U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Division I Men)Nov 16, 2016 by Brett Regan
Paradise Jam Early-Season Team Breakdowns
Paradise Jam Early-Season Team Breakdowns
Catch breakdowns of the entire 2016 Paradise Jam field
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The season isn't even two weeks old, but the madness has already started. From Creighton pulling off a massive upset Tuesday night to some Power Five teams needing late pushes to win, there has been no shortage of drama, and it all comes together at the University of Virgin Islands this weekend for the annual Paradise Jam. What's the skinny on each team participating? FloHoops has you covered.
Record: 2-0
Leading Scorer(s): Marcus Foster, Khryi Thomas, Maurice Watson Jr. (17 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH CREIGHTON
Fresh off an impressive 79-67 win over No. 9 Wisconsin at home, there's no doubt Creighton heads into the Paradise Jam as the hottest team. Point guard Maurice Watson is the floor general who runs the show, but Kansas State transfer and bucket-getter Marcus Foster as well as Khyri Thomas help make this a dangerous backcourt to thrive in this tournament and beyond.
Record: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Milton Doyle (16.6 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH LOYOLA-CHICAGO
It has been a cakewalk for the Ramblers so far this season with comfortable wins by 25, 49, and 38 points. Those were all at home. This weekend's neutral site and playing better competition, including Saint Joseph's in the opening round, will be a much better test for Loyola-Chicago forward Milton Doyle, Iowa State transfer Clayton Custer, and company.
Record: 2-0
Leading Scorer(s): Terry Henderson, Ted Kapita, Maverick Rowan (17 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH THE WOLFPACK
An early scare from Georgia Southern this past week was probably not the start N.C. State was looking for this season. But the Wolfpack are as talented and balanced as any team at the Paradise Jam. With six players averaging over 11 points per game, there's no doubt this squad can score, and perhaps the close call helped N.C. State get battle-tested. Abdul-Malik Abu and Dennis Smith haven't even hit their strides yet, which only adds to the intrigue.
Record: 1-1
Leading Scorer: Jalen Bradley (15 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH ORAL ROBERTS
There's no shame in getting beat by Baylor on the road. After all, the Bears just upset No. 4 Oregon earlier this week. And while it hasn't been a great start offensively in the opening two contests, there are some pieces to have a nice showing throughout the tournament.
Record: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Deandre Burnett (17.5 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH OLE MISS
The good news is the Rebels can certainly put up points at a good clip. The bad news is they haven't been under great control at all, committing 40 turnovers total in the first two games and had to be gritty to escape UMass. Miami (FL) transfer Deandre Burnett is great at attacking and getting to the line, while others such as Sebastian Saiz have a bigger role this season. If Ole Miss takes care of the ball, it can be very fun to watch.
Record: 0-2
Leading Scorer: Rorie Ahmadd (15.5 ppg)
HOW TO WATCH MONTANA
It's been a rough start for Montana as it enters the Paradise Jam as the only winless team. Losing at USC is one thing, but dropping a nail-biter to Wyoming 73-72 at home is tough to get any early-season momentum.
Record: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Shavar Newkirk (22.5 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH SAINT JOSEPH'S
After blowing out Columbia, the Hawks inched out Toledo at home just before the tournament. The close games seem to be a common thread here. However, Shaver Newirk, although not the biggest player, is tough and can help push Saint Joseph's over the hump when needed.
Record: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Josh Hawkinson (17.0 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH WSU
Having to come back from a six-point halftime deficit against a feisty directional school in Central Washington probably wasn't the plan, but here are the Cougars, looking to make a statement in the non-conference slate. There's no better chance than the first night in getting nationally ranked Creighton, either, so expect a large crowd to help boost Josh Hawkinson and company.
No. 22 CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS
Head Coach: Greg McDermottRecord: 2-0
Leading Scorer(s): Marcus Foster, Khryi Thomas, Maurice Watson Jr. (17 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH CREIGHTON
Fresh off an impressive 79-67 win over No. 9 Wisconsin at home, there's no doubt Creighton heads into the Paradise Jam as the hottest team. Point guard Maurice Watson is the floor general who runs the show, but Kansas State transfer and bucket-getter Marcus Foster as well as Khyri Thomas help make this a dangerous backcourt to thrive in this tournament and beyond.
LOYOLA-CHICAGO RAMBLERS
Head Coach: Porter MoserRecord: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Milton Doyle (16.6 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH LOYOLA-CHICAGO
It has been a cakewalk for the Ramblers so far this season with comfortable wins by 25, 49, and 38 points. Those were all at home. This weekend's neutral site and playing better competition, including Saint Joseph's in the opening round, will be a much better test for Loyola-Chicago forward Milton Doyle, Iowa State transfer Clayton Custer, and company.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK
Head Coach: Mark GottfriedRecord: 2-0
Leading Scorer(s): Terry Henderson, Ted Kapita, Maverick Rowan (17 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH THE WOLFPACK
An early scare from Georgia Southern this past week was probably not the start N.C. State was looking for this season. But the Wolfpack are as talented and balanced as any team at the Paradise Jam. With six players averaging over 11 points per game, there's no doubt this squad can score, and perhaps the close call helped N.C. State get battle-tested. Abdul-Malik Abu and Dennis Smith haven't even hit their strides yet, which only adds to the intrigue.
ORAL ROBERTS GOLDEN EAGLES
Head Coach: Scott SuttonRecord: 1-1
Leading Scorer: Jalen Bradley (15 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH ORAL ROBERTS
There's no shame in getting beat by Baylor on the road. After all, the Bears just upset No. 4 Oregon earlier this week. And while it hasn't been a great start offensively in the opening two contests, there are some pieces to have a nice showing throughout the tournament.
OLE MISS REBELS
Head Coach: Andy KennedyRecord: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Deandre Burnett (17.5 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH OLE MISS
The good news is the Rebels can certainly put up points at a good clip. The bad news is they haven't been under great control at all, committing 40 turnovers total in the first two games and had to be gritty to escape UMass. Miami (FL) transfer Deandre Burnett is great at attacking and getting to the line, while others such as Sebastian Saiz have a bigger role this season. If Ole Miss takes care of the ball, it can be very fun to watch.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES
Head Coach: Travis DeCuireRecord: 0-2
Leading Scorer: Rorie Ahmadd (15.5 ppg)
HOW TO WATCH MONTANA
It's been a rough start for Montana as it enters the Paradise Jam as the only winless team. Losing at USC is one thing, but dropping a nail-biter to Wyoming 73-72 at home is tough to get any early-season momentum.
SAINT JOSEPH'S HAWKS
Head Coach: Phil MartelliRecord: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Shavar Newkirk (22.5 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH SAINT JOSEPH'S
After blowing out Columbia, the Hawks inched out Toledo at home just before the tournament. The close games seem to be a common thread here. However, Shaver Newirk, although not the biggest player, is tough and can help push Saint Joseph's over the hump when needed.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
Head Coach: Ernie KentRecord: 2-0
Leading Scorer: Josh Hawkinson (17.0 ppg.)
HOW TO WATCH WSU
Having to come back from a six-point halftime deficit against a feisty directional school in Central Washington probably wasn't the plan, but here are the Cougars, looking to make a statement in the non-conference slate. There's no better chance than the first night in getting nationally ranked Creighton, either, so expect a large crowd to help boost Josh Hawkinson and company.