– November Madness

College basketball teams around the country have hit the road for the early season tournaments. November has become an exciting time for college basketball fans over the years, and this year will be no different as there are some early season match-ups that will provide us with plenty of action. Here’s my list of the best early season tournament.

– Battle 4 Atlantis (November 21-25, Paradise Island, Bahamas) : This tournament projects to be the best of them all and our Cards will be right in the middle of the action. Five other teams that are ranked in the pre-season top 25 will join the Cards. The eight-team field includes Duke, Louisville, Memphis, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Stanford, and VCU. In this mix, are some teams that could make deep runs in March. There are also a few sleeper teams that could make some noise as well. These teams should provide for some great basketball and make this a can’t miss event in November. My prediction for champion: The Louisville Cardinals

– Legends Classic (November 19-20, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.) : This early tournament also looks to be a good one as it will feature the number one team in the country by most publications the Indiana Hoosiers. And the team that had the number 1 recruiting class the UCLA Bruins. Georgia and Georgetown round out the field. My prediction for champion: Georgetown

– Maui Invitational (November 19-21, Maui’s Lahaina Civic Center) : This has become a favorite of mine over the years as it always has entertaining games. And there are usually a few upsets that no one expects. They have a longstanding tradition of bringing the top teams in the nation to the island of Maui, This year will be no different as the field includes Butler, Illinois, Marquette, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Texas, USC and host Chaminade. Several of which are in the pre-season top 25 talk. The Tar Heels are the early favorite, but Texas will be right there in the mix. USC, Butler and Marquette could all present that sleeper aspect. My prediction for champion: North Carolina

– NIT Season Tip-Off (November 21-23, Madison Square Garden, N.Y.) : The NIT Season Tip-Off has an interesting format and unlike some of the other brackets out there, allows any of its participants to advance. But the real reason folks will want to tune into this one is for the regional host. Kansas State, Michigan, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. These teams should provide for some electric action in MSG. My prediction for champion: Michigan

– CBE Classic (November 19-20, Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO) : Last on my list but certainly not least. This tournament will feature the National title runner-up in Kansas and a St Louis team that has had some pre-season top 25 buzz. They have a very talented team and look to make a lot of noise in 2012. Washington State, and Texas A&M round out this exciting field. The CBE Classic has three hosts that are nearby, which could cause some exciting match-ups, especially if former Big 12 rivals Kansas and Texas A&M meet in the title game. My prediction for champion: Kansas

There you have it folks 5 great preseason tournaments that should provide the basketball starving fans some great early action to kick off the 2012 season. I’ll have a Turkey leg in one hand and a remote in the other. It will be November madness and I cannot wait!