Note: All times are Central Standard Time
Monday, November 14
 |
| Villanova's Kris Jenkins, #2. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) |
(3) Villanova (1-0)
(15) Purdue (1-0)
To start the week, we get a look at the defending champion Villanova Wildcats. Kris Jenkins buzzer beating three to beat North Carolina and win the National Championship is the final image we have from last season. He, along with Senior Josh Hart, return this season to lead the Wildcats. Purdue on the other hand, returns Junior guard Vince Edwards, who averaged 11.3 ppg last season. In addition to Edwards, former Michigan Wolverine Spike Albrecht is now wearing Black and Gold, as he will be a 5th year Senior, transferring in as a grad student. This should be a fantastic game to get the year going.
6:00pm - ESPN3
Northeastern (1-0)
Connecticut (0-1)
After an opening loss to Wagner, Connecticut looks to bounce back and put that dreadful loss behind them. Freshman Alterique Gilbert, ranked #32 in ESPN 100, looked solid in his first collegiate game, scoring 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting. 6' 8" Forward Terry Larrier, who missed last season after transferring over from VCU, will be counted on by UCONN to shoulder a major load of the scoring. He scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds against Wagner. For Northeastern, their goal will be to start the year 2-0 and further UCONN's struggles. Senior T.J. Williams was the high point man in their win Friday night over Boston U, lighting up the stat sheet with 30 points. Kevin Ollie's Huskies need this one against Bill Coen's Huskies to get back on track.
11:00pm - ESPN2
San Diego State (1-0)
(14) Gonzaga (1-0)
As part of ESPN's College Basketball Marathon, we get a west coast matchup between the Aztecs and the Bulldogs. San Diego State struggled a bit with San Diego in their season opener, but managed to pull away at the end. SDSU's backcourt, featuring Junior Trey Kell (12.6 ppg last season) and Sophomore Jeremy Hemsley (12.0 ppg last season) lead the offensive attack for the Aztecs. However, San Diego State will be without Junior Forward Malik Pope, who tweaked his knee in a scrimmage. Gonzaga poses the toughest challenge perhaps all year for the Aztecs. Returning this season for the Zags is 7' 1" big man, Przemek Karnowski, who played the first 5 games last year before going down with a back injury. He will be joined by Cal transfer Jordan Mathews (13.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg last season), and Washington transfer Nigel Williams-Goss (15.6 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.7 rpg last season). A battle between two premier west coast teams this early in the season has me excited.
Tuesday, November 15
2:30pm - ESPN2
 |
| Oregon's Dillon Brooks. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) |
(4) Oregon (1-0)
Baylor (1-0)
Continuing the College Basketball Marathon on ESPN is a matchup between the preseason ranked top 5 Oregon Ducks and the Baylor Bears. Oregon is still without stud Forward Dillon Brooks, who injured his foot over the summer. Head Coach Dana Altman, when offering a timeline for his injury, said, "He's going to be out for a while. He had surgery and we'll just have to wait and see what the doctors say." With or a without a healthy Brooks, though, this Oregon team can challenge anyone in the country. Sophomore Tyler Dorsey (13.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg last season) and 6' 10" Senior Chris Boucher (12.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.9 bpg last season) are a big reason why. Baylor stands as the Ducks first test this season. The Bears, who graduated last year's leading scorer Taurean Prince and big man Rico Gathers, will turn to Junior Guard Al Freeman (11.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg last season).
5:30pm - FS1
Maryland (1-0)
Georgetown (1-0)
Despite a win, Maryland fell from the AP Top 25. Granted, their first win wasn't all that pretty. The Terps had their hands full with American, who matched them in the second half 31-31. After losing nearly their entire starting 5, Maryland will most likely take a step back this year. Still, Junior guard Melo Trimble is back and provides Maryland with some hope. He averaged 14.9 ppg and 4.9 apg last season. Georgetown moves on from the D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera era, turning to Robert Morris grad transfer and Evanston, Illinois native Rodney Pryor. Pryor put up big numbers last season with the Colonials, scoring 18.0 ppg and hauling in 8.0 rpg.
