Maui Invitational 2014: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream, Bracket, TV Info

The star power in this year's Maui Invitational might be the one thing that can get Hawaii residents off the beach to watch some excellent college basketball.

This event features one of the most talented squads in the nation as Arizona tries to kick off its campaign for a national championship. Despite losing Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon, there is a lot of experience remaining on the roster to go with some impact freshmen.

Of course, this tournament is not going to be a runaway with San Diego State and Kansas State being likely NCAA tournament teams, while BYU and Pittsburgh also have the ability to surprise this season. This is one of the deepest early-season events in the nation, providing fans with plenty to watch for throughout the week.

Here is a look at what to expect at Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.

Date	Game	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV
Nov. 24	1	Purdue vs. Kansas State	2:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 24	2	Missouri vs. Arizona	5 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 24	3	Pittsburgh vs. Chaminade	9 p.m.	ESPNU
Nov. 24	4	BYU vs. San Diego State	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 25	5	Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser	2 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 25	6	Game 3 Loser vs. Game 3 Winner	4:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 25	7	Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner	7:30 p.m.	ESPN
Nov. 25	8	Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner	10 p.m.	ESPN
Nov. 26	9	Game 5 Loser vs. Game 6 Loser	2:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 26	10	Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner	5 p.m.	ESPNU
Nov. 26	11	Game 7 Loser vs. Game 8 Loser	7:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Nov. 26	12	Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner	10 p.m.	ESPN

Full bracket can be seen at ESPN.com. All games will be available online at ESPN3.

Top Player to Watch: Marcus Foster, Kansas State

USA TODAY Sports

With all due respect to the entire Arizona starting lineup, as well as BYU's Tyler Haws, Marcus Foster might be the most exciting player in this tournament.

The guard was proof that high school ratings do not always mean everything as the 247Sports 3-star prospect was one of the best freshmen in the nation last season. The Texas native averaged 15.5 points per game thanks mostly to his outstanding outside shooting and ability to create his own shot.

As a sophomore, Foster has a chance to be even better as he tries to lift the Wildcats to new heights.

However, ESPN's Fran Fraschilla believes the guard shouldn't be thinking about the future:

Kansas State could certainly use a facilitator, but Foster's scoring ability is too good to lose. He can win games virtually on his own, and he can be a difference maker in Maui.

Most Intriguing Team: San Diego State

USA TODAY Sports

Everyone making the trip wants to earn some resume-building wins, and a team such as Pittsburgh or BYU is capable of an upset or two. Purdue and Missouri might be a bit overmatched early in the season although each could be much better by year's end.

San Diego State is above this category as a mid-major that could be a legitimate Final Four contender if things go well.

Despite losing Xavier Thames, the Aztecs have one of the best defenses in the nation, proving it already this season by earning a 53-49 win over Utah. Doug Gottlieb of CBS Sports also noted how good the team has been late in games:

Winston Shepard has had a slow start to the season, but if he gets going on the offensive end, San Diego State can beat just about anyone in the nation. This includes Arizona, who is hoping to cruise through this tournament.

Predicted Winner: Arizona

USA TODAY Sports

This will not be an easy trip to Hawaii where the players can learn to surf and stumble across a tournament title. Missouri has the scorers to cause problems right away, while projected matchups against Kansas State and San Diego State will pit the Wildcats against some top defenses.

That being said, Arizona is simply too talented to stop at this point of the year. The frontcourt of Kaleb Tarczewski, Brandon Ashley and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will find ways to easily score inside against almost any team in the nation, save for possibly Kentucky. 

With veteran point guard T.J. McConnell running the show on offense, the Pac-12 squad will remain efficient against top defenses.

On the other hand, head coach Sean Miller is not as confident about his team, citing the losses from last year as possible road blocks, per Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star:

"

We have kind of an identity crisis right now on defense. With Nick Johnson’s ability on defense and his leadership — it’s like we’re missing three players losing him. You feel it every day. 

And Aaron Gordon, he’s just such an excellent rebounder and defensive player and energy guy that those two guys no matter what team they left, you’re going to feel their void, and boy, we really feel it right now.

"

This quote could be necessary to help keep his team focused, but there is no denying the ability of this team. Arizona should be able to fight hard for three wins and a title.

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