Two of the most-pedigreed programs in college basketball go at it on a neutral floor. It’s November, unseasonably early for “statement game” talk, but both blue bloods should be motivated to show out for Tuesday night’s Champions Classic.
No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 6 Duke Blue Devils
Venue: State Farm Arena — Atlanta
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Even if you really were born yesterday, or actually maintain residence under a rock, you’ve still heard about Duke and its freshmen phenoms. Cooper Flagg is already being coronated atop 2025 NBA Draft mock boards. The 6-foot-9 forward is nimble, versatile and creative with the ball in his hands. He’s averaging 15.5 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks through his first two collegiate games.
Kon Knueppel demands attention in his own right. He has hit half of his 3-pointers thus far, and darts around off-ball action with zealous confidence.
Third-year starter Tyrese Proctor, Sion James and Caleb Foster are also averaging double-figures so far. Maliq Brown transferred from Syracuse to snag rebounds for Jon Scheyer’s squad, Mason Gillis adds depth after four years at Purdue, and South Sudanese newcomer Khaman Maluach is a presence inside at 7-foot-2.
Granted, the Blue Devils have played Maine and Army. Kentucky is their first real challenge.
The Wildcats tipped off their season cracking 100 points twice — yes, against Wright State and Bucknell, opponents with triple-digit KenPom ratings. Koby Brea is 10-of-12 from behind the arc, and shot 49.8 percent on the long ball last year at Dayton. He’s a good fit for a Mark Pope offense, which is predicated on fast pace and constant movement around the perimeter.
Kentucky is also relying on an infusion from the transfer portal with guards Otega Oweh (Oklahoma), Jaxson Robinson (BYU) and Lamont Butler (San Diego State), forwards Brandon Garrison (Oklahoma State), Andrew Carr (Wake Forest) and Ansley Almonor (Fairleigh Dickinson), and center Amari Williams (Drexel). Yes, Kentucky’s top eight scorers so far are all transfers.
It’s a fascinating early-season matchup and a great opportunity for these loaded but unproven sides to make a statement. The Wildcats leads the all-time series, 12-11. But the Blue Devils unquestionably claim the biggest head-to-head win — Grant Hill to Christian Laettner is forever seared into the Kentucky consciousness.
(Photo of Kon Knueppel: Lance King / Getty Images)
