8 teams will play for a championship the week before Thanksgiving in the 2024 Charleston Classic.
In an underrated early-season tournament, the 2024 Charleston Classic features a mix of Power 5 and mid-major teams, with Miami (Fla) as the headliner. The Hurricanes hope to go 3-0 and solidify themselves near the top of the ACC. Meanwhile, seven other quality teams are looking to knock them down and pick up some momentum in the non-conference.
5 players to watch
Abou Ousmane, Oklahoma State
The Cowboys’ big man is one of the top centers in the 2024 Charleston Classic and could be a problem once Big 12 play starts up. He’s leading Oklahoma State in scoring at 17.0 PPG and is averaging 1.5 BPG. While Bryce Thompson usually draws the most defensive attention, Ousmane may help free up his teammates if his play continues at this rate.
Jalil Bethea, Miami (Fla)
Miami hasn’t had any marquee games to this point so this is our first chance to see their 5-star recruit in action against quality teams on a semi-big stage. So far he’s averaging just under 10 PPG in just under 15 MPG, so expect to see a lot of shots go up even if Bethea doesn’t play the majority of the game. He’s one of many talents at Jim Larranaga’s disposal.
Max Shulga, VCU
The Rams star is known for his three-point shooting but that’s not all he brings to the court. He currently leads VCU with 7.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 2.8 SPG. Limiting from the game doesn’t just mean taking away his looks from deep. He can burn you in more than one way.
Nick Davidson, Nevada
First off – a shoutout to the Nevada vs. Vanderbilt game. There’s a lot of great players on both sides and if I had an honorable mention, it’d go to Devin McGlockton. But I need to shout out Davidson. He’s leading the ‘Pack with 18.0 PPG and 8.0 RPG, also dishing out 2.8 APG. On a team with Kobe Sanders, Davidson creates a true 1-2 punch that could be the best in the Mountain West. He’s already had one 20-point double-double and we may see a few more in the Charleston Classic.
Nijel Pack, Miami (Fla)
It’s Pack’s last go-around in college basketball and he’s the clear-cut leader of this year’s Hurricanes team. Pack can score and dish out assists, and rarely coughs the ball up. He’s an exciting player, but he won’t frustrate you with bonehead plays. A coach’s dream.
2024 Charleston Classic Predictions – First Round
Miami-Fla (3-0) vs. Drake (3-0) – Noon on ESPN2
A pair of 3-0 teams meet in the first game of this tournament but this Bulldogs team is much different than the recent ones you may be used to. Tucker and Darian DeVries went off to West Virginia, so it’s a team still looking to find its new identity.
Prediction: Miami (Fla) by 15
Oklahoma State (3-0) vs. FAU (3-2) – 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU
The Cowboys and Owls meet in the second game and on paper, it’s one of the most even matchups of the day. Oklahoma State has scored 80+ points in all three games so far this season. FAU has already played five games and have dropped at least 90 in four of them. If you like offense, you’ll be glued to the television for this one.
Prediction: FAU by 5
Seton Hall (2-2) vs. VCU (4-0) – 5 p.m. on ESPN2
If you like defense, this one is for you! In 8 combined teams, the most points either team has given up is 65, a VCU win over Bellarmine. In other words, the first team to 40 points might seriously win this contest. With that being said, the Rams can score the ball when they need to and Max Shulga can catch fire and take over a game.
Prediction: VCU by 3
Vanderbilt (4-0) vs. Nevada (4-0) – 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU
Vanderbilt and Nevada are both sneakily 4-0 but I want to look deeper at the Wolf Pack. They’ve picked up underrated wins over Washington and Santa Clara but by double digits. There’s a case to be made they might be the second-best team in this tournament.
Prediction: Nevada by 7
2024 Charleston Classic Predictions – Semifinals
Miami (Fla) vs. FAU
In our first potential semifinal matchup, we’ve got an all-Florida meeting between the ‘Canes and the Owls. While FAU’s offense has impressed me, I do believe this tournament is Miami’s coming-out party. They’ll have to defend and slow down this new-look FAU squad, but they have the players to do so and to keep up in a high-scoring battle.
Prediction: Miami (Fla) by 6
VCU vs. Nevada
A-10 vs. Mountain West on the line! That’s some serious bragging rights. Although I believe Nevada might be the second-best team in the 2024 Charleston Classic, I also think VCU has a case to make. It’s not just Shulga that makes up this Rams team. Joe Bamisile and Jack Clark are as experienced as it gets and Phillip Russell has started the season out scorching hot from deep.
Prediction: VCU by 5
2024 Charleston Classic Predictions – Championship
Miami (Fla) vs. VCU
I do believe Miami is the better team but it’s hard to pick against the Rams the way they’re playing coming into this tournament. They’ve won all four games by at least 19 points – a testament to their abilities on both sides of the ball and not taking anything for granted. It would be a great finals matchup to have and if it happens, I think VCU edges it out.
Prediction: VCU by 2