NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 14 matchups for 2021 ACC/Big Ten Challenge
2. Michigan at North Carolina
The No. 1 overall recruiting class didn’t go to North Carolina, Duke, or Kentucky but rather Michigan and head coach Juwan Howard. They have five-star prospects Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate, along with All-American sophomore center Hunter Dickinson and senior forward Brandon Johns Jr.. The Wolverines have one of the best frontcourts and have Eli Brooks and Coastal Carolina and Sun Belt Player of the Year DeVante Jones to lead the way on the perimeter.
North Carolina may not be as formidable but they do return leading scorer and rebounder Armando Bacot for another year, along with sophomore point guard Caleb Love. Oklahoma transfer forward Brady Manek adds shooting ability in the frontcourt, while Virginia transfer Justin McCoy is a versatile combo forward that can defend. The Tar Heels will be the underdog but with this game being at home against the potential No. 1 team in the country when it happens, it’ll be an incredible environment on Game Night.
Prediction: Michigan
1. Duke at Ohio State
It’s the final season for head coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke and he has another young yet highly talented roster this season. Paolo Banchero is the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2021 class, while AJ Griffin is also ranked in the top-10. Trevor Keels is an elite shooting guard, while sophomore center Mark Williams is a national breakout candidate.
But the Buckeyes not only have talent but also experience on their side. All-Big Ten performers EJ Liddell and Duane Washington are currently set to return, while veterans Kyle Young, Seth Towns, and Justice Sueing are back as well. Indiana big man Joey Brunk adds frontcourt depth, while Penn State transfer Jamari Wheeler is one of the better defenders in college basketball.
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If Liddell and Washington both return, Ohio State will be a preseason top-10 or even top-5 team for next season. And Duke already is going to be in the extra spotlight knowing what this season means to the program. It’s going to be a must-watch and should give us one of the games of the year.