2019 Advocare Invitational

[GoldenWarrior11]

From Jon Rothstein:
 
@JonRothstein
Sources: Maryland, Marquette, USC, Temple, Texas A&M, Davidson, Harvard, and Fairfield will headline the 2019 Advocare Invitational.

We last competed in the Advocare Invitational in 2014 (finishing 3rd).  We finished 2nd in 2009.  Solid field.

[GGGG]

Solid...but not spectacular.  MU should win it.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Gross field IMO. Went from interested in going to not very interested at all after seeing those teams.

[Galway Eagle]

We finished 2nd in 2009. 

Ah yes the first of many last second chokes we'd experience that season.

[PGsHeroes32]

Pretty mehhh

Especially when you consider we are probably getting Fairfield to start. Or Harvard at best

[jsglow]

TAMU gets to go and hide his MU T-shirt under all his officially licensed A&M stuff muttering to his friends 'I gotta keep my phony baloney job'.   

[SaveOD238]

There really aren't any big name squads in there, which is disappointing.  Maryland and Marquette will probably be the favorites, but USC, TAMU, Davidson, and Temple have all managed top 25 squads a few times in the last few years.  Harvard is always competitive in the Ivy too (top 100 in kenpom).

But Fairfield...ugh...

[BM1090]

Ah yes the first of many last second chokes we'd experience that season.

Yep, but also followed by a ton of last second/close victories. That team played a ton of close games throughout the year

[Mr. Nielsen]

Pretty solid field top to bottom. Also, keep in mind a MAAC is always in this field.

[DienerTime34]

Booo ... bring back the Pepsi Blue & Gold Classic!

[DegenerateDish]

For what MU could possibly be in 2019, that field leaves a lot to be desired.

[Herman Cain]

With Duane leading the way TAMU got into the top 10 for a while last year. Too bad he got injured, I think they had big potential with him in there.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Gross field IMO. Went from interested in going to not very interested at all after seeing those teams.

I went  to Orlando in 2009 for this event. It's outstanding with everything around it. You should go!

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Very uninspiring field.  Not happy with the way next year's schedule is shaping up.

Having the K State game lumped in as our Big 12 challenge game was also disappointing.

Hopefully we get a Gavitt home game like Michigan State or Ohio State.   But if we're left out, the home non-conference schedule could be brutal.

[PGsHeroes32]

Very uninspiring field.  Not happy with the way next year's schedule is shaping up.

Having the K State game lumped in as our Big 12 challenge game was also disappointing.

Hopefully we get a Gavitt home game like Michigan State or Ohio State.   But if we're left out, the home non-conference schedule could be brutal.

Pretty sure we are getting a Gavitt. We just sat out in 16’.

Maybe schedule another home and home as well and start at home.

[Benny B]

Pretty mehhh

Especially when you consider we are probably getting Fairfield to start. Or Harvard at best

Not necessarily... matchups are typically announced a couple months prior to the tourney, and they are designed mostly around maximizing TV ratings; in other words, the perceived "seed" is not directly contemplated, e.g. if ESPN's algorithm wants MU and TAMU in prime time on Thanksgiving (first round), then it doesn't matter if they're the two best teams in the tournament.

Now that we have the official announcement, be on the watch for Benny's Guide to the 2019 Advocare Invite.

[GGGG]

Yeah I'm not worried about next year's schedule.  Marquette is going to be good and Wojo will want to schedule accordingly.  With road games at KSU and at UW, my guess is we get a home Gavitt game and will start a home-and-home with another program of similar stature.

[PGsHeroes32]

Not necessarily... matchups are typically announced a couple months prior to the tourney, and they are designed mostly around maximizing TV ratings; in other words, the perceived "seed" is not directly contemplated, e.g. if ESPN's algorithm wants MU and TAMU in prime time on Thanksgiving (first round), then it doesn't matter if they're the two best teams in the tournament.

Now that we have the official announcement, be on the watch for Benny's Guide to the 2019 Advocare Invite.

They definitely try and set it up for the best title game possible tho.

And I don’t see how we are not one of the top 2 preseason of that field.

[PGsHeroes32]

Yeah I'm not worried about next year's schedule.  Marquette is going to be good and Wojo will want to schedule accordingly.  With road games at KSU and at UW, my guess is we get a home Gavitt game and will start a home-and-home with another program of similar stature.

That’s also what I was gonna say

Wojo will hopefully make sure it’s a strong one with the intended squad we have

[nyg]

USC currently is #1 in the 2019 recruiting rankings.
UMD is #16 and has a very good squad right now.

Should be a nice tournament. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

With Duane leading the way TAMU got into the top 10 for a while last year. Too bad he got injured, I think they had big potential with him in there.

