By Sam Federman
Ladies and gentlemen, the best week of the year. Well until March that is.
Feast Week is officially here.
Here's a look at the key feast week tournaments that start today
Charleston Classic:
Miami vs Drake: Ben McCollum's first big test as the head coach at Drake comes against a Miami team that has been raining points so far. First look for much of the nation at 5-star freshman Jalil Bethea, who can shoot the crap out of the ball.
Oklahoma State vs Florida Atlantic: FAU has already played two games in Charleston, losing to the Cougars and defeating Liberty, but now they play their fast pace against another fast-paced team, Oklahoma State. It's Steve Lutz against John Jakus - two first year head coaches - that will score a lot of points.
Seton Hall vs VCU: I'm so excited to watch VCU hoop. Max Shulga, Joe Bamisile, and Phillip Russell is an electric backcourt, but I'm focused on the defense, which currently ranks 7th in the country. Christian Fermin, Michael Belle, and Brandon Jennings have been dominant on that end. Seton Hall has been a terrible offensive team so far this year, so I'm expecting the Rams to start making an announcement to the country.
Vanderbilt vs Nevada: Vanderbilt defeated Cal at home last week, and now has a chance to run against Nevada. Interested to see how they guard Kobe Sanders.
Myrtle Beach Invitational
Ohio vs Middle Tennessee: Watch out for Jestin Porter at MTSU and AJ Brown at Ohio
South Florida vs Portland: I picked the Bulls for the Silversword
Bradley vs Texas State: This event should be a great test for the Braves' defense without Malevy Leons.
Princeton vs Wright State: Princeton is the best team in this event - if they come to play.
Boardwalk Battle
UIC vs James Madison: Can the Flames build off of their Yale win?
East Carolina vs Jacksonville State: If you haven't watched RJ Felton, you're missing out.
Toledo vs Stetson: This game might have 200 combined points.
La Salle vs UC San Diego: Easily the most intriguing game of the tournament for me. The Explorers are undefeated, and UC San Diego is one of the favorites in this tournament.
Legends Classic
Syracuse vs Texas: Orange-off!
Texas Tech vs Saint Joseph's: JT Toppin is going to dominate this MTE.
Baha Mar Hoops
Baylor vs St. John's: Really fascinating battle of two teams with completely different identities.
Tennessee vs Virginia: Should be a pretty easy Vols win