Pre-Season Tourney

[SLCPoke]

Word on the other board is the Pokes will be playing in a preseason tourney next year in Las Vegas...anyone else heard anything? I've done a little digging, and it appears there are 3 options with currently "confirmed" teams shown below. I believe it was phrased "pre-conference" which may point to the Las Vegas Invitational? I personally think that is the one it would be based on teams currently invited (which could mean nothing). http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MGM Grand Main Event (Finals November 23rd,25th)
Clemson, Creighton, Georgia, UMass, 4-8 teams TBA

Las Vegas Invitational (Finals November 26th-27th)
San Diego State, West Virginia, 6 teams TBA

Las Vegas Classic (Finals December 22nd-23rd)
Colorado, Kent State, Penn State, SMU, 4 teams TBA

 

[LanderPoke]

Wish we could have played in one of those this year.

 

[kansasCowboy]

Some of those teams listed would definitely boost up our RPI, and be good exposure for a young team.

 

[cali2wyo]

It seems like playing conference members during the nonconference period is kinda taboo. So for that I think the invitational is not happening since SDSU is there. Does anyone know if it is allowed? Is it different if it's a neutral site vs. home/away? When was the last time UW did it?

 

[McPeachy]

If it happens...and that is still an "if" - it won't be against any MWC teams, I promise you that.

 

[ItSucksToBeACSURam]

I'd be shocked if we played in a tournament with other MWC schools...Thankfully looking at that list, there are quite a few tournaments and showcases! I think this is a fantastic idea for a team looking to reload against some lower level teams and some quality opponents. Something like this will help come conference far more than that cupcake tour we had this past season. Love this.

 

[stymeman]

I wish we'd open up some kind of Front Range tourney at Pepsi Center in Denver, there's lots of Alumni down there and could make for interesting watching even if the teams aren't stellar, something to think about

 

[BeaverPoke]

I wish we'd open up some kind of Front Range tourney at Pepsi Center in Denver, there's lots of Alumni down there and could make for interesting watching even if the teams aren't stellar, something to think about

Screw that. That's the whole point is to play better teams not just stay close to Laramie.

 

[joshvanklomp]

It seems like playing conference members during the nonconference period is kinda taboo. So for that I think the invitational is not happening since SDSU is there. Does anyone know if it is allowed? Is it different if it's a neutral site vs. home/away? When was the last time UW did it?

Just because SDSU is at the invitational, doesn't mean we'd play them.

 

[BeaverPoke]

Would be sweet to beat CU again after they decided they are sick of losing to us and cancelled the series.

 

[BeaverPoke]

It seems like playing conference members during the nonconference period is kinda taboo. So for that I think the invitational is not happening since SDSU is there. Does anyone know if it is allowed? Is it different if it's a neutral site vs. home/away? When was the last time UW did it?

Just because SDSU is at the invitational, doesn't mean we'd play them.

Dude...

 

[joshvanklomp]

After moving away from the true semifinal/final format due to the fact that participants UCLA and Missouri were already due to play a game during the regular season (won by Missouri), the Las Vegas Invitational will return to the traditional format this coming November.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/27/report-las-vegas-invitational-semifinal-matchups-set/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[stymeman]

I wish we'd open up some kind of Front Range tourney at Pepsi Center in Denver, there's lots of Alumni down there and could make for interesting watching even if the teams aren't stellar, something to think about

Screw that. That's the whole point is to play better teams not just stay close to Laramie.

not what I'm saying, use Denver as a platform to get other teams in here, just sponsored by Front Range Schools

 

[BeaverPoke]

I wish we'd open up some kind of Front Range tourney at Pepsi Center in Denver, there's lots of Alumni down there and could make for interesting watching even if the teams aren't stellar, something to think about

Screw that. That's the whole point is to play better teams not just stay close to Laramie.

not what I'm saying, use Denver as a platform to get other teams in here, just sponsored by Front Range Schools

Well I think we could get someone like CU and Denver to get involved. Kansas and Nebraska could come since they are regional. Kansas fans would likely bring a big crowd. Maybe get Mizzou too since there is some history with Kansas, CU, and Nebraska and they are all in different conferences now. Hell bring in Witchita State as well.

I agree that there is potential to have a legit tourney at the Pepsi Center, but the teams involved is what truly matters for me.

I would be willing for Wyo to go to the Bahamas Tourney and play Florida and Louisville and UConn over playing in Laramie/Casper/Denver against Stetson, FAMU, Southern, NMSU, MTSU.

 

[stymeman]

it's just a thought, or even having games in places like, Salt Lake, for Western Wyoming fans, Idaho St, Billings for Northern, and I liked the Rapid City thing a few years back, it's way to get those that it's a bit too far to come to Laramie for, again no real answer, just thinking

 

[SLCPoke]

It seems like playing conference members during the nonconference period is kinda taboo. So for that I think the invitational is not happening since SDSU is there. Does anyone know if it is allowed? Is it different if it's a neutral site vs. home/away? When was the last time UW did it?

Definitely meant Las Vegas Classic, not invitational.

 

[WestWYOPoke]

it's just a thought, or even having games in places like, Salt Lake, for Western Wyoming fans, Idaho St, Billings for Northern, and I liked the Rapid City thing a few years back, it's way to get those that it's a bit too far to come to Laramie for, again no real answer, just thinking

The only issue with those places would be attracting quality teams to come play. The majority of these tourneys are put on by tourism boards, hotels, businesses, etc. to attract attention and, most importantly, tourism dollars. By bringing in 4-8 big teams, you are hopefully bringing a bunch of their fans that will want to come and spend money. In return, the tournament offers a nice payment to each school for attending.

No one is going to want to go to a tourney in Salt Lake, Billings, etc. So the tourney couldn't offer much of a payment for schools to attend, and in return they wouldn't get any teams that would be entertaining to watch.

Think about it, where are all these tourneys at (for the most part)...Vegas, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Bahamas...tourism destinations.

 

[joshvanklomp]

The only issue with those places would be attracting quality teams to come play. The majority of these tourneys are put on by tourism boards, hotels, businesses, etc. to attract attention and, most importantly, tourism dollars. By bringing in 4-8 big teams, you are hopefully bringing a bunch of their fans that will want to come and spend money. In return, the tournament offers a nice payment to each school for attending.

No one is going to want to go to a tourney in Salt Lake, Billings, etc. So the tourney couldn't offer much of a payment for schools to attend, and in return they wouldn't get any teams that would be entertaining to watch.

Think about it, where are all these tourneys at (for the most part)...Vegas, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Bahamas...tourism destinations.

The only counter I'd say to that is that Sioux Falls, SD, has hosted the following games: Wisconsin-St Johns, Wichita State-Memphis and next year Iowa State-Colorado.

It's not the city that's the draw though, its a new state-of-the-art facility.