LAHAINA, Hawaii -- On Sunday morning, the Pacific Ocean's violent waves crashed against the edge of the Hawaiian island that will host the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, the most notable and intriguing tournament of the holiday season.
Duke, Auburn, Iowa State, Arizona, Illinois, Xavier, Gonzaga and San Diego State will all battle at the Lahaina Civic Center in the event that begins Monday.
Duke will enter this tournament as America's most imposing team. Its 34-point win over Kentucky in the Championship Classic, the most lopsided loss of John Calipari's career, announced to the world that Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish and the Blue Devils must be reckoned with on the road to the national tile.