Maui Invitational unveils 2021 field
Four teams ranked in this year’s final Associated Press Top 25 rankings will be headed to the Valley Isle in 2021.
Oregon, Wisconsin, Houston and Bulter are among the eight teams set to compete in next year’s Maui Jim Maui Invitational — the 38th edition of the men’s college basketball tournament is scheduled for Nov. 22-24, 2021 at the Lahaina Civic Center.
The field, which was unveiled Friday, also includes host Chaminade, Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Texas A&M.
“The Maui Jim Maui Invitational strives to bring the best college basketball teams and talent to the island of Maui year after year,” tournament chairman Dave Odom said in a press release. “The 2021 field is no exception, and we are extremely excited to welcome these teams to the Lahaina Civic Center.”
Oregon finished at No. 13 in the AP poll with a 24-7 record. The Ducks will be making their third appearance in the Maui field.
Wisconsin (21-10, No. 17 in the final poll) is returning to the Valley Isle for the fourth time, while Houston (23-8, No. 22) and Butler (22-9, No. 23) will be competing in the Maui Invitational for the second time.
The only past winner in the field is Notre Dame — the Fighting Irish won it all in their last appearance here, defeating Wichita State 67-66 in the 2017 Maui final.
This year’s tournament, scheduled for Nov. 23-25, includes North Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Alabama, Davidson, Providence, Stanford and UNLV.