College basketball, once plagued by scheduling issues, is finally able to provide the public with high-profile games early in the season.
This increase in nationally ranked non-conference competition and the expansion of multi-team events (MTEs) are attracting more spectators.
College basketball is full of exciting tournaments this month, from the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis to the Legends Classic and Paradise Jam.
There are two reasons why I'm on the UAB Blazers and can win Paradise Jam at +350 (FanDuel Sportsbook). It's about paths and people.
Let's start with the roads in St. Thomas.
Paradise Jam predictions
The Blazers will use a bracket to lock it into the opener against Longwood.
The Lancers had a disappointing regular season last spring with a 6-10 record in conference play, followed by a shocking showing in the Big South Tournament.
They got hot late and took car bids from High Point and UNC Asheville.
This season, their backcourt is filled with talented transfers from schools like Davidson, Drake, St. Bonaventure and Tennessee.
However, the driving force behind their offense appears to be D-II transfer KJ McClurg, who should struggle when checked by the experienced UAB backcourt.
The question is whether Longwood can keep up with a UAB offense that ranked in the top 60 in KenPom last season and returns five elite mid-major starters.
If the Blazers get past Longwood, it will tie the winner of Illinois State vs. McNeese.
Assuming McNeese wins, UAB will play well against Will Wade's team.
The Cowboys are still exploring options at point guard, as Shahada Wells is playing professionally overseas.
Wells was lethal on the 3-point shot last season and helped encourage open looks for shooters. The result was a top 10 finish with 3-point accuracy.
The lack of a true point guard to start the offense was on full display in McNeese's opening game, a seven-point loss to South Dakota State.
I think UAB will win on the road if they choose to build their offense around forward Christian Shumate.
Jaksel Lendeborg won the Defensive POY award at last year's AAC and should neutralize McNeese's best offensive option in the low block.
Two wins would advance the Blazers to the Paradise Jam title game, where they would likely tie either Liberty State or Kansas State. The Blazers will likely be 4 or 5 point dogs for K-State.
If they tie Liberty, UAB will be a one-possession favorite, according to Evan Miya's predictions.
Either way, a hedging opportunity exists if UAB reaches the title game.
The Blazers' strong history, combined with Lendeborg's good news, is why I can't pass them up at this price.
Lendeborg is a borderline All-American who can impact the game on the glass as a rim defender and volume scorer.
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He is a walk-double and has recorded two or more blocks in six of his last eight games since last spring.
He's also good at drawing fouls, which could be the difference in drawing McNeese's Shoemate or K-State's Coleman Hawkins.
Rendeborg arrived last season with the 17th highest grade among mid-major bigs.
So whether it's filling up the stat sheet or sending opposing bigs to the bench, he's arguably the most impactful player in this tournament.
This point spread went up from +300 after UAB lost to Vermont.
However, the Catamounts will likely spend most of this season in the top 100, so this is far from a “bad loss” for the Blazers.
It's time to buy cheap at UAB.
Pick: UAB Blazers win Paradise Jam at +350 (FanDuel Sportsbook))
Why trust New York Post Betting?
Mike Calabrese is a handicapper for the New York Post, focusing on college sports. His betting advice often centers around situational spots such as travel, breaks, and elevation changes.