6:00pm - ESPN
(2) Kentucky (2-0)
(13) Michigan State (0-1)
Ahh, a marquee matchup between two storied programs. This is the first of back-to-back early season slugfests on ESPN (Duke vs. Kansas is later Tuesday night). Kentucky comes into the game led by the Freshmen trio of De'Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Bam Adebayo. Fox has looked spectacular through two games, averaging 16.5 ppg and 7.5 apg. His speed in the open floor is reminiscent of former Wildcat John Wall. On the other side, Michigan State boasts Flint, Michigan native and top 10 recruit Miles Bridges. Bridges was money to start Friday night against Arizona, putting up 7 points in the first two minutes of action. When you get a matchup with so much Freshmen talent and two legendary coaches in John Calipari and Tom Izzo, you know this will be a game we'll be talking about all season.
7:30pm - FS1
(9) Wisconsin (1-0)
(22) Creighton (1-0)
Sandwiched between ESPN's double-header is another top 25 battle between Wisconsin and Creighton. Wisconsin certainly has the upper leg on many schools this season when it comes to experience. This experience stems from Senior Nigel Hayes (15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.0 apg last season) and Senior Guard Bronson Koenig (13.1 ppg and 2.4 apg last season). The emergence last season of then-Freshman Ethan Happ gave Badgers fans a lot to look forward to this season. The Blue Jays are led by Senior Guard Maurice Watson Jr. However, Creighton did not look sharp in their first game, nearly blowing a 21 point halftime lead to UMKC, holding on to win 89-82. They'll have to tighten up if they plan on getting the W versus the Badgers.
8:30pm - ESPN
 |
| Kansas' Josh Jackson, #11. (Photo by Nick Krug/KUSports) |
(1) Duke (2-0)
(7) Kansas (0-1)
No question, if you can only watch one game all week, this is the one to watch. This is the game we've all been waiting for. It would be even better if Duke Freshman and #1 recruit Harry Giles were suiting up, but that is not the case. Giles has had surgery in both knees, with an ACL, MCL and meniscus tear in his left knee, and an ACL tear in his right last November. He underwent left knee arthroscopy in October and his timetable to return is unknown. #3 recruit Jayson Tatum, injuring his foot two weeks ago, has a chance to play but Coach K may err on the side of caution. Even without Giles and Tatum, Duke will bring Junior Grayson Allen, Sophomore Luke Kennard, sharpshooting Senior Matt Jones, and the do-it-all Senior Forward Amile Jefferson. Keep an eye on Freshmen Guard Frank Jackson as well. Jackson was ranked #10 in ESPN's Top 100 and has put up 21-18 points through 2 games. For Bill Self's Jayhawks, Freshman Forward Josh Jackson, the #2 recruit, is the one to watch. He wasn't impressive in Kansas' overtime loss to Indiana Friday night, scoring only 9 points on 3-11 shooting. However, he possesses a special skillset and is the potential #1 pick come June. Senior Guard Frank Mason III is back and made his presence felt on Friday, scoring 30 points to go along with 9 assists and 7 rebounds. His contributions this season are just as important as Josh Jackson's. It's a shame that this game could be without Giles and Tatum for Duke, as we were in line for the top 3 recruits all on the same court, but it should still be a fantastic game nonetheless.
