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

1. Kansas

Home: Vermont, Louisiana, Stanford, Wofford, Villanova, South Dakota, Eastern Michigan
Neutral: Michigan State, Preseason NIT Semis/Finals, New Mexico State (in Kansas City)
Away: Arizona State, Kentucky

Once again, Kansas is loaded entering the new season and, once again, they have the schedule to match. The Big 12 isn’t expected to be the gauntlet it was last season, but the Jayhawks appear to be making up for that with their non-conference schedule.

Here’s how head coach Bill Self described it, via the team’s official website.

"“This is definitely a tremendous nonconference schedule and for a young team it’s a lot to try to conquer, especially so early in the season when we have so many guys who will be playing pivotal roles. Hopefully it will be great preparation for once again playing in one of the best leagues, if not the best league, in the country. It’s going to be tough. I know our players will enjoy the challenge and I know our fans will enjoy watching them enjoy the challenge.”"

KU’s season opener against Michigan State in the Champions Classic sets the tone for this tough schedule, which also includes neutral-site games against Marquette and either Louisville or Tennessee as part of the Preseason NIT.

Their home schedule is obviously highlighted by the Final Four rematch against Villanova in a game that promises to be one of the best of the entire season. The two programs have only met seven times before (the Wildcats have won all three matchups this decade),  yet watching the defending national champions go into The Phog will make for must-see TV.

That game isn’t the only tough one the Jayhawks will play in front of their home crowd, either. Vermont (who has won 56 games over the last two seasons), Stanford, and Wofford (who beat UNC in Chapel Hill last year) will all be formidable opponents. The Jayhawks will also play a game New Mexico State team that is coming off of two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances at their home-away-from-home in Kansas City.

Yet, it’s the two true road games that put Kansas’ schedule over the top. They’ll travel to Tempe to take on Arizona State and are looking for revenge after being upset by the Sun Devils in Lawrence last season. The Jayhawks will then close their non-conference schedule against Kentucky in Lexington as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Both KU and UK will be ranked in the preseason top three.

The NCAA Tournament selection committee has shown us just how much scheduling matters, particularly when it comes to seeding and determining which bubble teams make the field. Quality wins and Quadrant 1 wins really matter, and these five teams have set themselves up well in that regard thanks to their tough non-conference schedules.