A marathon you'll happily complete

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Good news! The EA Sports CEO says their upcoming college hoops games will include “all 350 programs”! The bad news? They are clearly more than 350 programs. (Maybe he misspoke.)

At the least, it’ll include the 12 programs taking part in a fabulous Opening Day event.

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1. The best parts of The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon

College basketball fans like to bemoan the sport’s Opening Day, but there’s decidedly less to complain about this season.

And yes, this is the part where we puff out our chests a bit.

The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon on Nov. 3 is a six-game, all-day event in two different locations that ensures college hoops fans can watch basketball all day, starting at 8 am ET. Last year, it was three games in one location. So it doubled everyone’s fun.

You can learn how to order tickets here, though I’m sure most of you will be watching on The Field of 68’s YouTube Channel and X.com feeds.

In the meantime, we’ll highlight the best part of each matchup.

Winthrop vs Queens

It's fitting that Winthrop bats leadoff when the event opens in Rock Hill, S.C. The Eagles went heavy in the portal with key guards in Kareem Rozier, Josh Meo, Daylen Berry, and Seifeldin Hendaway. I’m fascinated how that dangerous group fares vs. Queens' dazzling defense, led by Bryce Cash.

Queens reached the 20-win mark last season for the first time since it joined D-I, while Winthrop won 23 games. It’s an awesome start, and one worth waking up for (if you’re not in EST).

St. Bonaventure vs. Bradley

Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt is one of the game’s most consistent coaches. That’ll be tested right away as the new-look Bonnies face one of the Missouri Valley favorites. The Bonnies’ best newcomers are Minnesota transfer big Frank Mitchell and exciting guard Darryl Simmons II, international import Achille Lonati.

Bradley coach Brian Wardle is equally consistent. He's guided the Braves to five 20+ win seasons since 2018 and reeled in a trio of transfers who averaged 8.9+ ppg at their prior schools in guard Alex Huibregste and forwards AJ Smith and Mayor Wol.

Murray State vs Omaha

Pick your favorite storyline.

It's Ryan Miller's head coaching debut at Murray State, and he's doing so in South Dakota, his home state. The Racers have one of the MVC’s more talented rosters, with a mix of high-major down transfers and mid-major studs.

Still, hide those trash cans. The Mavericks will try to build on their miraculous season that culminated in a Summit League title and an NCAA Tourney bid. They return guards Tony Osburn, Lance Waddles, and JaSean Glover and should be a team that pushes the pace.

Drake vs Northern Arizona

Drake coach Eric Henderson participated in the first Field of 68 Marathon last year, as South Dakota State's coach. Now, he and former South Dakota State standout Owen Larson will look to bring the Bulldogs to their first win of Drake’s Henderson era.

As for Northern Arizona, a bigger role is in store for former walk-on forward Diego Campisano, not to mention guard Oakland Fort. Also, Drew Timme's younger brother, Walker Timme, might get on the court.

High Point vs Furman

I urge you to clear everything off your schedule for this game. (I mean, it should be cleared all day, but especially for this one.)

High Point ushers in the Flynn Clayman era. The Panthers lost a lot from last year’s Big South champ that won 29 games, but their talent is still jaw-dropping. They added four double-digit scorers from the mid-major level, with point guard Rob Martin being the biggest name. Plus, they brought in numerous high-major transfers, including former top-100 recruit Cam Fletcher, Youssouf Singare, a member of UConn's national title team, and Arizona transfer Conra Martinez.

On the opposite side, Furman didn't steal any headlines in the portal, adding just one player (forward Asa Thomas). However, the Paladins did something even more unique: they returned seven players who logged real minutes! The duo of skilled big Charles Johnston and 6-11 defensive anchor Cooper Bowser will be a tough test for this High Point team.

South Dakota St vs. Merrimack

South Dakota State pulled off a stunner in this event last year, beating McNeese State, which went on to win an NCAA Tournament game. When Henderson left, assistant Bryan Petersen got the coaching gig. He was able to retain guards Jaden Jackson, Joe Sayler, and Kalen Garry.

They'll face Merrimack, which has established a tough, hard-nosed defensive identity under coach Joe Gallo. The Warriors finished second in the MAAC in their first year in the conference.

2. Noles go big on a player (again) + more commit news

New Florida State coach Luke Loucks seems intent on continuing one program tradition: Bringing in massive big men.

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