NCAA Basketball: Most watchable opening night matchups of 2019-20
By Max Hastings
No. 3: Furman at Gardner Webb
Tipoff: 7:00 EST
Channel: ESPN+
Combined Watchability Rating: 62.5
My mid-major matchup of the night features two of the most well-coached teams in the entire NCAA. With Furman finishing top 10 in Foul % per defensive possession and Gardner Webb finishing 46th in Turnover %, these teams had some of the highest basketball IQs in the nation. In just his 2nd year coaching at the Division 1 level, Furman head coach Bob Richey lead his squad to their first AP top 25 ranking ever and finished 3rd in a surprisingly tough Southern Conference.
On the other side, Gardner Webb head coach Tim Craft had a similarly historic year, both winning the Big South Conference for the first time in program history and also leading his team to its first-ever March Madness appearance. Even though both squads lost their leading scorers in the offseason, I believe both of these coaches will have no problem getting their squads vying for tourney spots again this season.
No. 2: U Penn at Alabama
Tipoff: 8:00
Channel: SECN+
Combined Watchability Rating: 62.7
In what should be one of most entertaining games between a mid-major and Power 6 conference team all year, Alabama is hoping to start the Nate Oats era off strong while a veteran Penn squad hopes to get a statement win and prove they’re the team to beat in the Ivy League. After two up and down season with head coach Avery Johnson, Alabama traded in Johnson’s late 90s early 2000s iso oriented style of basketball for Nate Oats new era run and gun style in hopes of keeping up with looks like the best conference in basketball, the SEC.
On the other side, head coach Steve Donahue hopes to lean on stud senior duo AJ Brodeur and Devon Goodman to lead what was one of the most efficient (ranked 98th in Effective Field Goal Percentage) and smartest (48th in Turnover Percentage) offenses in the country. The contrast of styles and experience between these two clubs makes for a must-watch opening night matchup.
No. 1: Michigan State vs Kentucky
Tipoff: 9:30
Channel: ESPN
Combined Watchability Rating: 63.5
The Champions Classic never disappoints. In what should be the highest level of basketball played at Madison Square Garden all year, two legendary programs face-off with what some of their most talented squads of all time. In the Spartans corner, coach Tom Izzo returns all five starters that lead the NCAA in Assists Per Field goals made and overall offensive watchability.
In the other corner, Calipari once again brings in a top 3 recruiting class to Lexington, Kentucky. Although, while last year’s squad preferred to slow the place and play Iso ball with Keldon Johnson and PJ Washington, I think we should see a lot more of Calipari’s signature dribble drive offense that has made him so successful.
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With a backcourt filled with 5-star recruits, including playmakers Tyrese Maxey and Khalil Whitney, Kentucky should go from meh to must-watch every night. I absolutely cannot wait for this game and I’m sure most basketball fans feel the same way.