Michigan State vs Duke: 5 storylines for 2020 Champions Classic matchup
The readiness of the freshmen
The interest in the freshman is not limited to just how they will perform, but how they will be utilized. There is a wide range in the level of skill and importance of the freshmen on both teams. This game not only provides an opportunity for them to shine versus a quality opponent but to test if they are ready for top NCAA competition.
Being fully aware that the closest I have ever come to playing in the NCAA was losing 11-3 playing J.J Brade one-on-one in his driveway, but, Coppin State provided little resistance for Duke’s No. 2 recruiting class and Notre Dame did not require Coach Tom Izzo to rely on his freshmen.
The Blue Devils will feature six top-50 recruits on the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI) and the Spartans feature two in the top 70. Out of those eight top-70 recruits, just Jalen Johnson of Duke was on the court for the tip
Related Story. Blue Devils' depth chart. light
Coach K will get a sense of just how good his freshmen are when they match-up to the junior filled Spartans roster. Duke’s freshmen will be surrounding returning player Wendell Moore Jr and if they cannot compete against the preseason’s No.14 ranked team, their stay in the top-10 will be very short.
Coach K will have to use practice in order to draw up something different than the pick’n’roll he drew up for NBA second-round selections Tre Jones and Vernon Carey Jr. On the other bench Coach Izzo lost his effective pick’n’roll duo of Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. A.J Hoggard and Mady Sissoko need to demonstrate they can handle minutes and Coach Izzo will be using this quality opponent to gauge just how much he can trust his freshmen this season.