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NCAA Basketball: Top 15 opening week games for 2018-19

By Brad Cavallaro

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Quade Green #0 during the game against the Troy Torjans at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Quade Green #0 during the game against the Troy Torjans at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 07: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 07: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

15. Missouri at Iowa St

Friday 11/9, 7:00 PM ET

This game lost some of its luster once Jontay Porter, Missouri’s best player, went down with a season ending knee injury, but it should still qualify as one of the 15 best opening week games. The Tigers will have to rely on sophomore center Jeremiah Tilmon and senior PF Kevin Puryear to pick up the slack in the frontcourt.

Missouri looked like it would rely on its frontcourt to remain in NCAA Tournament contention, but the backcourt must now outperform expectations. Senior PG Jordan Geist is the only returning player and he will assume more offensive responsibility this season. Incoming wings Torrence Watson and KJ Santos are poised for prominent roles as well. Joining them on the wing is Illinois transfer Mark Smith who recently received an unexpected waiver deeming him immediately eligible.

Iowa State is due for a bounce-back season after rebuilding in 17-18. Starting guards Lindell Wigginton and Nick Weiler-Babb earned invaluable experience and are now two of the best guards in the Big 12. Center Cameron Lard is one of the most underrated players in the country as he is an excellent interior scorer.

The Cyclones should climb the standings because they’ve bolstered their depth and return many key pieces from last season. However, the impact of adding Marial Shayok should not be overlooked. Shayok was a consistent rotation player at Virginia who should be able to show his full offensive capabilities now that he is not bound by the constraints of the Cavaliers’ offense.

Last season, Missouri emerged from the SEC basement to make the NCAA Tournament while Iowa State fell from a NCAA Tournament mainstay to last place in the Big 12. This season, the roles should be reversed. Missouri would have been in the mix for a return trip to the Big Dance, but the injury to Porter has made this unlikely. Iowa State dealt with losing 4 starters from their 16-17 team, but with the improved talent and roster continuity, they should return to relevance.

Prediction: Iowa State over Missouri

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