The Bad Boys Mowers Men’s Battle 4 Atlantis basketball tournament has grown to become one of the top early season National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball tournaments. This year they are celebrating its tenth year and the coaches are happy to be a part of it.
Set to make the trip to play at the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort November 24-26 are Arizona State University Sun Devils, Auburn University Tigers, Baylor University Bears, University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, Loyola University Chicago Ramblers, Michigan State University Spartans, Syracuse University Orange, Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.
This year’s men’s field includes four Top 25 pre-season teams including the defending national champions – Baylor Bears. Amongst this group, there are a combined nine NCAA National Championships and two Hall of Fame coaches in Tom Izzo and Jim Boeheim.
This year’s men’s field includes three Top 25 pre-season Associated Press teams including the defending national champions – the Bears. Amongst this group, there are a combined nine NCAA National Championships and two Hall of Fame coaches in Tom Izzo and Jim Boeheim.
The Bears are the highest ranked team that is coming to the tournament. They are ranked number eight on the list after ending the season at third overall on the rankings last season. They took down the Gonzaga University 86-70 in the championship game to spoil Gonzaga from becoming the first undefeated national champion since 1976.
Head coach Scott Drew and the Bears are back for a second time after winning the tournament in 2016.
“The Battle 4 Atlantis is always one of the best tournaments in college basketball. Our players, coaches, and fans had an incredible experience when we made our first trip in 2016 and battled back from 20 points down to beat Louisville in the championship game. We’re grateful to Atlantis for hosting such an amazing event, and we look forward to competing against some of the nation’s top teams in one of the most unique college basketball venues,” Drew said.
They will be looking to join Villanova as the only two-time champion of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.
The closest ranked team to the Bears are the Tigers who came in at number 22 on the list. Auburn posted a 13-14 win/loss record last season. Head coach Bruce Pearl said that the program worked hard to be in a position to play in an event like Battle 4 Atlantis.
“I’ve played in a lot of good tournaments, but this is as good of an event with as good of a field as I’ve been a part of. I know our players, coaches, staff and the Auburn family that will travel to The Bahamas for Thanksgiving are excited to be a part of this great tournament,” Pearl said.
Making their second appearance and looking for its first Battle 4 Atlantis title are the Huskies. They competed in the inaugural event back in 2011 and then returned in 2015. They are ranked at number 24 on the list.
“We are excited for the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving Week together, giving us a chance to further bond as a team in a setting as beautiful as the Bahamas. And we are honored to compete in the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis against this outstanding field of teams. It will provide us with a tremendous early-season challenge as we prepare for the remainder of the season,” said Hurley.
Boheim’s Syracuse and Izzo’s Spartans squads return for a second time in the tournament’s history. Syracuse will also be looking at joining Villanova as a two-time champion after taking home the title in 2015 with a 74-67 victory over Texas A&M.
“Our program is looking forward with great anticipation to the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis. We had such a great experience the other time we participated, in 2015. Winning the event that season played a tremendous role in our team improving and ultimately advancing to the Final Four. The Battle4 Atlantis annually includes some of the top teams in college basketball in a beautiful setting. I know our players, staff, and fans will enjoy Paradise Island in November,” Boheim said.
In addition to the men’s tournament, organizers have launched the first Bad Boy Mowers Women’s Battle 4 Atlantis basketball tournament set to take place November 20-22 at the same location.
Playing in that tournament are the University at Buffalo Bulls, the Huskies, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the University of Oregon Ducks, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, the University of South Florida Bulls and the Orange.
The post Teams excited for B4A’s 10th year appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/teams-excited-for-b4as-10th-year/
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