KenPom’s Thrill Factor Shines a Light on Opening Day Matchups
With the number of games and analytics within the games happening daily, it is good to stay up to speed on several teams. Many will utilize their research using KenPom's analysis. One metric that he uses is called the "thrill factor," which helps determine what games will be most exciting based on the production on the floor for both teams. Let's take a look at the five games that KenPom says will be the most exciting for opening day of college basketball.
Florida vs Arizona: Champions Meet Reloaded Wildcats
The national champions return to action with a tough first matchup against Arizona. The Gators return two starters from last year's team, including their leading rebounder in Alex Condon. They also had a great transfer portal, picking up some great players for their starting lineup and reserves, including Xavien Lee from Princeton. On the flip side, the Wildcats are going to look like a brand new team with seven freshmen on the roster. One to keep an eye on is Koa Peat, who was a top 10 recruit in the Class of 2025 and won a national championship with a FIBA team in all four years of high school, the first ever American to do so. This game is going to be packed with a ton of talent, so it's no shock that this is the most exciting game per KenPom
Villanova vs BYU: Transfers and Freshmen Take the Stage
A team under a first-year head coach that made the Sweet 16 is exciting in itself. However, a team that returns its leading scorer from last season and the top recruit in the Class of 2025 is even more exciting. Richie Saunders returns after a season of averaging 16.5 points per game, while the top recruit, A.J. Dybantsa, surprised many and chose to play for the Cougars this season to elevate the offense even more. On the flip side. Villanova's five projected starters are all transfers, but they all averaged double figures last season. This is going to be a great game with some big time stars to watch.
Boston College vs FAU: Pressure and Promise Collide
The biggest thrill in this game is likely going to be inside Earl Grant's head, knowing his job is on the line this season. However, he got the best news that he could have received for his job when Donald Hand Jr. announced that he would be returning to the Eagles this season. The guard was the best player for the team last year, scoring above 15 points per game. On the flip side, FAU is trying to rebuild this team after a final four run a few seasons ago. They got a solid transfer from Indiana in Kanaan Carlyle, who didn't have much success at Indiana but was a great freshman at Stanford. With both of these teams competing for rebuilds, this game will be a solid first step for one of these two.