I won't have these every week, but I'll at least start the season with one. Here are my picks for what I deem are the most important, biggest, or most interesting games.
Minnesota v. Louisville (Friday)
Pitino v. Pitino. It's hard to imagine Richard has the Gophers ready yet to take down his dad's Cardinals. Expect Harrell to dominate an ill-prepared Minnesota front court.
Winner: Louisville
New Mexico St. at Wichita St. (Friday)
I've gotta be crazy for calling this one of the ten big games of the week. The Aggies are better than people expect and have a huge front court again. The Shockers have one of the best back courts in the country, but if they aren't making outside shots then New Mexico St.'s big men could completely stiffle them. Making this a spotlight game is as bold as I'm getting though.
Winner: Wichita St.
SMU at Gonzaga (Monday)
The first test for either team. People are selling a bit quick on SMU since they lost Emmanuel Mudiay to China. They will be good all year long. Gonzaga is at another level with their depth and talent. I'm not sure this one will even be close.
Winner: Gonzaga
Michigan St. v. Duke (Tuesday)
Oh Champions Classic, never go away. Duke a top four team. Michigan St. is ranked although I don't think they should be. There's a lot of pressure on Brandon Dawson to be the man for the Spartans this year. Duke has at least five players who could be "the man" for Duke this year.
Winner: Duke
Kansas v. Kentucky (Tuesday)
I don't know where Kansas' top five ranking is coming from. The starting Point Guard is still up in the air and what if those Freshman aren't ready (Remember UK v. Mich. St. last year?). Kentucky is deep and talented. Unlike last year, they are worth the hype.
Winner: Kentucky
Wichita St. v. Memphis (Tuesday)
Apparently, I'm just waiting for Wichita St.'s first loss this year. Josh Pastor has never been able to put it all the talent he has together into a great team. It'll be another high-low battle as the Shocker back court will have to outplay the Tigers' front court.
Winner: Wichita St.
Utah v. San Diego St. (Tuesday)
For people paying attention to the west coast, this is a great early game. Utah looks to capitalize on returning nearly everyone from last year's better-than-you-noticed team. San Diego St. has a boatload of talent. I expect Malik Pope or Winston Shepard to have a big game for the Aztecs.
Winner: San Diego St.
Oklahoma at Creighton (Thursday)
Is there life after Doug McDermott? Probably not, and the Bluejays are down much more than just him. I'm not as high on the Sooners as everyone else is. This is a big chance for Creighton to start strong.
Winner: Oklahoma
Texas v. Iowa (Thursday)
Texas is looking very good. Iowa is looking pretty good too, albeit with far less talent. Look for a great battle down low between the Hawkeyes' Aaron White and Cameron Ridley and Myles Turner for the Longhorns.
Winner: Texas
SMU v. Indiana (Thursday)
Hahaha! This is only here because I'm an IU grad and I need to hope. The Hoosiers are down two starters for failed drug tests and missing a couple others due to a bizzare car accident. They weren't looking great to begin with. Unless they put on a clinic from the three point line, SMU's depth and experience should run them out of the building.
Winner: SMU
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