Christopher Szagola-US PRESSWIRE
Besides the annual bracket-busting NCAA Tournament in March, early season tournaments may be the most exciting aspect of the College Basketball season. Fortunately for CAA Basketball fans, there will be plenty of excitement to go around as 10 of 11 teams in the conference are set to compete in early season competition. CAA Correspondent, Jake Fischer, will be previewing all 10 teams’ chances to compete in their respective Preseason competitions.
The Drexel Dragons will represent the Colonial Athletic Association in the Anaheim Classic this November. From the 22-25, the Dragons will compete in Anaheim, CA on November 22-23, 25.
The tournament will consist of three rounds: The Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the Finals. Consolation games will also be a part of each round, guaranteeing each participating team will play 3 games.
Drexel is one of eight teams participating in the tournament. The other competitors will be California (Pac-12) Drake (Missouri Valley) Georgia Tech (ACC) Pacific (Big West) Rice (C-USA) St. Mary’s (WCC) Xavier (A-10).
The Dragons will play St. Mary’s in their Quarterfinal matchup. The Gaels easily won the West Coast last season and earned a big to the NCAA Tournament and are returning their leading scorer and assist man from last season in senior guard Matthew Dellavedova. Drexel should be able to match with their bevy of effective guards including Damion Lee, Frantz Massenat and Derrick Thomas.
Even though the Semifinal matchup contests have not been made public yet, if Drexel can overcome St. Mary’s they will most likely take on the winner of the Xavier-Pacific Quarterfinal matchup.
Overall, if the Dragons are able to reach the tournament Finals, they will make a big statement, solidifying that they are a viable threat to defend their Regular Season CAA crown.
Jake Fischer is the CAA Correspondent for Rant Sports-NCAA Basketball. Make sure to follow Jake on Twitter @fischsportsline.
