Wright State v Kentucky (ESPN U)
Opening of the Pope era at Kentucky.

Who?


Ok, now that that’s out of the way-

UK are 19.5 point favorites. I think that’s a tad conservative since it’s their first game under a new regime. BYU blitzed opponents of this caliber last year under Pope.

This UK team looks to be a deep team, but Jax is probably the closest thing they have to a true star. He’s looked good in exhibitions, and Pope’s 3 point barrage offense should be in full effect and should be good for him.

Collin Chandler will also be interesting to monitor, although I don’t expect him to be a key rotation piece, especially as the rotation shrinks in important games.

Morehead St v Louisville (ESPN+)
While sad to see him go, I will be happy to still cheer for Noah.

Louisville is similarly constructed to Kentucky. Lots of good players, all transfers or freshman, without really any superstars.

I don’t think Noah will start, but Kelsey is known to utilize a deep bench, so Noah should still get plenty of run.

CSU Northridge v St. Bonaventure (ESPN+)
Marcus Adams Jr. should be a very intriguing watch. We waited patiently, but never saw a healthy Marcus at BYU. Now, he looks to be healthy and in much better shape than last season, and as such, I expect him to be a key contributor at the low major level.

For better or worse, CSUN has a soft schedule, so they should have competitive games throughout. This one looks to be one of the tougher tests, especially as they are flying across country for it.

UT Rio Grande Valley v Nebraska (BTN+)
Beginning of the Kahil Fennell era. This is one of the tougher jobs in D1 basketball, and any semblance of a competitive game here will be a win for Coach Fennell.

In season opponent match ups-

Texas A&M @ UCF (ESPN+)
AR-Pine Bluff @ Cincy (ESPN+)
Robert Morris @ WVU (ESPN+)
Howard @ Kansas (ESPN+)
Jackson St @ Houston (ESPN+)
Miss Valley St @ Iowa St (ESPN+)
Florida A&M @ TCU (ESPN+)
Alcorn St. @ Utah (ESPN+)
Green Bay @ Oklahoma St (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington @ Colorado (ESPN+)
Canisius @ Arizona (ESPN+)
Baylor @ Gonzaga (ESPN2)

Guaranteed non-conference opponents (if not repeated from above)

UC Riverside v Oregon (BTN+)
Non-D1 v Queens (ESPN+)
Non-D1 v Idaho (ESPN+)
Long Island v Ole Miss (ESPN+)
Cent Connecticut v Providence (FS1)
Non-D1 v Wyoming


What I’ll watch-

Baylor @ Gonzaga is a no brainer. Best game of the night. It will be the night cap.

Also intrigued by A&M playing @ UCF as another power conference match up. UCF is doing a bit of a Last Chance U impression this year, so this game could be a bit telling of where they currently stand.

Lastly, I’ll put on the CSUN game. Probably watch that on my phone and have UCF or Kentucky on the tv. I just want to see if Marcus can get something going his direction now that things have (hopefully) settled for him a bit.

Enjoy the basketball everyone!