MORE SUPER FIELDS AHEAD FOR MAUI INVITATIONAL

(Nov. 20): I'll be the first to admit that I've become spoiled when it comes to the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Year in, year out, there isn't an early-season tournament held on a single site that attracts better fields and provides more quality basketball than does this annual event held within the intimate confines of the Lahaina Civic Center.

This year's 25th anniversary event, which tips off a three-day run on Monday morning, is no exception. In addition to unanimous pre-season No. 1 North Carolina, led by reigning player of the year Tyler Hansbrough, this year's field also includes seventh-ranked Texas and No. 8 Notre Dame, led by pre-season All-America and reigning Big East player of the year Luke Harangody.

And the quality of the competition will remain high for the next two years. The 2009 field includes the likes of Gonzaga, Louisville, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Marland and Arizona. The 2010 field, which was announced yesterday, will feature U-Conn, Kentucky, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington.

Back to this year's event: All 12 games will be aired on Maui's ESPN 550 and televised on one of the various ESPN networks. The first-round match-ups: St. Joseph's vs. Texas at 10 a.m.; Indiana vs. Notre Dame at 12:30, North Carolina vs. host Chaminade at 4:30, and Oregon vs. Alabama at 7 p.m.

Ho, hum. Just another killer field for the Maui Invitational.

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