Ah it feels like only yesterday that the college football season started with Nebraska finding a way to lose once again. Then we progressed into the NFL season, where the Cleveland Browns have been less than impressive. After a couple weeks of straight football, we finally got to dive head first into the NBA season. However, while others are keeping their eyes on the court, I have one eye watching college basketball, with the Cleveland Cavaliers future in mind.
Yes, the college basketball season will get underway on Tuesday night. Nearly all major programs across the country have a game tonight, but I’ll make it easier for you by giving you three college hoops games to watch this week, and who to watch for in those particular games.
Each week, I will put out an article similar to this one, giving everyone out there some information on how to watch some of the guys that the Cavs front office will have their eyes on this offseason. With the Evan Mobley pick looking like a slam dunk, I think there is finally some trust building between the front office and the fans. On top of that, while we all want to see the Cavaliers win, it’s pretty likely they will not make the playoffs this season, especially with Collin Sexton sidelined for at least a month.
So while Sexton is out, here are some college games you should be watching, and the players you should be watching.
Cavalier Fan College Basketball Viewing Guide
Just like in college football, there are some huge games early in the year that will help us with how we judge the rest of the season. So with that being said, let’s check out some of the best hoops games to watch throughout the week.
#1: (9) Duke vs (10) Kentucky (Tuesday, Nov. 9) (9:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Well if you want to get a look at one of the guys who will be in the conversation for the first overall pick next summer, go no further than ESPN at 9:30 on Tuesday night. Coach K’s Blue Devils will take on John Calipari and Kentucky at Madison Square Garden. The first player to keep an eye on is Duke wing/forward, Paolo Banchero.
The big man was the fourth-ranked prospect in the class of 2021, and has gotten better since arriving in Durham. He’s a big, strong, physical stretch four who can guard nearly every position. On the offensive end he can shoot from pretty much anywhere on the court, and his explosiveness is special because he knows how to use it under control. He doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses, but his range could get better, and he could improve his rebounding.
I do think Banchero will eventually be the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but he will need to have a very good season at Duke if he wants to hear his name called first. Definitely take the opportunity to check this guy out. Players like him don’t come along all the time.
The second player to watch in this matchup is forward A.J. Griffin. This guy could end up being the most talented player at the college level, there’s just a lot of mystery surrounding him. He suffered a knee injury during his junior year of high school, and that set him back almost a full year. With the restrictions in New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his senior season didn’t provide much of a background for him coming into the year.
However, he’s a great shooter and is one of the better perimeter defenders in this draft class. If he can stay healthy, he will most certainly be a lottery pick in 2022.
#2: UW-Milwaukee vs North Dakota (Tuesday, Nov. 9) (8:00 PM ET, ESPN+)
This may seem like an odd pick considering this isn’t necessarily a huge top ten matchup. However, UW-Milwaukee currently has one of the best players in the country on their roster, with his name being Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Baldwin Jr. decided to stay close to home and play for his dad, Patrick Baldwin Sr., head coach of UW-Milwaukee men’s basketball. In all reality, this was a risky move from Baldwin Jr. considering it’s not in a conference that is not as competitive as the Big Ten or ACC. Meaning, he will likely have to dominate this year to keep his name trending upward.
As a player, Patrick Baldwin Jr. is super exciting to watch. He might be the best shooter in this class. Yes, even better than Griffin at Duke. The sharpshooter also has great floor control, and has some impressive ball handling. But the thing that sets him apart is his shooting, which Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman and company should be paying close attention to.
His mechanics are near perfect, and for his size, he’s the best shooter I’ve seen at that age. The only question with Baldwin Jr. is, can he be the number one option on a contending team, or is he just a great role player? Personally, I absolutely think he can. A good ceiling comparison for him might be Paul George. He also comps well to Michael Porter Jr., but Baldwin Jr.’s shooting stroke is more pure.
#3: (4) Villanova vs (2) UCLA (Friday, Nov. 12) (11:30 PM ET, ESPN2)
Well, the first top five matchup of the year will take place at Pauley Pavillion this Friday. Jay Wright and his Wildcats will travel to Los Angeles this Friday to take on UCLA.
The Bruins return Johnny Juzang and Tyger Campbell from last year’s Final Four team. However, the player that Cavs fans may want to watch is Peyton Watson.
He’s a 6-foot-8 wing player, with an incredibly explosive repertoire. He’s lethal in transition, and will be able to power past people at the college level. Although, he is still quick without the ball, and could become a great NBA defender. He needs to develop his shot more, and extend his range, but if he has a good season, he could be on the Cavaliers radar early.
As for Villanova, they are not known for producing elite NBA players, even though Mikal Bridges made a small case during the playoffs last year. However, a guy to watch in this matchup will be Collin Gillespie.
The graduate senior is the leader on the court and in the locker room as well. It’s probable that he doesn’t get drafted, but he could be a nice pickup if he goes undrafted.
Villanova guards always have great fundamentals, and have a great mind for basketball. Gillespie is no different.