I went to most of the games. Duane was the 5th or 6th best player on that team. It's too bad, the injury really did hold him back. Coach Kennedy shouldn't have been playing him after the initial re-injury.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Yeah I'm not worried about next year's schedule.  Marquette is going to be good and Wojo will want to schedule accordingly.  With road games at KSU and at UW, my guess is we get a home Gavitt game and will start a home-and-home with another program of similar stature.

I agree that Wojo will want a tough schedule but you need other teams to want to schedule you.

Say we get Indiana as a Gavitt return game.   That's ok but Morgan is a senior and Langford is probably one and done.  So they lose their two best players.

Then you still have to find someone to come to Milwaukee.   Who wants to come to Milwaukee and get beat, with a lesser team in the return game the following year?  That's what I see as a challenge.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Y'all are really underestimating the field. USC will likely be a top 10 team with all the freshmen they are bringing in (assuming no impact from the FBI probe). Maryland is a top 35ish team this season in most services and should return everyone of importance next season, likely top 15-25 team. TAMU may depend on Coach Kennedy's health but they'll bring back most of what they have this season. Davidson and Temple are solid wins. Marquette, USC, and Maryland at the top is a pretty good trio of headliners.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

TAMU gets to go and hide his MU T-shirt under all his officially licensed A&M stuff muttering to his friends 'I gotta keep my phony baloney job'.   

No worries Glow. I told my supervisor when they first hired me, if TAMU and Marquette ever play in basketball, I will cheer for Marquette. And if they ever play in football I will cheer for TAMU 

[Mulu7]

Could be exciting if Buzz is at TAMU next season!

[Galway Eagle]

I agree that Wojo will want a tough schedule but you need other teams to want to schedule you.

Say we get Indiana as a Gavitt return game.   That's ok but Morgan is a senior and Langford is probably one and done.  So they lose their two best players.

Then you still have to find someone to come to Milwaukee.   Who wants to come to Milwaukee and get beat, with a lesser team in the return game the following year?  That's what I see as a challenge.

maybe next year Michigan St finally plays a gavitt game

[Its DJOver]

I agree that Wojo will want a tough schedule but you need other teams to want to schedule you.

Say we get Indiana as a Gavitt return game.   That's ok but Morgan is a senior and Langford is probably one and done.  So they lose their two best players.

Then you still have to find someone to come to Milwaukee.   Who wants to come to Milwaukee and get beat, with a lesser team in the return game the following year?  That's what I see as a challenge.

Any potential home and home starting next year, could also start on the road, so the potential opponent would be facing a similar situation that we are with K-State this and next year.  Get the potential conference champ at home, and then go on the road for the "lesser team" the following year.   I'd think that'd be very appealing for a lot of programs.

[barfolomew]

maybe next year Michigan St finally plays a gavitt game

Doubtful.
Tom Izzo has ALWAYS hated Marquette!*



*Tom Izzo hates Marquette High School in Marquette, MI after coaching the rival Ishpeming Hematites for one season

[jsglow]

No worries Glow. I told my supervisor when they first hired me, if TAMU and Marquette ever play in basketball, I will cheer for Marquette. And if they ever play in football I will cheer for TAMU 

 

[Windyplayer]

Y'all are really underestimating the field. USC will likely be a top 10 team with all the freshmen they are bringing in (assuming no impact from the FBI probe). Maryland is a top 35ish team this season in most services and should return everyone of importance next season, likely top 15-25 team. TAMU may depend on Coach Kennedy's health but they'll bring back most of what they have this season. Davidson and Temple are solid wins. Marquette, USC, and Maryland at the top is a pretty good trio of headliners.

Right, it lacks historical brand names, but who cares as long as the teams we are playing that year are solid to good.

[GGGG]

I agree that Wojo will want a tough schedule but you need other teams to want to schedule you.

Say we get Indiana as a Gavitt return game.   That's ok but Morgan is a senior and Langford is probably one and done.  So they lose their two best players.

Then you still have to find someone to come to Milwaukee.   Who wants to come to Milwaukee and get beat, with a lesser team in the return game the following year?  That's what I see as a challenge.

I think you underestimate how good teams want to challenge themselves with good tests during non-conference play.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Y'all are really underestimating the field. USC will likely be a top 10 team with all the freshmen they are bringing in (assuming no impact from the FBI probe). Maryland is a top 35ish team this season in most services and should return everyone of importance next season, likely top 15-25 team. TAMU may depend on Coach Kennedy's health but they'll bring back most of what they have this season. Davidson and Temple are solid wins. Marquette, USC, and Maryland at the top is a pretty good trio of headliners.

USC and Maryland seem to be perennial underachievers.  They might look good on paper but I am still skeptical.

Plus,  we have to see what the bracket looks like.  If MU plays Fairfield,  then TAMU or Temple, that's pretty meh.  There's more downside in losing than there is upside in winning.

