The 2019-20 college basketball season begins Tuesday, as teams begin their quest to cut down the net in March. The Champions Classic gives fans two top-five showdowns, while the ACC schedule starts early due to a revised 20-game schedule. Thus, there is no shortage of marquee games.
USA TODAY Sports highlights the five most exciting games to watch for the 2019-20 season tip:
No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Kentucky (Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Champions Classic has a way of making a season-opener feel like it's a Final Four clash because it often pits the top two ranked teams in the country against each other. This year, the No. 1 Spartans, led by national player of the year candidate Cassius Winston, take on John Calipari's Kentucky team that is fueled by five-star freshmen Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney.
No. 3 Kansas vs. No. 4 Duke (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Jayhawks have a team that's worthy of being No. 1 in the country based on returning talent — namely floor general Devon Dotson and big man Udoka Azubuike — but coach Mike Krzyzewski has reloaded nicely in the post- Zion Williamson chapter. Krzyzewski's biggest returnee is Tre Jones, who could become a first-team All-American if he can improve his jump shot and create well for freshmen Matthew Hurt, Wendell Moore Jr. and Vernon Carey Jr.
BREAKING MOLD:Why Tre Jones returned to Duke as others left
WINSTON'S QUEST:Michigan State senior wants elusive title for Spartans
AFTER TITLE:Why Virginia's culture positions the Cavaliers to rebuild
No. 5 Louisville at Miami (Fla.) (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU). Coach Chris Mack has the Cardinals poised for a deep run in 2020 after just one season at the helm. Jordan Nwora gives Louisville him a dynamic veteran to steer a batch of strong newcomers. The Cardinals will have a test on the road right away against a Hurricanes squad that's deep on the perimeter and expected to finish in the middle of the ACC.
No. 9 Virginia at Syracuse (Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET, ACC Network). The reigning national champion Cavaliers lost their three best players to the NBA, but coach Tony Bennett's system remains intact. This new-look version of the pack-line defense and methodical offense will feature two familiar faces in returning starters Mamadi Diakite and Kihei Clark. Braxton Key could be the most important player for this team, though. Syracuse has been a bubble team over the last several NCAA tournaments and coach Jim Boeheim's roster will have to overachieve behind incoming guard Joe Girard to exceed that outlook. The Cavs surely won't have an easy opener at the Carrier Dome in Game 1 of their title defense.
Notre Dame at No. 11 North Carolina (Wednesday, 7 p.m., ACC Network). The Fighting Irish have what it takes for a bounceback campaign, with coach Mike Brey bringing back all but one key player from last year. They'll travel to Chapel Hill to face the Tar Heels, whose ceiling will largely depend on how freshman Cole Anthony performs. Coach Roy Williams also has two grad transfers in Justin Pierce and Christian Keeling to make for a new dynamic roster.
