Four best early men's college basketball games for 2021-22

Tuesday's opening night will feature two games with Hall of Fame coaches facing off

November 8, 2021 at 5:15AM
Duke center Mark Williams (15) listed to coach Mike Krzyzewski during a Blue Devils game. (Chris Seward, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Fuller's four best early games in college basketball

Tuesday

Duke vs. Kentucky: Featured game in the Champions Classic on the opening night of college hoops gives Coach K the opportunity to begin his final season with a statement.

Kansas vs. Michigan State: Another Champions Classic matchup of Hall of Fame coaches, but Tom Izzo's Spartans were left out of the preseason top 25 for the first time since 2011.

Friday

Villanova at UCLA: The Bruins might be the most talented team in the country, but they will need to back up their No. 2 preseason ranking with a tough early test.

Saturday

Texas at Gonzaga: The first opportunity to shine on the big national stage for freshman sensation and Minnesota native Chet Holmgren, who is a headlining talent for the top-ranked Zags.

about the writer

Marcus Fuller

Reporter

Marcus Fuller covers Gophers men's basketball and college basketball for the Star Tribune. He has 13 years of experience covering Twin Cities college and professional sports. 

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