FOX Sports' LaPhonso Ellis, Kevin Kugler, Nick Bahe and John Fanta pick their brackets for the College Basketball Crown.

College Basketball Crown’s organizers hope putting most of the event’s action between the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight and Final Four helps them capitalize on the public’s desire for college hoops as the 16-team,

Cincinnati Bearcats basketball opens up in inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas vs. DePaul Blue Demons. Here are keys to a win.

The Knights (17-16) will meet Oregon State (20-12) at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the first round of the inaugural College Basketball Crown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. To the winners — and the runner-up and semifinalists — of the 16-team event go the spoils.

Utah is one of 16 teams playing in the inaugural tournament that has a $500,000 NIL package, with $300,000 awarded to the winner.

From NIL endorsement opportunities, to NBA teams in attendance, to an abundance of star power, the College Basketball Crown is all about growing the game during its biggest time of year.