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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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13. Texas at Arkansas

Friday 11/9, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN

Arkansas will likely take a major step back from last season but should provide Texas with an opening week challenge. The Razorbacks have lost 8 players, including 6 who played in every game and their two leading scorers (Darryl Macon and Jaylen Barford). Future NBA center Daniel Gafford has returned and will likely see a much bigger role, but it is unclear who else emerges on this young NCAA Basketball team.

New Mexico transfer Jalen Harris looks like the starting PG and Adrio Bailey (one of the few returners) will likely see frontcourt minutes, but outside of that, roles are up for grabs. Freshman sharp shooter Isaiah Joe, JUCO transfer Mason Jones, and freshman big man Reggie Chaney could make an immediate impact and be the main beneficiaries from the extreme roster turnover. Keyshawn Embery, the highest rated Arkansas freshman, could also surprise with his ability to score at all three levels.

On the other hand, Texas returns most of its extremely talented roster, especially in the backcourt. Matt Coleman (10.3 ppg, 4.1 apg) and Kerwin Roach (12.3 ppg, 3.6 apg) are two of the best guards in the Big 12. In the frontcourt, Mo Bamba is gone, but Dylan Osetkowski, the team’s second leading scorer from last year, is back for his senior season. Athletic sophomore Jericho Simms compliments Osetkowski extremely well and should start at center.

However, the return of Andrew Jones could be the biggest addition and reason for optimism. Jones was Texas’ leading scorer last season, but only played in the first ten games as he was diagnosed with cancer. If Jones is fully healthy, Texas has added a potential NBA caliber talent to its team and should be a fixture in the Top 25.

This game will be closer than many expect because it is on the road, but Texas should still have the edge. With so many new pieces, Arkansas may take some time to build cohesion and struggle against a veteran Texas roster. Watching Gafford play is always enjoyable because he is constantly making explosive plays, but it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to being the featured offensive player. The Longhorns backcourt should have a major advantage over the young and inexperienced Arkansas backcourt and this could be the deciding factor.

Prediction: Texas over Arkansas

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