Mick Cronin calls for Maui Invitational funds to be properly used, distributed

The island of Maui was devastated by wildfires in August, with a death count now reaching 100 people. The images to come out of a beautiful island were heartbreaking and have led to an outpouring of donations for the people of Maui.

This year, the Maui Invitational Tournament was relocated to Honolulu because of those wildfires and there have been funds raised through the tournament for the people of Maui. For UCLA head coach Mick Cronin, that outpouring of support is great, but he still has major concerns.

“Look, there’s all kinds of stuff going on to help the people of Maui,” Mick Cronin said. “I think the things you won’t read about are the things that concern me. Property. Real estate predators and things of that nature because it’s such a unique place.”

Cronin emphasized that Maui is vulnerable right now and that there are going to be those who want to take advantage of it. So, it’s important that the funds coming in are properly used and distributed to the locals in need.

“The proceeds are going to get poured in, but proceeds can get poured in a lot of places. If they’re not used right, if they’re not supervised the right way, it won’t matter. I can sit here and give you a regular answer. ‘Oh, it’s great, we’re doing this, get Maui,'” Cronin said.

“You want the real truth about politics and real truth about all this stuff? Is it gonna be done right? Are the people that are the natives in Maui, are they going to be able to stay and afford places? Is there going to be gentrification because of this stuff? You know, better have your eye on that because it’s obviously one of the most unique, well-desired real estate places on Earth. So, I pray for those people.”

The Maui Invitational Tournament starts on November 20th. There, Mick Cronin and his UCLA Bruins will take on Marquette. The tournament itself lasts through November 22nd, in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. It’s a tournament that, at the end of the day, is important for UCLA.

“As far as the tournament, it’s opportunity,” Mick Cronin said. “We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to learn to play harder, longer.”

UCLA will enter the Maui Invitational Tournament at 3-0. However, Marquette is going to be a much more difficult opponent, currently fourth in the AP Poll. For its part, UCLA is currently unranked but receiving votes in the poll.