Tonight’s the night.
The college basketball season tips off today in Indianapolis as Indiana University Indianapolis (IUPUI) hosts Indiana University-Columbus, ending a 209-day streak of no college basketball. Pair that with the meat of the college football season, and swiftly the apex of college athletics has arrived.
Below are the seven college basketball games tipping off on Monday that have the most pop – the most draw, the most at stake – complete with a top storyline, players to watch and where to watch.
No. 8 Baylor @ No. 6 Gonzaga – 11:30 p.m., ESPN2
Storyline to know: A rematch of the 2021 National Championship game pits two top 10 teams against each other on opening night.
Norchad Omier was a valuable muscle during Miami’s Final Four run two seasons ago, and now begins his tenure as a Bear against Graham Ike in the frontcourt as two explosive top 10 teams battle on night one. The Bears’ roster is arguably more talented, with Jeremy Roach, VJ Edgecombe, Jayden Nunn and Langston Love all set to contribute on major levels, but Gonzaga returns more to a team that ended last season on a tear through the WCC and went to the Sweet 16 in Ryan Nembhard, Graham Ike and Nolan Hickman.
Player to watch for GU: Ryan Nembhard
Player to watch for BU: Norchad Omier
No. 13 Texas A&M @ UCF – 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
Storyline to know: The highly-ranked Aggies saunter into Orlando, Fla. and meet a sneaky Knights team chock full of talent.
The Aggies’ No. 13 rank is tied for the highest preseason rank in program history, as coach Buzz Williams returns three starters and many sparkplugs off the bench to form one of the most talented rosters in the SEC. Wade Taylor IV and late-bloomer Manny Obaseki are a fierce backcourt duo who will need to match up with the talented group of Darius Johnson, Jordan Ivy-Curry and Jaylin Sellers in what should be a high-octane, high-scoring game in Orlando.
Player to watch for TAMU: Wade Taylor IV
Player to watch for UCF: Jordan Ivy-Curry
No. 19 Texas vs.* Ohio State – 10:00 p.m., TNT/truTV
Storyline to know: The unranked Buckeyes use a lack of respect as fuel ahead of showdown with Longhorns in Vegas.
In American parlance, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” For the Buckeyes, avenging last season’s head-scratching and oftentimes frustrating conference performance – featuring wins against Purdue and losses to Michigan – will be a top priority. The Longhorns return little but added a bevy of talent through the portal, including the physical Arthur Kaluma (Kansas State) and talented Jayson Kent (Indiana State) to form a board-crashing attack capable of competing in the SEC.
Player to watch for UT: Tramon Mark
Player to watch for OSU: Aaron Bradshaw
Missouri @ Memphis – 8:00 p.m., ESPN+
Storyline to know: A cat fight in Memphis features two teams desperate for respect following disappointing 2023 seasons.
The (Missouri) Tigers’ eight wins in 2023 were their lowest since 2017, with the defense cratering and offense sputtering in most key moments in SEC play. Luckily, Tamar Bates is back after an effective shooting season, and Dennis Gates worked the portal well. Memphis reloaded via the portal with many backcourt stars, including PJ Haggerty (Tulsa) and Tyrese Hunter (Texas) to form an impressive nucleus of scoring. Both teams slid in 2023 and will look to start 2024 with a respected win.
Player to watch for MIZ: Mark Mitchell
Player to watch for MEM: Tyrese Hunter
Vermont @ UAB – 7:30 p.m., ESPN+
Storyline to know: Two conference juggernauts showdown in Birmingham on night one.
Double-double machine Yaxel Lendeborg was one of the best defensive rebounders in the country last season as the Blazers waltzed into the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons. Vermont has won the America East seven of the last ten years, establishing itself as a mid-major steamroller. UAB is the frontrunner in the AAC while Vermont opens 2024 yet again atop the AEC. A must-watch match-up is the front court – particularly the rebounding – of Vermont against the powerful Lendeborg.
Player to watch for UV: Shamir Bogues
Player to watch for UAB: Yaxel Lendeborg
Saint Louis vs.* Santa Clara – 3:00 p.m., YouTube
Storyline to know: A rebuilt and repurposed Billikens team will get a shot at well-respected Santa Clara on night one.
The giant-killing Broncos gathered wins against Gonzaga, Oregon and Stanford last season but struggled with consistency against outclassed opponents. The return of elite forward Adama Alpha-Bal was a huge get for coach Herb Sendek, who will look to build around the lanky senior. The Billikens retooled the entire roster following a mediocre 2023, poaching Josh Schertz from Indiana State and with him gamechangers Robbie Avila and Isaiah Swope. Saint Louis has a more talented roster, but consistency is key if the Billikens wish to breakthrough in a top heavy Atlantic-10.
Player to watch for SLU: Robbie Avila
Player to watch for SCU: Adama Alpha-Bal
McNeese State vs.* South Dakota State – 6:00 p.m., YouTube
Storyline to know: Two mid-major powerhouses duel in Sioux Falls to open the season – Will Wade begins year two in Lake Charles.
Both teams carried momentum into March as possible upset candidates before getting handled by higher-seeded foes. Both teams return storied head coaches that are coming off conference championship seasons. Both teams will be eager to start 2024 with an impressive win. The Cowboys return more – and arguably more talent – in Southland POTY candidate Christian Shumate and dynamic guard Javohn Garcia, but the Jackrabbits have been notorious throughout the Summit League for making a lot out of a little. The front court battle will be a good one, especially considering how dominant the Cowboys were on the blocks last season.
Player to watch for MSU: Christian Shumate
Player to watch for SDSU: Oscar Cluff
