With four solid programs competing, the 2K Classic is a great way to help get things started in the 2017-18 NCAA Basketball season
Arena: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Thursday, November 16
Virginia Tech vs. Saint Louis, 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Providence vs. Washington, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Friday, November 17
Third place game, 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Championship Game, 7:00 p.m. ET onESPN2
The 2k Classic is one of the first in-season tournaments and features a strong group of teams this season. Virginia Tech will play Saint Louis in the first game, followed by Providence against Washington in the second. The winning teams will square off in the championship game on the following day.
There is a lot at stake in these early season tournaments. If a team wants to make the NCAA Tournament in March, they need to build a quality non-conference resume in November and December. One way to obtain these necessary marquee wins is by advancing in early season tournaments. Winning the opening round game in these tournaments can have an enormous impact on NCAA Tournament hopefuls because it allows those teams to face better teams later on, which can improve your resume and metrics.
Virginia Tech will be tested by an improved Saint Louis team in their first game of the 2K Classic. The Billikens upgraded their overall talent level by adding two four-star recruits and multiple transfers. Michigan State transfer Javon Bess is their leading scorer at 13.5 ppg so far.
The Hokies have embraced small ball with their deep and talented backcourt and thin frontcourt. Coach Buzz Williams has frequently used 4-guard lineups in the early season which has made the Virginia Tech offense extremely explosive.
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Juniors Justin Robinson and Ahmed Hill have played well, but freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker looks like the team’s biggest difference maker. Alexander-Walker is a smooth scoring combo guard with great size (6’5’’) who is leading Virginia Tech in scoring. Sophomore center Kerry Blackshear has feasted off weak competition so far and the Hokies will need him to continue his high-level play against stronger teams.
Chris Clarke is the X-factor for Virginia Tech. Clarke is an athletic small ball PF who is coming off a major injury. If he is playing to his full capabilities, he is a matchup nightmare for opposing forwards and adds a much-needed rebounding presence to the frontcourt.
Providence cannot look past Washington in their opening round game. The Huskies were known for their undisciplined defensive play and for underperforming with NBA talent last season, but they are a different team under new coach Mike Hopkins.
Washington started the season with a nice win over mid-major power Belmont. Freshman Jaylen Nowell had a huge scoring game and Providence will have to keep the talented wing in check. In their second game, PF Noah Dickerson went off for a 28-point, 22-rebound performance.
The Friars fell to a highly-ranked Minnesota team in their first real test of the 2017-18 season but they seemed to play well for most of the game. Minnesota forward Jordan Murphy had his way with the Friars, using his speed and strength to finish through Providence defenders. Luckily, Minnesota is a much better team than Washington and the experience of challenging themselves early will pay dividends for Providence.
Providence has more talent and more experience than Washington, but the Huskies are no pushover. Kyron Cartwright is Providence’s best player and is one of the best facilitators in the country, but they need more from Rodney Bullock to reach their full potential. Bullock led Providence with 15.7ppg last season, but has only scored 8.5ppg in the first two games. Especially with Emmitt Holt sidelined, Bullock needs to step up and produce at a high level.
NCAA basketball fans should want a Providence-Virginia Tech final in the 2K Classic since both teams look like potential NCAA Tournament squads. This is the best potential championship matchup and could give either team a crucial resume-building win.
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Providence should win a close game over Virginia Tech to become 2017 2K Classic champions. Providence’s aggressive wing defenders and overall depth should slow down the Hokies’ talented wing scorers. Providence also has an advantage at PG with Kyron Cartwright who can pick apart opposing defenses with his tremendous court vision.
Predictions:
Virginia Tech 85, Saint Louis 71
Providence 75, Washington 67
Championship: Providence 80, Virginia Tech 78