Champions Classic: Hunter Dickinson leads Kansas past MSU; Kentucky rallies past Duke. The college basketball season is already underway, and the Champions Classic kicked off the action on Tuesday night in Atlanta. The event featured a thrilling opener between No. 1 Kansas and Michigan State, followed by a late-night showdown between No. 6 Duke and No. 19 Kentucky, both of which generated significant excitement and compelling narratives.
In the nightcap, the Kentucky Wildcats showcased their revamped offense and a roster filled with transfers, overcoming a 10-point deficit to defeat Duke, 77-72.
As the Blue Devils held the ball with 26 seconds left in a tie game at 72-72, Cooper Flagg, the nation’s top-rated freshman and a likely No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, lost possession after being stripped, resulting in a foul on Kentucky’s Otega Oweh. With just 10 seconds remaining and Duke down by two, Flagg received the in-bounds pass, drove down the left side, but stumbled, leading to a critical turnover. Lamont Butler then converted a free throw, and an offensive rebound sealed the Wildcats’ hard-fought victory.
Here are three key takeaways from each of Tuesday night’s Champions Classic games:
1. Hunter Dickinson’s personal motivation fueled Kansas’ performance.
The opening game of the Champions Classic was not a display of offensive artistry, with both teams struggling early, shooting just 6-for-31 combined. However, Hunter Dickinson, a fifth-year senior and national player of the year candidate, emerged as the standout performer. Kansas coach Bill Self noted that Michigan State’s Tom Izzo opted for single coverage on Dickinson, allowing him to dominate. He scored the first eight points for Kansas and continued to deliver crucial baskets, tying the game multiple times as Michigan State fought to stay close.
As the Spartans attempted a late-game rally, Dickinson’s putback shot provided the decisive points. The former Michigan Wolverine relished the challenge, responding to the jeers from Spartan fans with a confident display on the court. “I was saying they’re too small,” Dickinson remarked after the game. “They can’t guard me. This was a very big game for me.”
2. Michigan State struggles with perimeter shooting.
The absence of All-Big Ten selection Tyson Walker was felt keenly by Michigan State. Coach Tom Izzo relied on Jaden Akins and Jeremy Fears to lead the backcourt, but both players struggled, with Akins shooting just 1-for-8. Despite this, the Spartans managed to stay competitive, thanks in part to Frankie Fidler’s 15 points and Jaxon Kohler’s double-double. However, their shooting woes were evident as they finished 3-for-24 from beyond the arc. This poor performance raised questions about their perimeter strategy and highlighted a need for improvement moving forward.
3. Kansas may not appear dominant, but they find ways to win.
While Kansas did not exhibit the prowess expected of a No. 1 team, they managed to secure their victories. Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and Zeke Mayo struggled offensively, combining for a mere 5-for-22 shooting. Kansas has shown signs of needing a more consistent perimeter threat, as their recent games have highlighted a lack of effective catch-and-shoot opportunities. After the game, Dickinson acknowledged the team’s record, stating, “We beat a top-10 team, North Carolina, and we just beat another team who will likely end up being in the top-25, Michigan State. Are there things we can get better at? Of course. But we’ll take this any day of the week.”
Dickinson’s performance in the Champions Classic has been remarkable, totaling 55 points and 33 rebounds across two games, solidifying his role as a key player for Kansas.
1. Kentucky’s experience shone through in a clutch moment.
In the face of pressure, Andrew Carr and Otega Oweh demonstrated their experience. Carr, a Wake Forest transfer, made a critical and-one play when Kentucky was down 67-64. Following a defensive stop, Oweh received a pass from Carr for a go-ahead lay-up, contributing to their late-game surge. Together, they accounted for 12 of Kentucky’s final 13 points, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
The absence of Duke’s Khaman Maluach due to cramping shifted the momentum, allowing Kentucky to capitalize on the situation. This highlighted the impact of experience and depth in high-stakes moments.
2. Cooper Flagg’s growth as a player is evident.
Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg’s contributions to Duke were significant. He finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, proving to be a crucial offensive player. While he struggled in the final moments, it’s important to remember his age and experience level. Flagg’s performance indicates he has a bright future ahead, and moments like these will only serve to enhance his development as a player.
Duke’s lack of consistent point guard play was evident, especially with Jeremy Roach’s departure. The team struggled late in the game, showcasing the need for reliable leadership in crunch-time situations.
3. The Mark Pope Era brings renewed hope for Kentucky.
Kentucky fans are feeling optimistic under Mark Pope’s leadership. The Wildcats displayed a diverse array of offensive plays, showcasing their upperclassman-laden roster. Even with some players underperforming, the team demonstrated depth by utilizing ten players and outscoring Duke’s bench significantly. This shift in strategy has brought a sense of excitement back to Kentucky basketball, with fans expressing renewed faith in their team’s direction.
As for Duke, they will need to regroup quickly. The pressure is on coach Jon Scheyer as he navigates a talented roster that fell short in a critical moment. The Blue Devils have the potential to rebound, but time will tell how they respond to this early-season challenge.
