2019 Men's Paradise Jam

Paradise Jam Primer: Cincinnati, Nevada Headline Annual Event

Paradise Jam Primer: Cincinnati, Nevada Headline Annual Event

The 2019 Men's Paradise Jam is live on FloHoops, so get your popcorn ready — and, of course, study up on the need-to-know facts in advance.

Nov 21, 2019 by Kolby Paxton
Paradise Jam Primer: Cincinnati, Nevada Headline Annual Event

If you’re like us, you’ve developed a grass-is-always-greener approach to the seasons.

Two months ago, we anxiously awaited the falling temperatures that accompany the arrival of autumn. Today? A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands is sounding pretty good.

Watch the 2019 Paradise Jam LIVE on FloHoops

But — if you’re like us — that’s not in the cards. Highways and a home full of relatives? Sure. Beaches and swim-up bars? Not so much.

Unlike us, eight noteworthy men’s basketball programs are headed for paradise — quite literally in fact — as Cincinnati, Nevada, Valparaiso, Grand Canyon, Fordham, Illinois State, Bowling Green and the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky make their way to Paradise Jam.

Just because we can’t join ‘em, doesn’t mean we can’t watch ‘em, of course. Each game of the three-day event will be streamed live and in color on FloHoops.com and the FloSports app.

Here’s what you need to know before you fire up the Roku.

Steve Alford’s The Captain Now

Life After Muss (L.A.S.) has been a bit tricky for Nevada in the Wolfpack’s first season following former head coach Eric Musselman’s departure for Arkansas, but it hasn’t been without high points.

The new leader of the pack, Steve Alford, signed a 10-year deal with Nevada in April, providing some clarity regarding the foreseeable direction of the program. That was good.

A 4-1 start to the season — the lone hiccup a five-point loss to formidable Utah — was even better. But the Wolfpack descend upon paradise on a mission to get back on track after suffering back-to-back losses to USC and Davidson on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively.

Jazz Johnson and Lindsey Drew have been major bright spots for Nevada thus far. Johnson enters Paradise Jam averaging 18.2 points per game, while shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Drew is shooting 43 percent from deep, has 25 assists over five games, and has emerged as the clear No. 2 scorer, averaging 17.4 points per game over that span.

Put Some Respect On Cincy’s Name

Despite being fresh off of 28 wins and a 7-seed in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Cincinnati embarks upon the 2019-20 season with modest outside expectations — and acclaim.

The unranked Bearcats arrive in St. Thomas to face Illinois State with a 2-1 mark, having lost only their opener to No. 18 Ohio State before blowing out Drake and Alabama A&M.

Through three games, John Brannen's team has struck remarkable balance on the offensive end with six players averaging at least 8 points per contest. Keep an eye on Jaevin Cumberland and Keith Williams, both of whom have emerged as long distance snipers for UC.

Mid-Majors, Big Trouble

The 2019 Paradise Jam is rounded out by a bevy of dangerous mid-major programs who won’t just threaten the likes of Nevada and Cincinnati this week, but who also have aspirations for far greater success in about four months.

Valparaiso returns to St. Thomas after taking part in the event 11 years ago. Valpo is off to a 3-1 start for the fifth time in six years, thanks in large part to the contributions of Javon Freeman-Liberty.

Western Kentucky enters at 4-0 on the heels of a 20-win 2018-19 campaign, while Bowling Green stands at 3-1 — the lone loss coming by nine points at the hands of No. 22 LSU.

And, of course, the event features Dan Majerle-led Grand Canyon, fresh off of 20 wins and a CBI appearance a season ago. The ‘Lopes have hit some bumps early in the season, but GCU remains a low-major program on the rise.

Ladies & Gentlemen, The Bracket (Courtesy Of Nevada Hoops)

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