Emerald Coast Classic 2014: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream, Bracket, TV Info

A number of teams have a chance to get their years started on a high note in what should be a competitive Emerald Coast Classic.

Major-conference squads like Cincinnati, Ole Miss and Creighton highlight a field of eight teams all looking to turn heads in the early part of the season. While this event does not feature the star power of some of the other early-season tournaments, do not be surprised if a few of these teams are dancing when March comes around.

Here is a look at what to watch for in what should be an intriguing tournament in Niceville, Florida.

Schedule

	Preliminary Round
	Semifinals
	Finals
Date	Teams	Time (ET)
Nov. 20	Southern at Ole Miss	TBD
Nov. 22	Southern at Middle Tennessee	TBD
Nov. 23	Northern Arizona at Ole Miss	TBD
Nov. 23	North Carolina Central at Creighton	TBD
Nov. 23	Eastern Illinois at Cincinnati	TBD
Nov. 25	Northern Arizona at Middle Tennessee	TBD
Nov. 25	North Carolina Central at Cincinnati	TBD
Nov. 25	Eastern Illinois at Creighton	TBD
Nov. 28	(Game 1) Eastern Illinois vs. North Carolina Central	11 a.m.
Nov. 28	(Game 2) Southern vs. Northern Arizona	1:30 p.m.
Nov. 28	(Game 3) Middle Tennessee vs. Cincinnati	5 p.m.
Nov. 28	(Game 4) Ole Miss vs. Creighton	7:30 p.m.
Nov. 29	Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser	11 a.m.
Nov. 29	Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner	1:30 p.m.
Nov. 29	Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser	5 p.m.
Nov. 29	Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner	8 p.m.

Championship game will be televised on CBS Sports. Select games can be seen on CBS Sports Live Stream. 

Top Player to Watch: Jarvis Summers, Ole Miss

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Ole Miss lost leading scorer Marshall Henderson, but College Basketball Talk is there to remind people that Jarvis Summers was the real star on last year's team:

In fact, the Rebels might be in better shape this season without a player who shot only 35.3 percent from the floor.

While Henderson was the wild shooter, Summers always seemed in control while averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 assists per game last season. He also shot 42.3 percent from behind the arc, making him difficult to defend wherever you line up against him.

ESPN Insider Jay Bilas (subscription required) not only named Summers one of the top 10 point guards in the country, but he also listed him No. 2 among the most underrated players in the game.

This season will be his chance to move into the spotlight and show he is truly one of the best around at his position.

Sleeper Team: North Carolina Central

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

North Carolina Central dominated the MEAC last season, winning the regular-season title with a 15-1 record while also winning the conference tournament. While the Eagles could not win a game in the NCAA tournament, they did put up a solid fight in a 93-75 loss to Iowa State.

The team will miss leading scorer Jeremy Ingram, but incoming JUCO transfer Jeremiah Ingram should be able to pick up a lot of slack. Jordan Parks will also be a go-to option both inside and beyond the arc when given the chance.

After beating North Carolina State last season while also fighting hard against Cincinnati, Wichita State and Maryland, North Carolina Central is a team that requires the full attention of everyone it faces this year.

Predicted Winners: Cincinnati

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The Bearcats will take a step back this season without Sean Kilpatrick and Justin Jackson, but Mick Cronin's teams survive with defense. They ranked fourth in the nation a year ago with just 58.4 points allowed per game, and this year should not be too much different.

While a slow pace helps, KenPom projects Cincinnati to have the 23rd-most efficient defense in the country.

The question is where the offense will come from after losing the top three scorers. Shaquille Thomas is someone who could take on more of a leading role after averaging just 6.8 points per game last season.

Cronin explained his thoughts about a possible breakthrough over the summer, via Bill Koch of Cincinnati.com:

"

I think there's definitely been a light go off in his head. What happens is you think things are going to just happen. He realized that it's not going to be easy. You've got to be able to play hard all the time. You've got to look in the mirror. We have a saying that the effort is between you and you. You have to be responsible for your performance. You have to make it happen. I think he's finally ready to do that.

"

If players like Thomas, Ge'Lawn Guyn, Troy Caupain and others can step up while freshmen like Gary Clark make early contributions, this team should be just fine this year.

With Creighton and Middle Tennessee also going through the rebuilding process and Ole Miss lacking depth, Cincinnati should be able to use its toughness and defensive ability to win a tough tournament. 

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