College basketball returns tonight in The Garden when Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State and Kansas take the floor. Featuring seven prospects across two games, expect The Champions Classic to live up to its name.
All four programs will be looking to set the tone for the new season tonight when Kansas faces Michigan State and Duke squares off against Kentucky. Even though these four programs have been featured in the last two decades as blue bloods, they all struggled last season. Kansas was eliminated in the round of 32, Michigan State bounced in the first four while Duke and Kentucky didn’t even make the tournament. As it begins to feel like the rest of college basketball is catching up to the usual juggernauts, these four programs will have a chance to reclaim their status this season and it has to start in game one.
Game #1: Michigan State vs. Kansas
Michigan State: A team that hasn’t won a title in two decades will look to be the last one standing this season. Ranking just outside the preseason Top 25 the Michigan State Spartans should be in the mix for a 3-5 seed in the tournament at the start of the February. Recently losing the reclassed Emoni Bates to Memphis, the Spartans will lean the majority of their season hopes on experience and the rest on Max Christie.
Max Christie : Under the radar feels like an understatement for a prospect like Christie. With names like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Emoni Bates highlighting the college basketball prospect circuit Max Christie went quietly unnoticed by major media outlets. In my opinion, he will make everyone aware of his ability throughout the course of this season. A smooth 6-7 shooting guard with the potential to be an above average scorer at all three levels, Christie’s trajectory points to the lottery this season. While there will be questions about his frame and strength coming into the season he is only eighteen years old. A young player with the ability to score at a high level will always be valued in the NBA. Expect Christie to help Michigan State this year with his value rising as with every game he logs. MIP Projection: Late Lottery Pick
Kansas: Last season the Jayhawks never looked as good as their ranking suggested but continued to win up until they met USC in the tournament. Again ranked in the top three, Kansas doesn’t have any eye popping recruits but instead filled out their team primarily through the transfer portal. Prior to their game tonight, I expect Kansas to have a similar season to last year. While they may win a majority of their games they will be tested early in March.
Ochai Agbaji : Agbaji was featued in a prospect preview last season and we believe he should have tested his value in the NBA. Another year older, Agbaji returns to the Jayhawks for his last dance. With every passing year in college the NBA value of a player slowly decreases due to his age and the larger pool of draft prospects. While NBA front offices have warmed to the idea of taking older players high in the draft, Obi Toppin for example, Agbaji doesn’t possess the same abilities as some of these other more notable seniors. This season is all about Agbaji finding a way to reclaim the abilities that made him appealing the last two seasons. His size and athleticism will always be a net positive but his shooting ability has to improve if he wants to be drafted. The swing factor for Agbaji this year will be how he performs from behind the arc. If Agbaji can continue to improve his three point percentage, there will always be a home in an NBA organization for a floor spacer. MIP Projection: Late Second Round/Undrafted
Game #2: Duke vs. Kentucky
Duke: In what is truly one of college basketball’s greatest farewell tours, Coach K has decided to step down after four decades in Durham. Filling his role and continuing his legacy has already begun with big recruits committing to the Blue Devils in 2022 however, this is about now. After missing the tournament last season Duke has essentially retooled with some of the top players in the country. Ranked #9 to start the season this team has the talent and star power to bid their coach farewell with another banner hanging in Cameron Indoor.
Trevor Keels: I am not sure where Keels slots in as a prospect in this upcoming draft or if he will even consider leaving Duke after this season but he needs to be mentioned here. Keels will compete with AJ Griffin for minutes but for a prospect that felt late to the party he will contribute to the success of this team in a major way. An offensive weapon with a sturdy frame, expect growing pains with Keels that will pay dividends in the end. MIP Projection: 2nd Round/Undrafted (expect this to change)
Mark Williams : Williams is poised for a breakout season. The sophomore center is presumed to be taking hold of the starting role this and should see an uptick in his statistical categories across the board. A seven foot traditional center, Williams is going to find most of his offensive work within five feet of the basket. His size allows him to be a high value rim protector, 1.4 BPG last season, which will elevate his draft stock. MIP Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd (30-42)
AJ Griffin : Without getting ahead of myself, AJ Griffin is everything I look for in a prospect. He has great size for his position, can handle the ball and has the ability to score. His length and allows him to be an active rebounder and his size helps him elevate over defenders on the offensive end. While Keels will push him for minutes Griffin is a high value lottery pick that I expect to get additional buzz as the draft gets closer. MIP Projection: High Lottery Pick (2-6)
Paolo Banchero : While AJ Griffin may be my favorite prospect on this Duke team, Paolo Banchero is the prospect. Truly a man amongst boys, he is has an NBA frame and great athleticism for a 6-10 250lb power forward. He can shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor and has a ceiling higher than arguably anyone in college basketball. Expect Banchero to make a statement tonight and be on the lookout for our full breakout of Banchero next week!
Kentucky: The college basketball world has caught up to John Calipari but he continues to find a way to bring in top prospects. Even with new avenues to the NBA and other programs embracing the one and done, Kentucky is the blueprint. After a season that never really gained any traction the Wildcats, like many other blue bloods, retooled in the offseason and look poised to reclaim their status this year. Expect Kentucky to truly compete in the SEC this year. Even though they seem to be outmatched on paper expect the team to play hard and keep it competitive. With such a young team confidence early in the season will be a key driver moving forward.
Daimion Collins : It feels like as the game of basketball continues to grow, there has been an uptick in athletically superior players making an impact. Expect Daimion Collins to be the next name to make this impact. A 6-9 PF/C has the motor and athletic ability to be a first round pick this year. Even though it is a small sample size in exhibition Collins has shown he is just more gifted than his matchup. On both the offensive and defensive end Collins leans on his athletic ability to propel the rest of his game. Showing he can also space the floor Collins will be a welcome addition to the one and done club John Calipari has established in recent years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXIZmmOFpc&ab_channel=KentuckyHoops
TyTy Washington : At 6-3, TyTy Washington will be an immediate impact player for Calipari. An elite freshman guard who can score in transition and the half court will be a solid floor general for the Wildcats this year. Washington has proven to be a good outside shooter which allows him to space the floor for his teammates helping them get easier looks at the basket. Engaged on both ends of the floor Washington has good instincts which helps turn defense into offense. Washington’s ability to create his own shot will help elevate his draft stock going forward. MIP Projection: First Round Pick
Washington recenelty created his own non-profit and the TyTy Washington Foundation has received official recognition from the IRS. If you want to learn more about what Washington has been doing within the community we have provided the hyperlink above!
Prediction: Kansas 84 – MSU 79, Duke 81 – Kentucky 74