Kentucky Wildcats vs Kansas Jayhawks Champions Classic Predictions
The Kansas Jayhawks have had two tune-up games early in the year, but the first real test happens tonight in the Champions Classic. Four teams converged today in Chicago for the annual event, starting with Michigan State and Duke in the early game. The Jayhawks will take on the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats, who have dealt with some struggles and injuries already this season. Will Kansas be able to use their hot starts to spring them to another win? Or will a depleted Kentucky team still find a way to slow down the Jayhawks?
Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hope over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.
Kyle Davis
Check out our Kentucky Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.
Derek Noll
Kansas obviously hasn’t been tested yet, but neither has Kentucky. Both teams are coming off of two blowout wins against inferior opponents, so this game will be a test. And in games like this, I like Bill Self, especially since he will have all the experience on the floor. That said, the young Wildcats have only turned the ball over nine times in two games and if KU wants to get out and run and I assume they do, turning over Kentucky will be a big part of it. If Kansas can drop threes like they did against Manhattan (they surely won’t have to be as torrid as they were against NC Central), it will go a long way in separating them from the Wildcats who are shooting 32% from deep as a team. Kentucky hasn’t seen a defense like KU’s yet, so it will be interesting to see how all the freshmen respond. In the end, I think experience and proven talent wins out over potential.
Kansas 80, Kentucky 74.
Brendan Dzwierzynski
Like Derek already pointed out, this is going to be the first real test for either side. Frankly, I like that this isn’t the first game of the year anymore so both KU and its opponent can get in at least some kind of rhythm before this highly anticipated matchup turns into pig slop. That said, I still think this will be a fairly ugly matchup, which I believe favors a veteran Jayhawks group that has the 10th-most experienced roster amongst high-major programs entering this season. Kentucky will be better equipped to defend Hunter Dickinson than either of KU’s first two opponents, so the rest of the starting lineup setting the tone early will be crucial. I like Kansas to win and show off its grittiness in Chicago.
Kansas 71, Kentucky 68.
Andy Mitts
Kentucky HAS been tested, but by teams that shouldn’t have been able to. Specifically, Texas A&M - Commerce punched them in the mouth early and nearly held on for the half. But if they had been facing a more talented team, I’m not sure they would be able to have come back nearly as quickly, if at all. And what’s even starker about that is that they do NOT turn the ball over. So up against a team like Kansas that has size on the inside and fast hands to cause some turnovers, the Wildcats should have some issues. The Jayhawks have a ton of options as well, so I expect them to take full advantage.
Kansas 83, Kentucky 71.
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