MAUI – Texas Tech coach Mark Adams stepped up to the line and knocked down his first two free throws. His third just missed. Participating with each of the other seven head coaches at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational on Sunday morning, Adams addressed the crowd and media before a free-throw contest, photo ops and a series of interviews to preview the event that begins for the Red Raiders at 9:30 a.m. (HST) on Monday against No. 10 Creighton. Adams, who shot Rick Barry style free throws, finished second in the contest. Â
ESPN's Dan Shulman moderated the morning session and welcomed to the Maui Invitational which crowned its first champion in 1984 with Providence beating Chaminade. Wisconsin won it last season after Texas and Kansas the previous years. Adams was up first, cued up to talk about the Red Raiders who are playing in their first-ever trip to the tournament.
Photo by Elise Bressler
"We are really excited to be here," Adams said. "We woke up the past two days and saw this beautiful ocean and views. It's been a great trip so far. You can't help but be in a great mood when you're here. Then I start thinking that we have to play Creighton on Monday and it brings me back to reality. It's a great opportunity for our program. It's already been a memorable experience for us. It's a great field with great coaches. I'm honored to be up here with each of these coaches who I have great respect for."
Shulman followed up asking him about the Red Raiders who are now 3-0 on the season after opening with wins over Northwestern State, Texas Southern and Louisiana Tech. Shulman and Jay Bilas will be on the call on ESPN2 in the game that will start at 1:30 p.m. (CST) to begin three days of action. It'll be the first real test for the Red Raiders who are coming off their third trip to the Sweet 16 in the past four NCAA Tournaments.
"With so many young players we are still trying to build our culture," said Adams, who is 30-10 at Tech three games into his second season. "We are reminding the guys how important it is to defend. We'll have our work cut out for us going against such an explosive offense in Creighton."
Before shifting over to Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, Shulman gave a warning. "The last time Mark Adams told me he didn't like his defense they held Tennessee to 40 points in regulation," said Shulman who also was on broadcasting Tech's overtime win over Tennessee on ESPN last season at the Jimmy V Classic. Â
"I really like my team," McDermott said. "We return some guys from last year and brought in some pieces that I think have enhanced our team. They have been unselfish in the style we like to play. We haven't played against one of the best defenses in the country, year in and year out. We'll have to figure out how to get some baskets.
While Adams was going through his part, Tech senior Kevin Obanor was walking on the beach with Bilas. The two recorded a 94-foot segment that will air during the games.
"This is a big stage and where big-time players can make a name for themselves," Obanor said of the Maui Jim Invitational. "I've watched this tournament for a long time and really look forward to playing in it. It's a big opportunity for us. They're No. 10 in the country. It's fun to showcase our talent against competition like them. We are embracing the challenge."
With obligations completed, it was off for a morning practice where Adams was ready to shift focus on their top-10 opponent.
"We got one of the toughest draw in the tournament I think," he said. "Every team here is really good though so you're going to play strong teams each day. Creighton has a great coach and a team that has a lot of talent. They are a great 3-point shooting team which is always a nightmare for a defensive-minded coach like me. It's a matchup of two different styles. They are a run-and-gun, spread offense and we're going to try to slow them down and contain them."
A win would give the Texas Tech program a victory over a top-10 opponent for the ninth straight season. It would also set up a Tuesday game with the winner of Louisville and No. 9 Arkansas. The tournament field also includes No. 14 Arizona, No. 17 San Diego State, Cincinnati and Ohio State with each team set on trying to advance to the championship game at 4 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday.
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