Duke vs. Kentucky: Who wins position battles in 2018 Champions Classic?

Small forward: Cam Reddish vs. Nick Richards

The most underrated matchup on the floor pits 6-foot-11 sophomore forward Nick Richards against top-rated 6-foot-10 freshman Cam Reddish. Reddish has the ability to play inside and outside. He’ll start on the wing opposite fellow freshman R.J. Barrett.

Richards averaged 5.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game as a starter during his freshman season. That’s one area where the 6-foot-11 forward has the advantage, college starting experience.

He started in all 37 contests for the Wildcats in 2017-18 and is due for a breakout season in 2018-19. He’ll have his hands full on both ends but the stage is set for him to play spoiler.

Reddish can be easily forgotten in a rotation with Zion Williamson and Barrett but he’ll make you pay if you do. He racked up 20 points, five assists and three steals in the Blue Devils final exhibition game against Ferris State.

Richards has experience on his side, but he’s guarding an underrated scorer in Reddish. With Reddish’ length on the wing, Kentucky could find themselves overwhelmed on the perimeter in the early going. From a size perspective, Duke should do their best to see what Reddish can do in the early moments from the wing.

Edge: Reddish