The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

I expect New Mexico to be among the most improved teams in America. They didn't play a single home game in 2020-21. Every game was played outside the state of New Mexico due to COVID. That right there is why they were an uncharacteristic 6-16.

Richard Pitino is the new coach, coming over from Minnesota. He has added Power 5 transfers, including Jamal Mashburn Jr. who was a top 100 prospect. The backcourt of Mashburn and Jaelen House (son of Eddie House of Celtics and nephew of Mike Bibby, coming over from Arizona State) could be among the best on the west coast. The other two transfers are a big man from Kansas and a swing forward from TCU. He also signed a juco all-american power forward.

New Mexico is a program like UAB -- proud past, expects to win, not going to be like last season when they literally lived in hotels for 4 months. The talent infusion is immediate, and I think they will be among the better non-conference opponents UAB could play this season, certainly would be a top tier contender if they played in C-USA.

That tweet was kind of confusing. So, which teams will actually be in this tournament?

(06-23-2021 09:28 PM)The Answer UAB Wrote:  That tweet was kind of confusing. So, which teams will actually be in this tournament?

UAB
San Francisco
New Mexico
Towson

OHHH lol... I was thinking USF was south florida haha

Not all scheduling is for the purpose of Net rankings. Some of this is for recruiting, especially the holiday tournaments. Telling a kid you are going to Vegas, Hawaii, the Bahamas, etc. is a pretty good enticement.

Coach Bartow used to try to go to Hawaii at least every couple of years, so you knew if you came and played at UAB you were probably going to get to go there. I realize that was before things like strength of schedule were as big of a deal, but it does matter to the kids we are trying to get, who are going to be the ones who produce on the court.

This isn’t as big a deal as it would’ve been in previous seasons. The overall schedule ooc is still quality, and there is the potential to have a decent game or two in this tournament. In prior years this tournament would’ve been a complete failure, but we have shots at quality wins all over the schedule right now.

As I said, New Mexico isn't going to suck. They will be one of the better teams on UAB's schedule.

(06-24-2021 12:19 AM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  

(06-23-2021 09:28 PM)The Answer UAB Wrote:  That tweet was kind of confusing. So, which teams will actually be in this tournament?

UAB
San Francisco
New Mexico
Towson

Wow, San Fran instead of San Diego is a huge difference. And as mentioned, New Mexico is usually a really good program. They're #84 in KenPom's Program Rank, and now have a much more capable coach. 2 of the 3 are some schools on my mid-major bucket list...if only I could convince my wife to spend Thanksgiving in Las Vegas lol.

Shaping up to be a lot better tournament than I thought on first glance. AK continues to kill it in all facets of coaching..

I like it. Las Vegas would be a great trip, although I can't make it this year. There are some inexpensive direct flights and plenty of affordable hotels. No, it's not a world-beater tournament but it's a very good neutral-site test with solid teams that'll make the Blazers better than a couple of home games vs. inferior competition.

(06-24-2021 03:16 PM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  I like it. Las Vegas would be a great trip, although I can't make it this year. There are some inexpensive direct flights and plenty of affordable hotels. No, it's not a world-beater tournament but it's a very good neutral-site test with solid teams that'll make the Blazers better than a couple of home games vs. inferior competition.

Best of all it will be in November so it won’t be 120 degrees