2015-16 Pre-Season / In-Season Exempt Tournaments

[talksalot]

Here's a link to all of the tournaments for next season... most of the "biggies" are already slated... here are the one's that are NOT fully subscribed... pick out your favorite...

http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE

2K Sports Classic Benefitting The Wounded Warrior Project
Finals at New York City: Nov. 19 and 20
Hosts and Semifinalists
Duke Blue Devils (ACC)
Georgetown Hoyas (Big East)
VCU Rams (A 10)
Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten)
Visitors (4-8)
Bryant Bulldogs (NEC)
Radford Highlanders (Big South)
Siena Saints (MAAC)
1-4 TBA

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 20 and 21
Hosts and Semifinalists
4 TBA
Visitors
8 TBA

Gulf Coast Showcase
Fort Myers, Fla.: Nov. 23-25
Teams (8+TBD)
Florida Bracket Teams
TBA
Visiting Teams
TBA

Maui Invitational
Maui on the Mainland: TBA
Lahaina, Hawai `i: Nov. 23-25
Maui Teams
Chaminade Silverswords (DII, PacWest)
Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)
Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12)
St. John's Red Storm (Big East)
UCLA Bruins (Pac-12)
UNLV Runnin' Rebels (MW)
Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACC)
Maui on the Mainland Teams
4 TBA

Legends Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: Nov. 23-24
Hosts and Semifinalists
Arizona State Sun Devils (Pac-12) (AZCentral's Doug Haller)
LSU Tigers  (SEC) (NOLA.com)
Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East) (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
1 TBA
Visitors
TBA

MGM Grand Main Event
Finals at Las Vegas: Nov. 23, 25
Clemson Tigers (ACC)
Creighton Bluejays (Big East)
Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
UMass Minutemen (A 10)
4 - TBA

CBE Hall of Fame Classic
Finals at Kansas City: Nov. 23 and 24
Teams (8-14)
Host Teams
Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12) (KC Star)
Missouri Tigers (SEC) (Rivals.com)
North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC) (ESPN.com)
Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten) (KC Star)
Visiting Teams
TBA

Cancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Battle 4 Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas: Nov. 25-27 (ESPN MediaZone)
Bahamas Teams
Charlotte 49ers (C-USA)
Connecticut Huskies (American)
Gonzaga Bulldogs (WCC)
Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)
Syracuse Orange (ACC)
Texas Longhorns (Big 12)
Texas A&M Aggies (SEC)
Washington Huskies (Pac-12)
U.S. Teams
TBA

NIT Season Tip-Off
Finals at New York City: Nov. 25 and 27
Teams (8-16)
Regional Hosts (4)
Villanova Wildcats (White and Blue Review)
3 TBA
Visitors (4-12)

Great Alaska Shootout
Anchorage: Nov. 25-28
Teams (8)
Quarterfinalists
Alaska Anchorage Seawolves (DII, GNAC)
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (WAC) (Bakersfield Californian)
Loyola of Chicago Ramblers (MVC) (Rambler Mania)
5 TBA


Las Vegas Invitational
Finals at Las Vegas, NV: Nov. 26 and 27
Host Teams
San Diego State Aztecs (MW) (Aztec Mesa)
West Virginia Mountaineers (Big 12) (Scout.com)
2 TBA
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Corpus Christi Challenge
Finals at Corpus Christi, TX: Nov. 27-28
Host Teams
4 TBA
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Barclays Center Classic
Finals at Brooklyn: TBA
Host Teams (CBS Sports)
Cincinnati Bearcats (American)
George Washington Colonials (A 10)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten)
Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Las Vegas Classic
Finals at Las Vegas, NV: Dec. 22-23
Host Teams (Pony Fans)
Colorado Buffaloes (Big 12)
Kent State Golden Flashes (MAC)
Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten)
SMU Mustangs (American)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

Hall of Fame Event No. 1
Miami, Fla.: Nov. 27 (ESPN)
Kentucky Wildcats (SEC)
USF Bulls (American)
3 TBA

Hall of Fame Event No. 2
Miami, Fla.: Nov. 27 (ESPN)
Memphis Tigers (American)
Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten)
3 TBA

Global Sports Challenge
Teams (5)

Global Sports Invitational
Teams (5)

Rainbow Classic
Honolulu: TBA
Teams (4)
Hawai `i Rainbow Warriors (Big West)
3 TBA

