Busting Brackets
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Michigan State Basketball: Ranking non-conference opponents for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 5, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans (0) attempts to steal the ball from Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans (0) attempts to steal the ball from Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball
Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

2021-22 record: 19-14 (9-9)

It’s a tough opening matchup for Michigan State in the PK Invitational tournament but the one saving grace is that the Tide won’t have starting point guard Jahvon Quinerly for this event, as he’s not slated to return from injury until December/January. Yet Alabama has two new capable ball-handlers in his place in Ohio transfer Mark Sears, as well as five-star freshman Jaden Bradley.

They also have another five-star freshman in wing Brandon Miller, along with St. Bonaventure transfer Dominck Welch and returning 7’0 center Charles Bediako. This is a highly athletic team with potential and this will be a tough fight if the Tide gets the edge on the perimeter.

2. Kentucky Wildcats

2021-22 record: 26-8 (14-4)

The Spartans will be taking on the reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, who averaged 17.4 ppg and 15.2 rpg last season for Kentucky. He’ll be a massive challenge for both Mady Sissoko and freshman Jaxon Kohler at the center position and he isn’t the only talented player. Point guard and assist-machine Sahvir Wheeler is back, joined by five-star freshman combo guard, Cason Wallace.

Five-star wing Chris Livingston also is joining the team and Iowa transfer CJ Fredick will be back after missing all of last season with an injury and provide needed shooting. This is definite preseason top-10 team with the best player in the country and how Michigan State deals with him in the Champions Classic will be the storyline to watch.

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

2021-22 record: 28-4 (13-1)

If Tshiebwe is the best player in the country, All-American and WCC Player of the Year Drew Timme is No. 2. He’s arguably the best low-post scorer around and averaged nearly 20 ppg in the past two years. Also back is one of the best three-point shooters in Rasir Bolton and NBA prospect and starting wing, Julian Strawther. They also added via the transfer portal the SoCon Player of the Year Malachi Smith, who averaged 20.0 ppg last season at Chattanooga.

Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2022-23. dark

Considering that Gonzaga is going to get some votes to be the preseason No. 1 team in the country, it also makes sense that they’ll be the top opponent for Michigan State in this brutal schedule. And considering the unique location of this matchup as well, expect a ton of eyes to be on this one.

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