No. 1 Kentucky and No. 2 Michigan State meet tonight in the Champion's Classic at the Windy City for a showdown many basketball experts believe to be a preview of April's national championship game.
This 1-2 matchup pits two opposites against each other. The Wildcats have the most highly touted freshman class since the Michigan Fab Five, and they're facing a veteran-laden Spartans team that returns two NBA-caliber players (Gary Harris and Adreian Payne). Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and Kentucky coach John Calipari have exchanged in a playful war of words leading up to tonight's game, with Calipari saying it's 'not fair' for his youngsters to play such an experienced team and Izzo following up by suggesting Calipari 'forfeit.'
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: United Center at Chicago
TV: ESPN
Video Analysis: USA TODAY Sports' Nicole Auerbach breaks down the 1-2 clash.
Kentucky Background: Get to know No. 1 Kentucky in USA TODAY Sports' preseason profile.
Michigan State Background: Get to know No.1 Michigan State in USA TODAY Sports' preseason profile.
Breaking down the matchups: We take a look at which team wins each position battle.
Position matchups based on information from Detroit Free Press writer Joe Rexrode. (Graphics by Tim McGarry)
CENTER: MSUSophomore forward Matt Costello (6-9) vs. UK sophomore forward Willie Cauley-Stein (7-foot).
Advantage goes to ... Kentucky because Cauley-Stein is more elusive and crafty around the basket. He also has an experience factor as one of the two key returners for the Wildcats on a freshmen-dominated roster, while Costello is still getting acclimated. Cauley-Stein has NBA lottery potential and he's blossoming thanks to the competition he sees in practices.
FORWARD: MSU senior forward Adreian Payne (6-10) vs. UK freshman forward Julius Randle (6-9).
Advantage goes to ... Kentucky because Randle is not only one of the best freshman in the country, he's one of the best overall players nationally as well. If that's not established already, it will be Tuesday. Payne brings more experience and an aggressiveness that will give him an upper hand, but Randle has been called a 'specimen' as Kentucky's best player in two sloppy non-conference victories, averaging 22.5 points and 15 rebounds. This matchup's must-watch.
GUARD: MSU sophomore guard Gary Harris (6-4) vs. UK freshman guard James Young (6-6).
Advantage goes to ... Michigan State. Harris had a chance to play professionally but passed on the NBA to return to East Lansing, and he's back as the Spartans' best overall player. He creates for others and can get to the rim at ease. He's wasted no time out the gate, scoring 20 points and dishing six assists in the team's opener.
GUARD: MSU junior guard-forward Branden Dawson (6-6) vs. UK freshman guard Aaron Harrison (6-6).
Advantage goes to... Michigan State. Dawson has ample experience and he usually comes off the bench but for matchup purposes he's best fitted against Harrison, who has played well early on for UK. His jump shooting complements his brother's playmaking. This is a position battle to keep your eyes on undoubtedly.
GUARD: MSU guard Keith Appling (6-1) vs. UK freshman guard Andrew Harrison (6-6).
Advantage goes to ... Michigan State, just barely. This is a pivotal matchup considering each team's point guard plays such a crucial role in their respective offenses. Appling (13.4 ppg in 2012-13) has the experience edge which trumps Harrison's athleticism and size advantages. Their roles will come down to decision making and clutch baskets in tonight's game.
BENCH:
Advantage goes to ... Kentucky. You're bound to have a deep roster when you bring in six McDonald's All-Americans. Michigan State has savvy veterans off its bench in Denzel Valentine, Alex Gauna and Travis Trice, but Kentucky's loaded roster wins this battle. Sophomore double-digit scorer Alex Poythress and freshmen big men Dakari Johnson and Marcus Lee give the Wildcats plenty of back-up weaponry.
COACH: MSU's Tom Izzo vs. UK's John Calipari.
Advantage goes to ... Tie. If we're going based on resumes, Izzo wins with 16 consecutive NCAA tourneys, 11 Sweet 16s, five Final Fours and one national title. But Calipari, a national-title winning coach himself, wins based on his ability to mesh/mold young talent (as he did in 2012) and he does so with his effective dribble-drive motion offense, which caters perfect to his young group.
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