Wednesday, November 16
6:00pm - FS1
Northwestern (1-0)
Butler (1-0)
The one game that I'd recommend watching on Wednesday is a matchup in Hinkle Fieldhouse between Northwestern and Butler. As we all know, Northwestern has never been to the NCAA Tournament. Is this the year they can finally mount a run and play their way in? There's a chance, and a win against the storied program of Butler would certainly generate some buzz. Junior Bryant McIntosh (13.8 ppg and 6.7 apg last season) and Sophomore Vic Law (7.0 ppg and 4.8 rpg last season) lead the Cats. For Butler, the back-to-back Final Four runs are still at the forefront of the school's legacy but the time period between those runs and now is widening. The last of Brad Stevens' recruiting graduated in May, with guys like Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham gone. Now, Chris Holtmann's squad features big time scorer Kelan Martin (15.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg last season) as well as Senior big man Andrew Chrabascz (10.7 ppg and 4.2 rpg last season). We'll get a good look at both teams Wednesday night.
Thursday, November 17
6:00pm - BTN
Providence (0-0)
Ohio State (1-0)
As of Sunday night, Providence has yet to play. They open their season hosting Vermont on Monday. However, Thursday night the Friars travel to Columbus. Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil are gone, with Dunn being a lottery selection in this summer's NBA Draft. Now, Ed Cooley will hand the keys of the offense over to Kyron Cartwright. The majority of the Friars scoring should come from Rodney Bullock though. In his first season last year, Bullock averaged 11.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg. For the Buckeyes, guys like Keita Bates-Diop (11.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg last season) and Marc Loving (14.0 ppg and 5.3 rpg last season) provide a fierce front court.
6:00pm - ESPN2
Pittsburgh (1-0)
SMU (2-0)
The Kevin Stallings era for Pittsburgh began with a double overtime victory over Eastern Michigan. Senior Jamel Artis could be in for a big year. He averaged 14.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg last season and has been one of the most improved players year after year in the ACC. Senior Michael Young (15.7 ppg and 6.9 apg last season) is worth paying attention to as well. Artis, Young, and Pitt face Southern Methodist on Thursday, who, as many recall, began last season on an 18 game win streak. However, due to the violation of multiple rules, Larry Brown and SMU were suspended from tournament play. Turn now to Tim Jankovich, who returns Senior guard Ben Moore (11.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg last season). In addition, SMU gets Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye this year after redshirting last season. Ojeleye was buried at Duke, but now finds himself in a prominent role with SMU. Through the first two games, he is averaging 22.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg.
8:00pm - PAC12
 |
| Valparaiso's Alec Peters, #25. (Photo by Getty Images) |
(4) Oregon (1-0)
Head Coach Matt Lottich gets his first big test of his head coaching career on Thursday after taking over for the departed Valpo hero Bryce Drew. Valpo faced a close one Saturday night against NAIA Trinity Christian which saw the Crusaders come back from a 45-36 halftime deficit. Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year Alec Peters leads the Crusaders after coming off a Junior year which saw averages of 18.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg. They take on Oregon, who, as mentioned before, are without star Forward Dillon Brooks. Without Brooks, Oregon is still a legitimate threat in the college hoops sphere. However, if Valpo can get hot, they may catch Oregon at the right time and pull off a big upset.
Friday, November 18
None
Saturday, November 19
None
Sunday, November 20
9:00pm - PAC12
 |
| UCLA's Lonzo Ball, #2. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/AP) |
Long Beach State (1-1)
(16) UCLA (2-0)
Finally, wrapping things up on Sunday night are the UCLA Bruins and the Long Beach State 49ers. Long Beach State is coming off of a 92-55 loss to Wichita State. Now, they have to take on UCLA, led by Freshman sensation Lonzo Ball. So far, through two games, Ball has been doing it all. He's averaging 16.0 ppg, 8.5 apg and 8.0 rpg. Bryce Alford, in his Senior year now, looks like the scorer he was last season, putting up 30 and 20 points to start. Freshman Forward T.J. Leaf also has looked good, posting 22 points and 15 rebounds in his first collegiate game. Long Beach State will have to slow down Ball and Alford though if they have any chance at pulling off the W on Sunday. Junior Forward Gabe Levin, who is averaging 12.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg so far, needs to be stellar.
That wraps it up for this week. Check back next week for more games to keep an eye on!
Stats from ESPN.com
No comments:
Post a Comment