NCAA Basketball: Top 10 games to watch on opening night of 2021-22 season
2. No. 3 Kansas vs. Michigan State Spartans – 7:00 pm ET. on ESPN
The Jayhawks have one of the best rosters on paper in NCAA Basketball, even without Jalen Wilson, who will be suspended due to a recent DUI issue. But stars David McCormack, Ochai Agbaji, and Christian Braun are back, joined by Arizona State transfer Remy Martin, who averaged nearly 20 ppg at the point guard position. With plenty of depth off the bench as well, this team has plenty of firepower to beat anyone, even without Wilson.
The Spartans are hoping to improve from their rough past season, bringing back most of the players from the rotation. The most important players may be their new guards in five-star shooting guard Max Christie and Northeastern transfer point guard Tyson Walker, who the team is hoping can stabilize the position after inconsistent play last year. The frontcourt, led by Joey Hauser and Marcus Bingham will have their hands full but the absence of Wilson should make things easier.
But with Michigan State still working on their backcourt rotation and seeing how Walker fits into the offense, the early advantage has to go to the Jayhawks on opening night.
Prediction: Kansas 80, Michigan State 67
1. No. 10 Kentucky vs No. 9 Duke – 9:30 pm ET (approx). on ESPN
Both programs are on a mission after missing the NCAA Tournament last season and with Coach K on a farewell tour in his final season with the Blue Devils, expect everyone to be amped for this one. Kentucky has a completed revamped roster, most notably, transfers Oscar Tshiebwe and Sahvir Wheeler, along with five-star freshman TyTy Washington.
Duke has possibly the best player in the country in top-3 freshman forward Paolo Banchero, joined by five-star freshmen Trevor Keels and presumably healthy AJ Griffin. Lots of pressure will be on sophomore point guard Jeremy Roach to lead the offense while depth may be a potential concern.
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Duke has more high-end talent, while the Wildcats depth could give them the advantage throughout 40 minutes. However, unless Kentucky can find the defensive answer for Banchero in the frontcourt, this could be the Blue Devils to lose.