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NCAA Basketball: 10 non-conference matchups that should be scheduled for 2018

By Tristan Freeman

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – MARCH 28: Chris Mack holds a Louisville Slugger bat after being introduced as the new men’s basketball coach of the University of Louisville Cardinals during a press conference at KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – MARCH 28: Chris Mack holds a Louisville Slugger bat after being introduced as the new men’s basketball coach of the University of Louisville Cardinals during a press conference at KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. UConn vs. Pittsburgh (Home and Home scenario)

Since leaving the Big East to the newly former AAC because of football, the Huskies have been playing many of their former peers, regardless of conference affiliation.

The one team they’ve yet to face is Pittsburgh, who has also struggled since leaving the Big East. It’s weird they haven’t faced off, considering the history between them battling at the top of the standings.

With both teams having new coaches, it could be time to recreate the rivalry, as each program are going through a new era. It also would be an exciting game for groups of fans that have withdrawn in terms of enthusiasm for their teams.

3. Xavier vs. Louisville (Home and Home scenario)

It’s been over a decade since these two last faced off, with the Musketeers playing in a completely different league. These two teams have intertwined this off-season, with Chris Mack leaving Xavier for the Cardinals.

I know it’s unlikely that these two teams would play one another because of that coaching change, but both programs would benefit from playing each other. Louisville needs to beef up their non-conference, while Xavier needs a marquee opponent themselves to be on TV. With the Musketeers also having a completely different roster, the risk for them playing their old coach is also minimized.

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