What Are Some of the Key Storylines Leading to the 2025 Maui Invitational?
The 2025 Maui Invitational is set to bring some of college basketball’s most intriguing matchups to the islands, with a strong field featuring Arizona State, Boise State, Seton Hall, Texas, USC, NC State, Washington State, and host team Chaminade. With so much talent on display, the early-season tournament will provide fans with a glimpse of which teams might contend deep into the season. Talent isn’t the only thing on display. The true talents are coaches Bobby Hurley, Sean Miller, Eric Musselman, Will Wade, and David Riley.
Which Coaches Will Shine?
One of the biggest storylines will be Will Wade’s first real test at NC State. Wade’s squad features returning talent like Derrion Williams, Quadir Copeland, and Tre Holloman, and the Maui Invitational will be the first chance to see how these pieces come together under his leadership. NC State has a balanced roster and a veteran presence that could make them tough to beat in the early-season spotlight. Personally, they are my pick to win this year’s tournament, with Wade’s coaching experience giving them an edge. Texas, under Sean Miller, will also be a team to watch. The Longhorns have added key pieces such as Jordan Pope, Camden Heide, and Tramon Mark, and Miller’s approach will be tested against some of the tournament’s tougher competition. How quickly Texas adapts to Miller’s system could shape its trajectory for the season. USC boasts a talented lineup that was supposed to be led by the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah Arenas, who was unfortunately injured in the preseason. Rodney Rice and Chad Baker-Mazzara are two veteran players that Musselman will lean on for scoring and leadership. Their combination of skill and athleticism makes them a dangerous team, capable of upsets if they can find consistency. Arizona State, meanwhile, will look to Anthony “Pig” Johnson to fill the void left by Jayden Quaintence, who transferred to Kentucky. The Sun Devils will need Johnson to step up immediately to remain competitive against the deep field.
Who Is “Must Watch?”
Boise State, Seton Hall, Washington State, and host Chaminade round out the field, each with its own storylines and potential to surprise. While the tournament favors teams with experience and cohesion, Maui is known for producing unexpected results, making every game a must-watch. As the teams touch down in Hawaii, all eyes will be on NC State and Will Wade to see if they can live up to the early hype. With a loaded field and plenty of individual talent across the board, the 2025 Maui Invitational promises high-stakes basketball and a preview of what’s to come this college basketball season.
