NCAA Basketball: UNC vs Memphis among early preseason exhibitions to watch
Starting next week, we have some actual games to watch! They’re only exhibition battles, but for those starving for game content, there are eight matchups to keep an eye on that can provide some hints as to the lineups and key players to watch ahead this season.
Yes, these games and results don’t matter in the grand scheme. But it doesn’t hurt to get an early look at the notable CBB teams for the 2024-25 campaign.
UConn vs Rhode Island - Monday, 6:00 pm ET, NBCSBoston and UConn+
The two-time defending national champions return just one starter from last season (Alex Karaban), leaving the other positions open for grabs. Who will take them? Will incoming transfers such as Aidan Mahaney and Tarris Reed get the nod, or could returning rotation pieces such as Soloman Ball and Samson Johnson be the guys? Coach Dan Hurley isn’t sure now, noting that it’ll be decided after Sunday’s practice.
UNC vs Memphis - Tuesday - 7:00 pm ET, ESPNU
The Tar Heels boast one of the best backcourts in the country, including ACC Player of the Year, RJ Davis. Sophomore Elliot Cadeau could be a breakout star, with Coach Hubert Davis heaping big praise on him on Media Day. Can the new-look Memphis backcourt match up? Transfers Tyrese Hunter and PJ Haggerty have been preseason standouts, with the entire roster having a good test to see how they look against power conference competition.
St. John’s vs Rutgers - Thursday - TBD
It’s our first glimpse of the 5-star duo at Rutgers with Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper making their college debuts. But St. John’s has its high-profile duo to watch in transfers Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith. Coming off his best offseason practice, could Richmond be the best player on the court?
Wake Forest vs Alabama - Thursday - TBD, Youtube
Despite some of their preseason injuries, Alabama has a chance to be the preseason No. 1 team this year. But besides returning leading scorer Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest has plenty of intriguing players to watch. With four sophomore transfers and breakout candidates such as Davin Cobsy, Omaha Biliew, and Ty-Laur Johnson, which of them will stand out in this game?
Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25. Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25. dark. Next
Xavier vs Dayton - Sunday - TBD, Bally Sports Ohio
Three players with health issues could be playing after missing all last season. Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter are set to be the lead frontcourt guys against the Musketeers, while Malachi Smith is back after a nearly 2-year absence for Dayton. How he works alongside Butler transfer Posh Alexander will be a major storyline for the team.