LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Players Era boldly announced its intentions last year to be the premier early season college basketball tournament destination, guaranteeing at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the eight participating teams. Now in its second year, the Players Era that began Monday is undeniably the place to be, having blown by the Maui Invitational and other such events with a field loaded with teams that could be playing deep into March. Half of the 18-team field is in The Associated Press poll, including No.