It’s early, but scramble underway for big Dance

Now Feast Week is almost upon us. It’s the perfect side dish to go along with your turkey, dressing and gravy. Here’s a brief look at the upcoming tournaments, some newcomers to check out as they step onto the big stage, and a few predictions (please note these did not turn out well a year ago).

EA Sports Maui Invitational
Dates: Nov. 23-25; Lahaina, Hawaii
Field: Colorado vs. Gonzaga, Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt, Maryland vs. Chaminade, Arizona vs. Wisconsin
New kids on the block: Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati; John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
Projected champion: Gonzaga

Dick’s Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off
Dates: Nov. 25, 27; New York
Field: Duke vs. Arizona State, LSU vs. UConn
New kids on the block: Alex Oriakhi, UConn; Andre Dawkins, Duke
Projected champion: Duke

Old Spice Classic
Dates: Nov. 26-27, 29; Orlando
Field: Michigan vs. Creighton, Marquette vs. Xavier, Alabama vs. Baylor, Florida State vs. Iona
New kids on the block: Jeronne Maymon, Marquette; Cory Jefferson, Baylor
Projected champion: Michigan

76 Classic
Dates: Nov. 26-27, 29; Anaheim, Calif.
Field: West Virginia vs. Long Beach State, Clemson vs. Texas A&M, Butler vs. Minnesota, UCLA vs. Portland
New kids on the block: Milton Jennings, Clemson; Rodney Williams, Minnesota
Projected champion: West Virginia

O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic
Dates: Nov. 23-24; Kansas City, Mo.
Field: Pittsburgh vs. Wichita State, Texas vs. Iowa
New kids on the block: Avery Bradley, Texas; Dante Taylor, Pitt
Projected champion: Texas