College basketball is finally back, and the first week of the season hasn’t disappointed. All the preseason buzz surrounded Purdue, who currently sits atop the AP rankings after opening the year with a convincing win. They look laser focused and hungry to finally break through after last season’s heartbreak. Right behind them is Houston, another powerhouse off to a smooth 1-0 start, and they’ll get tested soon when they face Tennessee at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, a game everyone has circled because Tennessee’s determined to erase the sting of back-to-back Elite Eight exits, as noted by ESPN.
Florida, the defending champion, started their quest for back-to-back titles but stumbled out of the gate, dropping their much-anticipated opener against Arizona in Las Vegas. Arizona, re-energized by the electric freshman duo of Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, is pushing into national relevance early. According to Hoops HQ, Florida’s new-look backcourt of Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland is still finding its rhythm, but Lee’s crafty play could make a real difference as the season goes on.
With Purdue, Houston, and UConn rounding out the top four, the top of the field is loaded with both proven veterans and eye-catching freshmen. Purdue’s balanced attack and interior dominance are their calling cards, while UConn brings a relentless defense and a chip on their shoulder after last year’s tournament letdown.
Elsewhere, Feast Week is right around the corner, promising marquee matchups like Kentucky squaring off against historic foes and Duke taking on Western Carolina in front of a national audience. Michigan and St. John’s have also come out fast, notching early wins to solidify their top-five standings according to CBS Sports.
Not to be missed are the early conference matchups and tournaments. The Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic is set with bubble teams Georgia and Xavier battling for momentum, and the Maui Invitational is drawing headlines as USC and Boise State clash in what could be a statement game for either program. Plus, look out for under-the-radar rivalries like Yale against Vermont, which could have tournament implications if either team pulls off a strong upset.
Every season seems to unveil a new rule or twist, and this year coaches have been given the power to challenge a call once per game, bringing a fresh layer of strategy and drama. College basketball’s opening week lived up to the hype, and if these early games are any indication, we’re in for a season of surprises and unforgettable moments.
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