Normally,  I would say this schedule is ok.  But with Marquette poised to be really strong next year,  I was hoping for a bit more.

[MU82]

Y'all are really underestimating the field. USC will likely be a top 10 team with all the freshmen they are bringing in (assuming no impact from the FBI probe). Maryland is a top 35ish team this season in most services and should return everyone of importance next season, likely top 15-25 team. TAMU may depend on Coach Kennedy's health but they'll bring back most of what they have this season. Davidson and Temple are solid wins. Marquette, USC, and Maryland at the top is a pretty good trio of headliners.

I agree with this.

USC and Maryland seem to be perennial underachievers.  They might look good on paper but I am still skeptical.

Plus,  we have to see what the bracket looks like.  If MU plays Fairfield,  then TAMU or Temple, that's pretty meh.  There's more downside in losing than there is upside in winning.

Normally,  I would say this schedule is ok.  But with Marquette poised to be really strong next year,  I was hoping for a bit more.

But Lazar, I also think you make some solid points, especially your second paragraph.

All in all, it was out of Marquette's control so I'm not going to complain about it. I think it will end up being a good event for us, and will not in any way stop us from getting to the Final Four.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I think you underestimate how good teams want to challenge themselves with good tests during non-conference play.

Before Kansas State this year,  I cannot remember the last time Marquette got a marquee home & home that started in Milwaukee.   I guess we'll see.

[Its DJOver]

Before Kansas State this year,  I cannot remember the last time Marquette got a marquee home & home that started in Milwaukee.   I guess we'll see.

Ohio State.  Although you'd be forgiven if you blocked that game out of your long term memory completely.

[LoudMouth]

Ohio State.  Although you'd be forgiven if you blocked that game out of your long term memory completely.

Hey we were tied at halftime at -7 to -7... talk about a barnburner

[GGGG]

Before Kansas State this year,  I cannot remember the last time Marquette got a marquee home & home that started in Milwaukee.   I guess we'll see.

Not sure why you have to put the limitation that it started in Milwaukee on there.  I don't think it matters where it starts.

[GoldenWarrior11]

Could be exciting if Buzz is at TAMU next season!

Is the ACC is danger of no longer being a power basketball conference too???

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Not sure why you have to put the limitation that it started in Milwaukee on there.  I don't think it matters where it starts.

Kansas St, Wisconsin, and a 3rd major road game next year?  I guess it could happen but seems a bit imbalanced to me.

[Benny B]

If MU plays Fairfield,  then TAMU or Temple, that's pretty meh.  There's more downside in losing than there is upside in winning.

Having to play Fairfield, Temple, the UW of the East, etc. is like going to a roulette table and betting all of the numbers... hopefully you can break even and walk away (which will happen the majority of the time), because on the off chance that a zero comes up, it's a massive kick in the cohones.

Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil... the real upside to the tourney is not so much who you play as it is increasing the number of games you're allowed to play.

[GGGG]

Kansas St, Wisconsin, and a 3rd major road game next year?  I guess it could happen but seems a bit imbalanced to me.

No I meant historically.  Why is it so important looking back historically that the series started in Milwaukee?  Because there have been plenty of home and home series in the past.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

No I meant historically.  Why is it so important looking back historically that the series started in Milwaukee?  Because there have been plenty of home and home series in the past.

Because I was talking about next year's schedule and adding a home game.  Starting on the road is easy.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Plus,  we have to see what the bracket looks like.  If MU plays Fairfield,  then TAMU or Temple, that's pretty meh.  There's more downside in losing than there is upside in winning.

Normally,  I would say this schedule is ok.  But with Marquette poised to be really strong next year,  I was hoping for a bit more.

True the bracket makes a difference but as long as teams play to seed then you should see at least one of the two other top teams. We also don't know enough about the new NET metric. With margin of victory being included it should minimize the impact of getting a bad draw in a holiday tournament but need to actually see the formula to be sure.

From just a good basketball perspective I'd be happy with a draw of Harvard/Temple,  then TAMU\Davidson in the semis,  then USC/Maryland in the final.  Fairfield is the only one I'd be meh about.

Also,  the conspiracy theorist in me thinks they will want a Maryland/USC Championship,  if true that means we should get both provided we win our games.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Having to play Fairfield, Temple, the UW of the East, etc. is like going to a roulette table and betting all of the numbers... hopefully you can break even and walk away (which will happen the majority of the time), because on the off chance that a zero comes up, it's a massive kick in the cohones.

Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil... the real upside to the tourney is not so much who you play as it is increasing the number of games you're allowed to play.

Marquette vs. Fairfield - A Jesuit showdown - I'd be interested from the local aspect as the game would get covered in my local news.