Your college hoops weekend recap

Overseas exhibition games, recruiting news and realignment chatter dominated the weekend's college hoops news; plus, a tribute to a basketball legend

August 01, 2022

Believe it or not, there are college basketball games happening this week ... sort of. It’s not quite UNC vs. Duke, but a number of programs have embarked on foreign tours to square off with international opponents. We’ll start with a rundown on those trips.

STARTING FIVE

1. TSA Preseason

Pack your bags and pray for flight costs to decrease. Our very own Jeff Goodman has you covered with an exhaustive list of every preseason foreign tour.

These contests function like a stream in the desert for those thirsting for college basketball action. While the games ultimately mean nothing, they still deliver hope for programs coming off of down years and drum up excitement for newcomers. (Remember Baylor’s early July trip to Canada, where Keyonte George tormented opponents from all over the globe?)

Here’s what to watch among the high-majors:

  • Auburn - Israel (July 31-August 10): How will the Tigers fare without Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler? Last season, their monstrous frontline covered a multitude of the backcourt’s flaws. The Israel tour will give fans the first look at Smith and Kessler’s replacements: freshman Yohan Traore and Morehead State transfer Johni Broome. Neither are especially perimeter oriented — will they fit alongside each other?

  • Butler - Italy, Greece (August 2-12): Thad Matta kicks off his return to Butler with a tour to two coveted destinations. But the Bulldogs won’t have much time to dream about Neapolitan pizza and souvlaki chicken. All eyes will be on junior Chuck Harris, a combo guard who personifies a bottle rocket. A dynamic shot creator, Harris should see his efficiency spike with a more complete team around him.

  • Arkansas - Spain, Italy (August 6-16): The Hogs will deploy a freshmen-laden team, which is a bit unusual for Eric Musselman. How will the coach manage the rookies’ minutes alongside his new crop of transfers? One frosh whose minutes will never be in question is Nick Smith. But don’t forget about fellow five-star Jordan Walsh, who could provide playmaking from the frontcourt akin to Jaylin Williams.

  • Kentucky - Bahamas (August 8-14): #CaribbeanCal will undoubtedly showcase his ballyhooed freshmen — point guard Cason Wallace brings dogged defensive aggression, while Chris Livingston exhibits high-flying athleticism from the wing. But the most intriguing storyline will be who plays the 4 next to Oscar Tshiebwe. Can either Jacob Toppin or Damion Collins solidify themself as a starter?

  • Virginia - Italy (August 10-20): You could have constructed a cathedral that rivaled the Vatican with all of the bricks the Hoos threw up in 2022. This tour will give Virginia a chance to prove last season’s offensive woes were an anomaly. Junior Reece Beekman has generated buzz as a breakout candidate, but also keep an eye on sophomore guard Taine Murray. The New Zealander boasts a crafty handle and has the potential to blossom into a catch-and-shoot assassin.

And some love for mid-majors:

  • New Mexico State - Bahamas (July 30-August 6): Life without Chris Jans begins for the Aggies, as Greg Heiar steps in. Heiar has already implemented a Jans staple for this NMSU roster: recruiting high-major transfers. Former Mizzou and LSU point guard Xavier Pinson will ignite the offense, and the Bahamas trip allows fans to see the first glimpse. (Editor’s note: We missed that Pinson will be the only Aggie to not make the trip. Apologies for the error.)

  • Kent State - Australia (August 3-14): The Golden Flashes came up just short of an NCAA Tournament bid last year, losing to Akron in the MAC championship game. However, they have plenty of reasons for optimism this season. For one, conference player of the year Sincere Carry returns to catalyze the Flashes; he draws a ton of fouls, knocks down 3s and passes the rock with precision. His running mate Malique Jacobs also comes back to form a beastly tandem on the wing with VonCameron Davis, a junior in line for a larger role.

So go ahead; try to draw conclusions from your favorite team’s exhibition games. This is a safe place.

But among all the speculation, there’s one thing I know for certain: I am not envious of those poor grad assistants making sure a bunch of college guys have valid passports.

2. Remembering basketball’s greatest winner

Bill Russell’s family announced his passing Sunday via his Twitter account. Most hoops fans know Russell primarily for his 11 NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics. But those same folks might not know the extent of his college accolades at the University of San Francisco:

But Russell’s impact extended vastly beyond the hardwood. The legendary center grew up in the thick of legalized segregation, as racism was something he dealt with from a young age throughout his playing career. The bigotry he suffered prompted social activism that ushered in change and created a framework for today’s NBA stars to follow.