Portland State Tournament
Portland, Ore.: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Portland State Vikings (Big Sky)
3 TBA

Fresno State Tournament
Fresno, Calif.: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Fresno State Bulldogs (MW)
3 TBA

Miami (Ohio) Tournament
Oxford, Ohio: Nov. 20-22 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (MAC)
3 TBA

FGCU Tournament
Fort Myers, Fla.: Nov. 22-24 (Basketball Travelers)
Teams (4)
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (A-Sun)
3 TBA

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (7)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (6)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (4)

Global Sports Showcase
Teams (4)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (5)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (4)

TBD On-Campus Tournament
Teams (5)

Golden Gate Challenge/Hilltop Classic/USF Tournament
San Francisco, Calif.: TBA
Teams (4)

Cure UCD Classic
Campus Sites: TBA
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: TBA
Teams (8)

Global Sports Hardwood Classic
Teams (4)

Gotham Classic
Showcase Games in New York City: TBA
Teams (5)

Utah State Tournament
Logan, Utah: TBA
Teams (4)
Utah State Aggies (MW)
3 TBA


and just to annoy some of you... here's one that has been fully subscribed...

Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28
Host Teams
Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten)
Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12)
UAB Blazers (C-USA)
Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC)
Visiting Teams
Alabama State Hornets (SWAC)
Chattanooga Mocs (SoCon)
Chicago State Cougars (WAC)
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (OVC)

[aevans12]

Who wouldn't want to play in Alaska!?

But that Miami (OH) tournament would be ideal so I could actually be there...

[talksalot]

I was thinking "Rainbow Classic"... it would make buying Christmas presents for my wife a lot easier.  Either of the Miami FLORIDA Hall of Fame tournaments would be OK.  Very little shoveling involved to get to the arena.

[oklahomamick]

I'm down with any in Vegas. 

[aevans12]

I also think it would be depressing to have to go to Alaska just to get a rematch with Loyola (besides it being depressing just to be in Alaska).

[Kyle321n]

Here's my thought on the ones I wouldn't mind.

Legends Classic- There's a host spot left (probably wishful thinking) and I wouldn't mind going on the road to face any of those teams. All are winnable.
CBE Hall of Fame Classic and we could be the visitor for Northwestern.
Las Vegas Classic- Another group of winnable opponents
Rainbow Classic would be cool
The FGCU tourney got some decent teams this year (Green Bay was there)


Let's get something better than the Music City Shitshow that we were part of this year. Something that will at least have a camera crew please.

[valpo4life]

At least our trip to Nashville was better than that just awful couple of games we played at CMU.

[justducky]

Neither the Rainbow Classic or the Great Alaska Shootout are as good as they once were and we should be able to do better. How Chaminade College (div II) hijacked all the best teams away from U of Hawaii over to a shoebox gym for the Maui Invitational I will never understand but that tournament is now far superior.

There should be numerous good but not perfect choices here we just need to commit to finding one. With all of the points, playing time and experience that is returning we should start next season ready for prime time and it would be a shame to let that opportunity slip through our fingers. In a 3 game early season neutral court tournament against top 75 preseason RPI teams I would venture that winning 2 of 3 would be equally likely as only winning one. Would depend on the draw.

[oklahomamick]

Speaking of tournaments.  When is Valpo eligible to take an overseas trip? 

[LaPorteAveApostle]

Gulf Coast Showcase

This is actually the tournament UWGB came down here for--FGCU plays in that one too.

I'd be biased to having VU come to Ft. Myers because you could all come visit.

If I am still here then of course. : )

[zvillehaze]

Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.) 

[justducky]

Speaking of tournaments.  When is Valpo eligible to take an overseas trip? 

Was wondering the same thing. Having an excuse for summer practice, conditioning, and competition would make this bunch even more ready for for some November upsets than they already will be. 2 or 3 top 50 OOC wins can go a long way towards getting that 8, 9, or 10 seed that I believe to be possible.

[LaPorteAveApostle]

I believe schools can take one every 4 years, so when was the last one?

[LaPorteAveApostle]

ok, ok i will.

the only trip in VU history was 2010 to Cancun, so we can go whenever we want.  if money were no object probably last year would have been the time to do it, what with getting a new team together and all.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2010-11/9939/crusaders-begin-preparations-for-preseason-trip-to-cancun/#.VNp9Olpp-LA

any news on going again?

[wh]

Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.) 

