Battle 4 Atlanis Men's Basketball Breakdown
The Battle 4 Atlantis, which takes place in the Bahamas, not the much more apt Crete, has a solid group of teams competing in three games over Thanksgiving weekend. Connecticut highlights the field fresh off their win in Maui last year that catapulted them into the national spotlight. They will look to recapture that magic early this season with another tournament victory. But Harvard and Florida State will have something to say about that.
Connecticut vs. UNC-Asheville
The Huskies are the team to beat in the Bahamas, but it remains to be seen just how good this team will be without Kemba Walker. They certainly have not been tested prior to the Battle 4 Atlantis, so we should learn quite a bit about the young Connecticut squad. UNC-Asheville may not provide much of a test, but the later rounds will be interesting to watch.
UCF vs. Charleston
There are a handful of teams in Conference USA that will be looking to take the top spot away from Memphis again this year. UCF is one of those teams and just a few games into his second season with the Knights, Coach Donnie Jones has already raised expectations for the program. With guard Marcus Jordan and forward Keith Clanton leading the way, UCF should be eyeing an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2012. But, assuming Memphis wins the conference, the Knights will have to beat some good teams and they have a good opportunity to do so on a neutral floor. But do not overlook Charleston. The Cougars have a lot of offensive weapons, most notably forward Antwaine Wiggins and they will be looking to leave Atlantis with at least a couple victories.
Utah vs. Harvard
Do not let the names fool you; this is Harvard’s game to lose. Utah is in rebuilding mode and the Crimson have a ton of experience from a team that came within a whisker of earning the Ivy League’s bid to the NCAA Tournament last year. Coach Tommy Amaker has very high expectations to live up to this season. This is a team that could earn a nine or ten seed in the NCAA Tournament, but for that to happen they need to have a very, very strong non-conference slate. The really tough games start in the Bahamas and that is where the Crimson need to get a couple victories. Of course Harvard’s NCAA hopes will be determined during conference play, but if they are as good as advertised, Harvard can make a run at a pretty high seed starting right now.
Florida State vs. Massachusetts
Florida State is officially a top tier program in the ACC now. Behind Duke and North Carolina there has been an inconsistent logjam in the conference, but the Seminoles deserve the third spot in the pecking order. FSU does not have too many big games in the non-conference schedule, so performing well in the Battle 4 Atlantis will be important. The Seminoles should cruise into the second round with relative ease over Umass. The second round game against, presumably, Harvard will be a big game that will be a resume booster for both squads come March.
Men's Basketball Games of the Week and Tournament Breakdowns
