Surfing: Apparently they do this in Hawaii.

Great news, hoopheads: The Maui Invitational field, along with the fields for the Old Spice Classic and something called the Anaheim Classic, was announced yesterday. Sure, you're thinking, great -- a preseason tournament field. That's the best you can do for us, Eamonn?

Madam or sir, I beg to differ. First of all, tell me you didn't just get a little excited right now. I don't believe you. Second, the announcement of the Maui Invitational field means we're only like 100 days from the start of actual college basketball action, and if you carry the one and don't count the weekends and round up and divide the multiplier and other math stuff that's only like four days. We're almost there! Sort of!

So let's celebrate. Check below the jump for an entirely premature breakdown of the Maui.

North Carolina
Chaminade (Host)

The Maui is a tournament of upsets, perhaps even moreso than the NCAA Tournament, because teams are fresh and new and haven't played against live competition before, and anything can happen in those situations. Anything, that is, besides Chaminade beating North Carolina. I fear for little Chaminade's safety, actually. Chammers, buddies, if Tyler Hansbrough starts to grunts at you, be careful. That's his grit indicator level rising. Don't look him in the eye. Just ... slowly ... step away.

Oregon
Alabama

Two teams making their first apperances is Maui had better enjoy the scenery while they get a chance, because they're also on the same side of the bracket as UNC, and that's bad news for everybody. Still, a nice deep run in the tournament would help Ernie Kent get that fan base confidence back after a slip to 18-14 put him on the hot seat last year. Alabama will benefit from the late return of forward Alonzo Gee, who, like North Carolina's triumverate of unsigned guards, decided to test his draft status before heading back to school to make the fans happy. That is, he would have made the fans happy, but after finding out Gee can't play wide receiver for ROLL TAHDE, they totally forgot who he was.

Texas
St. Joseph's

The question for Texas is usually not whether there's talent waiting in the wings, but how. Scary freakish Kevin Durant talent? Or just slightly amazing D.J. Augustin talent? What's it going to be, Barnes? It'll take long than the Maui to answer that, but in the meantime, the Longhorns get to test themselves out against an OK St. Joe's team. Hey, remember when St. Joe's had, like, Delonte West and Jameer Nelson? And that one taller white dude? And they were really good? ... That was awesome.

Indiana

Notre Dame

For those unable to see Indiana's Midnight Madness (or "Hoosier Hysteria," as it's now called), this will be the first chance to glimpse just how awful the Hoosiers are going to be this year. Their best returning player is a 6'4 dude named Kyle Taber. Their best recruits are probably pretty mediocre. And they'll be facing a team with serious national championship aspirations and an All-American in Luke Harangody. Upsets can happen, but it'll be a shock if Indiana upsets anyone all year. Rebuilding is fun!

Related: Big Ten Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, Moving Pictures, ACC Basketball, Big East Basketball, Atlantic 10 Basketball