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Lea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” People are also reading... MTE Madness The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Notre Dame takes on Chaminade during the first half of a 2017 game in Lahaina, Hawaii. Marco Garcia, AP File Atlantis rising Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Popular demand Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo argues a call during the first half of a Nov. 16 game against Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan. Mizzo is making his fourth trip to Maui. Carlos Osorio, Associated Press Packed schedule The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii. Sports Week in Photos: Tyson vs. Paul, Nadal, and more Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Manu Fernandez A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Santiago Mazzarovich Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Altaf Qadri Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Antonio Calanni Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Brynn Anderson Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Nam Y. Huh India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Themba Hadebe Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Lindsey Wasson Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Charlie Riedel A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) Matilde Campodonico People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Ariana Cubillos Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Tamuna Kulumbegashvili Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Ellen Schmidt Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Luca Bruno Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Carolyn Kaster President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Thibault Camus Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Manu Fernandez St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Pamela Smith England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Kin Cheung Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Lynne Sladky UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Ben McKeown Be the first to knowMarshall's 17 lead Albany over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 93-50The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers
Assane Diop isn’t necessarily filling up the box scores for the Colorado men’s basketball team. But he’s finding his niche providing steady, all-around minutes for the Buffaloes. Diop assumed a starting role for CU after two games, taking over a spot that had been filled by Bangot Dak out of the gate. At this point, though, the pair of sophomore forwards are packing an intriguing one-two punch for the Buffs. While Dak is coming off a career-high 16 points in Saturday’s rivalry win against Colorado State, Diop made equally significant contributions to the victory, finishing with eight rebounds and three assists without a turnover in 17 minutes. At one point during the first half of the win against CSU, Diop had played only six minutes but had recorded three points, three assists, three rebounds and two blocked shots. Diop has recorded only one turnover in the past four games. “He rebounds the ball. He gives you everything he’s got on defense. He’s a ball-mover on offense,” CU head coach Tad Boyle said. “He’s not looking to get his. He’s just looking to make the right play. He made some really nice passes (against CSU) early in the game. He can make an open shot. “Assane plays within himself, and he plays his role. As a coach, you appreciate that. Some guys are trying to do things that they can’t do, and they’re getting themselves in trouble. For the most part, (Diop) doesn’t turn the ball over. He was earlier, in practice and some scrimmages. He’s gotten better at it.” Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson swept the latest Big 12 weekly awards announced on Monday, as the Cyclones moved up three spots to No. 3 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25. Gilbert was named the player of the week after keying a huge win for ISU against then-No. 5 Marquette, recording 24 points and seven assists. Gilbert added 16 points, five assists and four rebounds in a win against Jackson State. Jefferson landed the newcomer of the week honor after recording a pair of double-doubles, including a 7-for-10 showing with 15 points and 12 rebounds against Marquette. Iowa State, which routed CU at the Maui Invitational two weeks ago, opens Big 12 play at the CU Events Center on Dec. 30. There was a scoring change from Saturday’s game that altered one of Dak’s turnovers, instead giving it to Andrej Jakimovski. That left Dak with only two turnovers instead of three as he saw a streak of five turnover-free games come to an end. ... CU owns a 3-0 lead in the series with South Dakota State, which visits the CU Events Center on Friday night (7 p.m., ESPN+). ... The last meeting between the Buffs and South Dakota State was a memorable one, with CU posting a 112-103 double-overtime win in on Dec. 15, 2017, powered by 30 points and 11 assists from McKinley Wright IV. ... Following Iowa State at No. 3, the other Big 12 representatives in this week’s top 25 are Kansas, which dropped from the top spot to No. 10; Houston, up two spots to No. 15; and Cincinnati, which dropped eight spots to No. 22.
The Size Of The Fluoropolymer Coating Market Is Projected To Reach $2.34 Billion By 2028, With A CAGR Of 5.2%There is no problem with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visiting Hawaii, Guam, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau as tensions between the United States and China continue to brew, according to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) delegate to the US Congressman Gregorio Sablan. "Look, Taiwan's president is visiting countries in the region that support Taiwan. I don't find anything wrong with that. The United States is part of that. We support Taiwan," he said. Before heading to Guam, Lai already visited Hawaii, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, and also has plans to a make a final stopover to Palau. Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, and Palau are three Pacific Island countries that are among 12 other governments that recognise Taiwan diplomatically. "Taiwan's three allies and US stops we are making stopovers share the same universal values with Taiwan which is democracy, freedom, and human rights," Lai said while addressing CNMI and Guam stakeholders during a luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Guam. "We are all partners working together to contribute to the peace and stability of the world. That is why every person I have met during the trip whether it was a handshake or a hug, we encouraged each other I felt deeply connected to them," he said. Lai added visiting the Marianas, as well as Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshalls, in a way, also reconnects Taiwan to their fellow Austronesian brethren in the Pacific. "This is my first official overseas trip since my inauguration on May 20, we are making a trip to our diplomatic allies. "The three Pacific allies we're visiting and the places we are making stopovers at share the same Austronesian roots with Taiwan, so we are one big family. Everywhere I go during this trip, I feel deeply connected to the local people." CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios, who flew to Guam to attend the luncheon along with members of the CNMI Leguislature, expressed his gratitude that he was invited to join the historic occasion. "It is indeed an honor for us to join Governor Lou Guerrero in honoring President Lai to the Mariana Islands. We share a distinct identity with the people of Guam with the only difference being politically," he said. "But we are all Americans. We share a distinct common value with Taiwan. That is democracy, friendship, cultural similarities, changes and we look forward to an enduring relationship despite the geopolitical environment we now live in. We continue to support Taiwan in making sure that our democracy across the region continues and endures." Leon Guerrero said the theme of Lai's Pacific trip, "Smart and Sustainable Developments for a Prosperous Austronesian Region," is one that deeply aligns with the goals and vision of her own people." "Like you, we recognise the importance of innovations and sustainability as key drivers of prosperity, particularly for island nations whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health of our environment and the strength of our communities. She said as small islands navigating a vast and complex world, "our strength lies in unity." "Like a school of fish moving in synchronized harmony, we are more resilient and agile when we work together. Together we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities propelling our region toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. "As leaders, we are entrusted with the responsibility to uplift our people. To provide quality of life to our people, to empower our communities and ensure that progress is inclusive and enduring," she said. During the Guam luncheon, the CNMI Legislature also handed Lai a commemorative Senate and House resolution. It read that Lai has been a steadfast advocate for peace, stability, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region, and a champion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and his strong advocacy for democratic values and human rights aligns with the CNMI's own commitment to these principles. "The CNMI and Taiwan share a deep and enduring friendship built on shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity and the CNMI recognizes the important role that Taiwan plays in the global economy, particularly in the areas of technology. manufacturing. and healthcare," the resolution stated. It added that the CNMI reaffirms her strong support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCO).From Caribbean favourites to everyday vegetarian recipes: Observer Food Monthly’s best food books of 2024