NCAA Basketball: 5 toughest non-conference schedules for 2018-19

3. Louisville

Home: Central Arkansas, Lipscomb, Vermont, Kent State, Michigan State, Kentucky, Nicholls State, Robert Morris
Neutral: Preseason NIT Semis/Finals
Away: Indiana, Seton Hall

Louisville is not letting Mack ease into his new job at all. The former Xavier head coach will have his Cardinals team tested early and often in the non-conference.

That schedule is highlighted by the Preseason NIT, where Louisville could face two preseason top-10 teams. The Cardinals start the four-team event against reigning SEC co-champions Tennessee and then will face either Kansas (another top-10 team) or Marquette (who is somehow ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s BPI preseason rankings because, you know, computers).

Those two games, no matter who the second one is against, are capable of really boosting Louisville’s resume and will serve as a good measuring stick for the Cardinals. Their two true road games will do the same as both Indiana and Seton Hall are projected to be on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Despite those four quality opponents, Louisville’s schedule is highlighted by their two biggest home games. The Cardinals will host Michigan State as part of the ACC–Big Ten Challenge and, later, will host Kentucky in their annual rivalry series.

Louisville entered Selection Sunday last season without a top-tier victory and only three Quadrant 1 wins. This year, their non-conference schedule presents the opportunity for the Cardinals to rack up several of them.