College Basketball's 5 Must See Preseason Tournaments

November is more than halfway over but that doesn't mean that there isn't more insight to be had this month. Today, most of the preseason tournaments kick off (even though they count) and that means that there will be plenty of great teams possibly matched up in the late rounds of their respective tournaments. The tournaments have become a bigger part of the non-conference season each year and this year won't be the end of the trend.

Although some tournaments are a chance for a couple of teams to tune up their game against mediocre or bad opponents, the others are chocked full of title contenders. These are the tournaments that will be interesting tests for the nation's best. Over the next week and a half we should see some marquee match-ups that could give us all significant information about the outlook for the season.

The Old Spice Classic

The Old Spice Classic kicks off next week in Orlando, Florida. Although there aren't many big name teams in it, the Classic will be a huge week for the many possible bubble teams that it hosts. The field includes Temple, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Boston College, Georgia, California and Manhattan. Each team is guaranteed three games, whether the third game is battling in the championship game or for seventh place. That means that a lot of combinations are out there of who will play whom.

Given that there isn't much star power in this tournament, the reason these games are important is the bubble team factor. This is the perfect time for sleeper teams like Georgia and Notre Dame to get a leg up on the other bubble teams by picking up solid wins over other non-conference opponents. Following these principles, these are could be the best games of this tournament.

Georgia vs. Notre Dame, Quarterfinals

These two teams have been identified as teams that could bounce into the tournament off the bubble. I happen to like Georgia more since they have no significant Harangody-sized holes in their lineup like Notre Dame does. The Irish are still a good team though, so this could be a good game for either team. It may be a must-win for the Bulldog team.

Temple vs. UGA/ND, Semifinals

The winner of the Georgia vs. Notre Dame game should go on to play Temple, barring temple doesn’t lose to the depleted California Golden Bears. This provides the same opportunity the opening round did for Georgia and Notre Dame. If they could get past the first round, their strength of schedule should receive a boost and they might even get a chance to pull off a good win over the Temple Owls. For Temple, this game could show a perfect example of why they are a good team, slapping down any lesser teams that think they can beat them.

Temple vs. Wisconsin, Championship

If both teams make it this far, then this game will be a good one. Both teams are in the last fifth of the top 25 and winning this game would show who really deserves to be there. As a bonus, the teams will increase their tournament resume after beating another Top 25 team.

Puerto Rico Tip-Off

This tournament really should be called the “Everyone Watch Carolina Tip-Off.” The lackluster field is only kept afloat by North Carolina and West Virginia, but also includes Minnesota, Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Nebraska, Hofstra and Davidson.

West Virginia vs. Vanderbilt, Semifinals

These two teams are both missing some very important players from last season and it will be interesting to see how each team shows up in their first real test against decent opponents. I think West Virginia has the better overall team and they should advance

North Carolina vs. West Virginia, Championship

Barring a collapse reminiscent of last season, the Tar Heels should reach the championship unscathed, but they might have to face West Virginia. Everyone will want to see how a team that failed under pressure last season will fare against an opponent worth playing. Eyes will be on Harrison Barnes all tournament, but he will especially be feeling the heat when a title is on the line.

The NIT Season Tip-Off

Formerly known as the preseason NIT, this tournament is the biggest. Although the preliminary rounds have already taken place, there are still intriguing match-ups between the final four teams: VCU, Tennessee, Villanova and UCLA.

VCU vs. Tennessee, Semifinals

VCU surprised by blowing Wake Forest out of the water in the Quarterfinals. Now they face a Tennessee team that has been worrisome this season, and give the mid-majors a huge opportunity to bolster their resume for March.

Villanova vs. VCU/UT, Finals

Villanova does have a match-up against UCLA before they get to this game, but they should be able to get through that game fairly easily. If they end up playing in the championship, we may see an NCAA tournament type game. Tennessee would be a ranked opponent that could cause the Wildcats to sweat a little. If VCU gets to this point they will have dramatically helped their chances of getting into the tourney, especially if they could pull off a monumental upset like this.

Coaches vs. Cancer

The Coaches Versus Cancer tournament has already had its prelim games, which don’t really matter since the top four seeds advance to New York anyway. The semifinals are tonight and the winners should make a really exciting championship game.

Texas vs. Illinois, Semifinals

The Longhorns and Illini are two explosive and underrated teams that both could use some good non-conference wins. Expect the youngsters for Texas to shine and Demetri McCamey should keep up his good play. Both of these teams really need this win, as neither wants to get out of the tournament without a good win.

Pittsburgh vs. Maryland, Semifinals

Pittsburgh has looked quite impressive early, but Jordan Williams has been a huge player for Maryland early. Although Pittsburgh has the chance to dominate this game, Maryland could make it close and might be able to pick up a huge non-conference win early in the season.

Championship Game

Whoever ends up advancing to the finals will undoubtedly make a good game. This is a great field and the last two rounds of play shouldn’t disappoint the MSG fans in New York.

CBE Classic

The CBE classic is another tournament where the prelim games don’t matter, although they should. MWC sleeper San Diego State upset Gonzaga late Tuesday, but since Gonzaga got an automatic bid to the semifinals in New York. However, regardless of their past games, the four teams remaining should light up New York.

Duke vs. Marquette, Semifinals

Duke shouldn’t lose this game, but you never know. Marquette lost a lot of talent last season, but they could surprise if they get their act together. Duke has looked really impressive early however and they may just view this as a warm-up for the final.

Kansas State vs. Gonzaga

This game is worthy of a title game itself, but alas, we’ll just have another marquee match-up to watch.  Kansas State can’t take this game for granted. Although Gonzaga is missing Elias Harris, Stephen Gray had a great game against San Diego State and the Zags will definitely look for a win against the Wildcats.

Duke vs. Kansas State

I expect both Duke and Kansas State should take care of business and meet each other in the finals. This may be the best game all season long. These are both teams that are favorites to contend for the title. If it ends up being this way in the Championship, we may get to see one of the best games of the decade early in the season. Don’t Miss This Game!