer out of Columbia.

I think they will put the P6 schools against the midamajors in the first round. But I wouldn't be surprised if they set up a Buzz vs. MU rematch in round 2. Get past them and I expect to see Maryland in the Final.

Bruno Fernando is expected back????

[MU82]

This. And if you can, get tickets to the Marquette Thanksgiving dinner.  Dinner wit the team, picture opportunities is awesome.
Screw who is in the field. I went to the NIT pre season this year. Hung out with the Hauser's parents and Matt's dad. Long chat with the AD.  Saw the players all the time in the hotel. Glimpses of the walk through.
And there is not a bad seat in the arena.
I was at the Paradise Jam in 2012. Yes, not a great field. But hte championship game against Norfolk State came down to a last second shot. Exciting game even though it shouldn't have been.

Thanks, pbi.

As Benny said, it's only $25 more if you can't buy early, still a great deal.

Mrs. 82 and I hope to go. Not only do I want to see what should be the best MU team in many years, but these are always fun events. We went to Barclays for the preseason event Henry's year and we had a great time. Getting to hang with several Scoopers was a major plus!

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Sansabelt, my man.

YESSIRREE!

[We R Final Four]

What is the schedule?
Wed/Fri/Sat?

[pbiflyer]

What is the schedule?
Wed/Fri/Sat?

Strangely enough, Thu/Fri/Sun.