There are still lots of unknowns when it comes to Kansas basketball’s schedule for next season, but it looks like the Champions Classic is ready to go.
Kansas basketball’s 2020-21 season seems to finally be coming together. The NCAA recently announced that the season will begin on November 25 rather than November 10, and there’s been a report detailing when and where the Champions Classic will take place.
The Jayhawks regularly compete in the Champions Classic vs. Duke, Kentucky, and Michigan State to begin their season. Last year they were defeated by the Duke Blue Devils in a 68-66 loss, and this season Kansas is set to face the Kentucky Wildcats.
After originally being scheduled for November 10, the Champions Classic is reported by Jeff Goodman to have been moved to December 1. The venue has also been changed. The games were originally supposed to be at the United Center in Chicago, but Goodman reports that it’s been changed to Orlando.
As of now, there really isn’t any more info regarding the Champions Classic other than the fact that it will be on ESPN. There’s still no word on potential game times, but it’s safe to assume that both games will probably be primetime slots.
This game will likely be the Kansas Jayhawks’ first game of the season, and Kentucky should provide a great test. As of now, Andy Katz has the Jayhawks ranked No. 8 and the Wildcats at No. 9 in his Power 36, so the two bluebloods should be evenly matched.
Per usual, Kentucky will likely be very young this season. They’re projected to start three freshmen, a sophomore, and one senior by FanSided. Kansas should have the advantage of experience going into the game with guys like Marcus Garrett, Ochai Agbaji, and David McCormack.
Ultimately, having the Champions Classic to build around is great for Kansas basketball. It gives the team something set in stone to work for, and hopefully, the modifications reported by Goodman will be officially announced soon.