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NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early ranking of 2022 PK85 Invitational games

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 23: General view of a rack of basketballs before the between the Portland State Vikings and the Duke Blue Devils during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 23, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. North Carolina won the game 102-78. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 23: General view of a rack of basketballs before the between the Portland State Vikings and the Duke Blue Devils during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 23, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. North Carolina won the game 102-78. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo  Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo  Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alabama vs. Michigan State, PKI Bracket

Both of these programs have had strong recent campaigns, only to come up short in the NCAA Tournament. Will this early season tournament supercharge one of these teams?

Nate Oats’ starting lineup is going to look much different this season than a year ago, with so many of the contributors gone. The Crimson Tide did well in both the transfer portal and recruiting trail, though, grabbing Mark Sears and Jaden Bradley, respectively.

There’s plenty of talent in Tuscaloosa and Oats always gets the most out of his squad, but the ceiling doesn’t feel as high as it has in past years for the Crimson Tide. This event will be one of many that could display what Alabama has this year, with other non-conference opponents including Gonzaga, Houston, and Memphis.

Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans are coming off a difficult offseason. The biggest loss was Max Christie, who left for the NBA Draft and seemingly left Tom Izzo scrambling to find a replacement.

If that wasn’t challenging enough, Michigan State enters the season with one of the country’s toughest non-conference slates. In addition to the PKI, Gonzaga, Villanova, Kentucky and Notre Dame are all on the schedule. Izzo’s team is going to be battle-tested by the time Big Ten play ramps up.

Considering the strength of schedule, it seems imperative for the Spartans to grab significant non-conference wins where they can get them. In that sense, Alabama is an attainable victory, one that could start Michigan State on a positive path.

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