In a game between two blue blood programs forever linked by history (Kentucky coaching legend Adolph Rupp was a Kansas native who played for the Jayhawks under Phog Allen and James Naismith; John Calipari was an assistant at Kansas under Ted Owens and Larry Brown), the #12 Kansas Jayhawks and the #2 Kentucky Wildcats faceoff at Madison Square Garden in the Champions Classic.
John Calipari, Kentucky head coach
Heard that @DickieV said this was the most talented UK team he’s seen in 30 yrs. That’s just @DickieV being @DickieV.
He hasn’t even seen us play yet. I just want him to say at the end of the season in April that we are the best team. #WeAreUK
@KySportsRadio
The early line for Kentucky vs Kansas has Kentucky as a nine point favorite in the Garden.
Sherron Collins, Hacettepe Universitesi
@RealJayWilliams I hope my young fellas play well UK has a good team. But we should be fine what yu think jay
Jay Williams, ESPN
@SHERRONCOLLINS4 UK is loaded with talent and experience. It might be a tough game for you guy fam. KU needs you back!
Jayhawks field a starting five that can run with any team in the country, but are very thin and inexperienced on the bench. LMU-transfer Kevin Young found his rythmn for the Jayhawks against Towson scoring 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots in 14 minutes while freshman point guard Nadir Tharpe showed signs of promise out of the backcourt. Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey will need to avoid foul trouble for the Jayhawks to have a chance against a talented Kentucky frontcourt.
Kentucky has reloaded again, landing another #1 recruiting class with Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Wiltjer and Marquis Teague. Kentucky opened the season looking absolutely dominating with a 108-58 win over Marist. Davis hit 10-14 from the field and finished with 23 points; Kidd-Gilchrist was aggressive on both ends of the floor and finished with 15 points; and Teague added 16 points.
Both teams like to run and are very inexperienced which could lead to sloppy play when adding the increased pressure of playing in front of a national television audience and Madison Square Garden crowd.
