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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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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Admon Gilder #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends Alpha Diallo #11 of the Providence Friars during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Admon Gilder #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends Alpha Diallo #11 of the Providence Friars during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

11. Wichita St vs Providence

Friday 11/9, 6:00 PM ET, CBSSN

Both Wichita State’s and Providence’s rosters have experienced serious turnover as both teams were reliant on seniors. The Shockers lose 8 of their top 9 players leaving Markis McDuffie as the only returning rotation player. He averaged 8.5 ppg, but an injury sidelined him for the first two months of the season. Can McDuffie finally capitalize on his immense potential and put together a healthy and productive senior season?

Even if the talented combo forward experiences a breakout season, he will need multiple teammates to step forward if Wichita State is to return to the post season. Senior Samajae Haynes-Jones and junior Ricky Torres look like the most equipped candidates and both could start in the backcourt. Due to the abundance of new players and the uncertainty surrounding the roster, predicting the Shockers to finish 8th in the AAC and earn an NIT berth seem like conservative, but realistic expectations.

While Providence loses three key seniors, Kyron Cartwright, Jalen Lindsey, and Rodney Bullock, it returns significantly more talent and experience than Wichita State. Junior Alpha Diallo will step into the leading role and the versatile wing will look to improve on his 13.2 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Providence’s frontcourt is also in great shape as Emmitt Holt has returned from injury and Nate Watson looks poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. Both players could easily average double figures.

The biggest question mark for Providence is their PG play as Cartwright’s stellar play will be difficult to replace. Freshman David Duke looks like the early starter and his play could determine how far the Friars advance. I have the Friars finishing 5th in the Big East and earning a 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The key matchup in this game will be between both teams’ new lead guards. Who will have the upper hand between Torres and Duke and can either player provide stability to his team’s backcourt?

Prediction: Providence over Wichita State

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