NCAA Basketball: Each top 25 team’s toughest November test in 2023-24

2. Duke

November 29 (at Arkansas)

A trio of talented sophomores led by Kyle Filipowski all return, combining well with the experience of Jeremy Roach and the new faces of an elite recruiting class. Duke has high expectations for the year ahead and don’t start the season near the top of the rankings on accident. Three intriguing challenges lie in weight on a November that also includes four very winnable home dates.

The Blue Devils host #12 Arizona during the first week of the season and will face #4 Michigan State as part of the Champions Classic in Chicago, but our pick comes a few weeks later. It’s a rarity for the Blue Devils to play true road games outside of ACC play, though that’s exactly what they’ll do when they head to Fayetteville at the end of the month. The road trip is part of the new ACC/SEC Challenge and they’ll face #14 Arkansas and a lineup that looks strong and potent.

1. Kansas

November 14 (vs. Kentucky)

The Jayhawks added former All-American Hunter Dickinson to a lineup that already includes fantastic talent; there’s no surprise to see them atop the national polls to start the year. Bill Self’s squad will face no shortage of resistance throughout the entire season, though the big November test comes relatively early at the Champions Classic.

While certainly not their only hard game in November, Kansas goes to war with #16 Kentucky in Chicago for their first big test away from Lawrence. The following week will see the Jayhawks head to the Maui Invitational, though their opening round game against Chaminade is the opposite of difficult. One of those later games could pose a tough test to the Jayhawks, but it’s hard to argue against the Wildcats at the United Center.