Game #1: Kansas vs. UL Monroe, 5 PM PST, National TV Coverage: ESPN3
Two words: Andrew Wiggins. As 5th ranked Kansas tips off its season tonight against Louisiana-Monroe, all eyes will be on Wiggins, the most hyped high school phenom since one LeBron James, as he takes his game to the next level for the first time tonight. The high-flying freshman, who has already inspired a Tankapalooza in the NBA from teams hoping for a chance to land him in the 2014 Draft, battled some questions of passiveness before the season, but tonight he can begin to put all those fears to rest. He lived up to his insane hype in the preseason averaging 13 points per game and showing off some highlight reel dunks in limited minutes and there's no doubt that he's the player everyone is going to be watching tonight. However, don't forget about 7 foot monster center Joel Embiid, himself a projected top 5 pick in next year's draft, as well as exciting swingman Wayne Selden tonight as Bill Self's gang kicks off the post-Ben McLemore era
Game #2: Duke vs. Davidson, 4 PM PST, National TV Coverage: ESPN U/WatchESPN
From one insanely hyped freshman to another. As the Coach K crew squares off with Stephen Curry's alma mater, a lot of attention will be on phenom Jabari Parker. Not only does he have the freakish athleticism to get every last fan up on their feet, but he's a perfect fit for Mike Krzyzewski's system as he can defend the perimeter and spread the floor with his shooting, both Coach K staples. Duke fans also expect big things from redshirt sophomore Rodney Hood and this one should be a fun matchup to watch unfold.
Game #3: Kentucky vs. UNC Asheville, 4 PM PST, National TV Coverage: ESPN3
The most heralded recruiting class arguably since the Fab Five of Michigan fame comes together tonight. Led by super-freshmen Julius Randle, the Harrison twins, Andrew and Aaron, James Young, and Dakari Johnson to name a few, these studly newbies join formidable upperclassmen Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Polythress amongst others. Expectations are sky-high for this Kentucky team as they'll enter the season ranked #1 in the nation despite a disappointing season last year where they failed to make the Big Dance in March and even got bounced in the first round of the NIT tourney. Things are definitely looking up for John Calipari and Co.
Game #4: Arizona vs. Cal Poly, 7 PM PST, National TV Coverage: Pac 12 Network
An intriguing Pac 12 matchup tonight as the Wildcats, led by athletic forward Aaron Gordon (who has drawn some comparisons to Blake Griffin) and explosive freshman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, will get in the ring with Cal Poly tonight. And with transfer PG TJ McConnell running the show now for an Arizona team that was incredibly deficient at the position last year, Arizona will be one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season. They should just be sure to ensure that this is not a trap game as Cal Poly came out of nowhere early last season to upset UCLA.
Game #5: Michigan vs. Mass-Lowell, 4 PM PST, National TV Coverage: N/A
The runners up to the national championship last year will be back in action tonight against Massachusetts-Lowell. Despite losing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke to the NBA, the Wolverines will return some key components of last year's team in exciting sophomore Glenn Robinson III and the cult hero Mitch McGary. Though their recruiting class was nothing to write home about this year, Michigan looks to capitalize on their deep March run of which they are only a few months removed from.
Game #6: Oklahoma State vs. Miss Valley State, 5 PM PST, National TV Coverage: N/A
Marcus Smart definitely surprised a lot of people in the offseason when he decided to return to the Cowboys for one more year. Despite many projecting him to be a possible Top 3 pick in 2013, he returns for his sophomore campaign. This is a kid that can do it all: score, play lockdown D, facilitate for his teammates, break your ankles with his handles. In fact if you want to pick nits, the only knock on him is his perimeter J. Otherwise, no tangible weaknesses whatsoever. So Smart is back in action tonight as he looks to lead his team to a Big 12 title or possibly even bigger things. And his supporting cast is nothing to sneeze at either with senior Markell Brown and junior Brian Williams in town as well. This should be a fun season for OK St.
Game #7: North Carolina vs. Oakland, 6 PM PST, National TV Coverage: ESPN3
The Tar Heels open up the season ranked 12th in the nation. There is some cause for concern as they lost Reggie Bullock to the NBA, James McAdoo ruined his draft stock a bit with poor performance late in the season, and also because they will be without PJ Hairston and Leslie McDonald tonight thanks to an eligibility mess. However, the additions of freshmen Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks down low will wind up paying huge dividends as Roy Williams will look to duplicate some of his previous success of years past.
Game #8: UCLA vs. Drexel, 9 PM PST, National TV Coverage: N/A
And last but certainly not least, we have a game that is near and dear to my heart. I will actually be attending this game at Pauley Pavilion in a few short hours so I'm quite excited for that. But in terms of the matchup, it's a new look for the Bruins as they kick off the year at home against Drexel tonight. With Shabazz Muhammad now on the Timberwolves, Larry Drew II graduated, and Ben Howland ousted, new coach Steve Alford is instituting a new culture in Westwood with a good combination of returning veterans like the do it all point forward Kyle Anderson, the ready to be unleashed Tony Parker, and the scoring machine Jordan Adams (who looks to be fully recovered from the injury he suffered in last year's Pac 12 tournament) as well as fab freshmen such as the highlight reel waiting to happen Zach LaVine, athletic forward Noah Allen, and the sweet shooting coach's son Bryce Alford. And it all kicks off tonight against Drexel as UCLA seeks to return to the apex of the Pac 12 after winning the regular season championship last season.
And there you go! 8 To Watch On the 8th. College Basketball 2013-2014. Let's go!!!
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