The Maui Invitational, one of the most popular in-season NCAA basketball tournaments, may be in jeopardy this season.
The wildfires currently raging on the Hawaiian island have raised questions about the status of this year's tournament. The site of the competition, Lahaina, has incurred immense damage due to the recent fires sweeping the island of Maui.
The Maui Invitational sent out a notice on Aug. 9, stating that the organizers of the tournament are monitoring the wildfire situation on the island.
Our hearts are with our Maui ‘Ohana. pic.twitter.com/nFgW7CzIae
— Maui Invitational (@MauiInv) August 9, 2023
"Our main concern right now is the safety and well-being of our Maui 'Ohana and the first responders that we know are doing everything in their power to keep the island safe," the statement read. "We will share more information as it becomes available."
DECOURCY: College hoops sends best wishes to special tourney
The Sporting News has the latest updates on the Lahaina wildfires and the status of the 2023 Maui Invitational.
Maui Invitational wildfires updates
While the Maui Invitational isn't for another three months, the recent wildfires sweeping through the island have put the tournament potentially at risk.
The island of Maui has been thoroughly damaged as a result of the fires. The blazes started due to strong winds from Hurricane Dora, mixed with the below-average precipitation that the area has seen over the last few months.
Wildfires, pushed by winds from Hurricane Dora, raced through parts of Hawaii, burning down businesses in Lahaina, Maui, injuring several people, forcing evacuations and leading some to flee to the relative safety of the ocean, where they were rescued by the Coast Guard. pic.twitter.com/SKZibg1J09
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 9, 2023
Lahaina - Maui, Hawaii is basically gone.
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 9, 2023
Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/VQcmiGkSvZ
New video from Front Street shows virtually all of downtown Lahaina has been burned down. pic.twitter.com/i4ViDhz8K7
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
This is what it looked like earlier on Maui. If you've been to my hometown of Lahaina...I fear it is no longer. I dread what it will look like in the morning. An apocalyptic scene is unfolding due to the fires raging across my island. Please pray for us. pic.twitter.com/88V2kjjpyV
— HawaiiDelilah™ 🟦 (@HawaiiDelilah) August 9, 2023
"We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said in a statement. "In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a 'kaiaulu,' or community, as we rebuild with resilience and aloha."
The fires have forced families to vacate the island and escape via plane. There have been at least 35 deaths and numerous injuries sustained as a result of the burning.
As of Thursday morning, the fires were still blazing in certain parts of the area.
Where is the Maui Invitational played?
The Maui Invitational is held every year in Lahaina, located on Hawaii's island of Maui.
The tournament is played at the Lahaina Civic Center.
What is the Maui Invitational?
The Maui Invitational is an annual NCAA basketball tournament that is played during the week of Thanksgiving.
The yearly competition began in 1984 and has been played every year since, with 2023 set to be the 40th edition of the tournament. The participants change from year to year, with generally one participant from six of the major conferences (Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, SEC and Big East), as well as one from a smaller conference such as the AAC, Mountain West, Atlantic 10 or Conference USA.
From the inaugural tournament through 2017, Chaminade University, a DII school based out of Honolulu, played in every tournament. Since 2019, they have since changed to taking part every other year in the championship bracket.
Maui Invitational 2023 teams, bracket
There are eight teams taking part in the 2023: Kansas, Gonzaga, UCLA, Marquette, Tennessee, Syracuse, Purdue and Chaminade.
Looking at the bracket, there are a few intriguing matchups right off the bat, with Purdue vs. Gonzaga and Marquette vs. UCLA, all potentially top-10 matchups.