Across the bridge from Destin where my daughter and son-in-law lived until recently. Beautiful beaches and resorts. Affectionally referred to as the redneck riviera. 

[zvillehaze]

Emerald Coast Classic
Finals at Niceville, Fla.: Nov. 27-28

The Crusaders would get a lot of support here ... Niceville is only 3 miles from Valparaiso (FL, that is.) 

Across the bridge from Destin where my daughter and son-in-law lived until recently. Beautiful beaches and resorts. Affectionally referred to as the redneck riviera. 

My step-son, his wife and two daughters are in Destin.  Visit as often as I can! 

[justducky]

Cancun Challenge
Finals at Cancun: Nov. 24 and 25
Teams (8)
Host Teams (Inside MD Sports)
Illinois State Redbirds (MVC)
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten)
Rhode Island Rams (A 10)
TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12)
Visiting Teams
4 TBA

This looks interesting. Maybe 2 or 3 birds with one stone. Go to Illinois St and give Alec some near hometown exposure sometime in early or mid November. Then on to Cancun the 24th and 25th for 2 additional games. Maryland, Rhode Island or TCU could all be fun. I imagine it cost the host teams some money for the hosting rights so what all might it cost us other than time and travel? If we jumped in to something like that maybe Murray St. or others like them would follow for a strong field of visitors.

[vu72]

I think we all may be pleasantly surprised by the kind of tourneys in which we may be involved.  Unless we fall on our face, or even with just an NIT bid, we will have gained a lot of exposure with the number of wins and receiving votes in the polls.  My guess is that at  minimum we will be receiving votes again to start next year and may be close to the top 25.  That is the kind of story tourney's are seeking.  You know, the David v....(fill in the blank)

[LaPorteAveApostle]

That's the hope.  My worry is that our scheduling problems will be compounded because no one good will want to play a game they could easily lose to us on their home floor, let alone come here :/

[justducky]

I believe that only the 4 host teams go to Cancun.  The "Visiting Teams" get two games at the host teams' arena and two games against other Visiting Teams.

So Ill St pays for hosting rights and the right to play 2 of the better teams in Cancun and VU would get one known road game (Ill St) and 3 unknown pigs in a poke. What kind of money might this have cost them?

[zvillehaze]

I believe that only the 4 host teams go to Cancun.  The "Visiting Teams" get two games at the host teams' arena and two games against other Visiting Teams.

So Ill St pays for hosting rights and the right to play 2 of the better teams in Cancun and VU would get one known road game (Ill St) and 3 unknown pigs in a poke. What kind of money might this have cost them?

I think I was wrong on that.  Visiting teams play two games at "Host" schools, then go to Cancun to play two games against other "Visiting" teams.  Hard to keep track of all these different formats.

[talksalot]

so I wonder what the deal is to HOST one of those exempt tournaments (like CMU or that OHIO U thing we did last year?)   I don't know how the finances work or who actually does the inviting.

How about:  Valpo, Holy Cross, Capital (OH), Incarnate Word, perhaps Alvernia College....THAT would be a Crusader Classic.

[vu72]

so I wonder what the deal is to HOST one of those exempt tournaments (like CMU or that OHIO U thing we did last year?)   I don't know how the finances work or who actually does the inviting.

How about:  Valpo, Holy Cross, Capital (OH), Incarnate Word, perhaps Alvernia College....THAT would be a Crusader Classic.

Well, if you are serious about a "Crusader Classic", as in the old days, then you need to include Wagner, the only other D1 Lutheran college.

[valporun]

Unless VU begins to market men's basketball in the same manner as Gonzaga has, the only way VU gets a part of the Maui Invitational is if they are one of the "Mainland" games, where the host is already going to Maui, regardless of what happens on the mainland. I believe ESPN has a say in which teams get to go to Maui, as the broadcast sponsor. When I was growing up, the Great Alaska Shootout was equivalent to what Maui is now, but that hit the wayside about the time valpotx and I got to Valpo, even with the VU appearance in this  tournament, where we beat a not as good Ohio St. team in 2001.

[oklahomamick]

I hope they do an overseas trip.  I think it helps team chemistry and is a great once in a life time experience with college buds. 

Does anyone remember Georgetown going to China a couple years ago and a huge fight breaking out?

With the talk of all the different tournaments, of course valpo won't announce anything or make any news about it until September of next year.  We have a long time to blog about it....