From the earlier-linked Tweet:

“Bill’s understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar Evans’ assassination, to decades of activsim ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, Bill called out injustic with an unforgiving candor that he inteded would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change.

In the aftermath of Russell’s death, tributes poured in by the dozens on social media. Everyone from Gregg Popovich to Michael Jordan to USF teammates to current Celtics to Barack Obama paid their respects.

3. X gonna give it to ya

Over the weekend, Michigan State landed its highest-ranked prospect since 2017 — Xavier Booker, a 5-star big man out of Indianapolis. The 6-10, 205-pound lefty checks in first in his class on Rivals, third on 247Sports, and sixth on On3.

For MSU fans teeming with frustration over Tom Izzo’s aversion to the transfer portal, this comes as welcome news. Turns out the legendary coach still has some recruiting chops.

As a lob threat, floor spacer, and rim protector, Booker compares favorably with Jaren Jackson Jr. But most notably, he comprises a strong foundation for Sparty’s 2023 class alongside point guard Jeremy Fears. Those two will flourish as the next great pick-and-roll duo in East Lansing.

4. The Pac-12 won’t get packed up quietly

The Pac-12 hosted its media day on Friday, and commissioner George Kliavkoff dug in his heels when talks of realignment arose.

After losing UCLA and USC to the Big 12 (with rumors of more on their way out), Kliavkoff understandably retaliated in response to the poaching. From ESPN:

"We are bullish about the Pac-12's future and our opportunities for long-term growth, stability and success," Kliavkoff said at Pac-12 media day Friday. "Our conference boasts 10 of the most iconic and innovative brands in all of sports, all-around excellence in academics and athletics and a half-dozen of the most valuable markets in this country."

This type of bravado should be expected from a league official, eager to instill confidence in those under his leadership. But I doubt he believes his brash statements any more than we do. Most likely, his “we’re not gonna take it” attitude will age about as well as ‘80s glam and hair metal.

5. One last big-name transfer, plus more recruiting news

The pursuit of former Florida Gator Keyontae Johnson heated up on Saturday. The 6-5 wing hasn’t played in nearly two full seasons after a heart condition caused him to collapse on the court in December 2020. Additionally, Johnson was accused of sexual assault in March (a case that has since been dismissed), further detracting teams from recruiting him.

But now, Kansas State has emerged as a primary suitor.

Prior to his collapse, Johnson starred as one of the SEC’s best players. With a blend of power and body control, he barreled to the basket at will, converting nearly 70 percent of his shots at the rim in 2019-20, per Hoop Math. Also a reliable 3-point marksman, Johnson posted the fourth-highest true shooting percentage in SEC play that same season (KenPom).

If K-State wins the recruitment, they will need the medical staff’s clearance for him to play — and reports suggest that Florida’s team doctors would not do so. One last wrinkle: Johnson will receive a $5 million insurance payout if he retires from basketball. But if he plays the full season, he would void the policy. Nevertheless, for Jerome Tang’s squad, which desperately needs talent, it’s a worthwhile gamble.

Other recruiting news:

  • Cameron Christie (2023), brother of former Michigan State player Max Christie, committed to Minnesota. A top-150 player, Christie will likely be a multi-year player whom Ben Johnson will hope to mold into a dependable backcourt option.

  • Jaydon Young, a 3-star combo guard out of private school power Greensboro Day (NC), chose Virginia Tech. Mike Young has a history of succeeding with unheralded guys, and Young could be next up.

  • After a banner year, Colorado State snagged a commitment and a re-class from big man Kyle Evans.

  • Two highly-regarded guards, Trey Green and Chris Johnson (no relation to CJ2K) will announce their college choices this week.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

35 years since a March to greatness

Rick Pitino, Bill Donovan, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke and others gathered at Providence College to commemorate a historic 1987 season (and 1997 Elite Eight run). For the youngsters reading, Pitino coached that Friars squad to a Final Four with Van Gundy as an assistant and Donovan as his starting point guard. That same year, Burke earned the school’s Co-Athlete of the Year award en route to an appearance in the women’s Final Four.

THE FAST BREAK

Links to click as you ponder the absurdity of an 82-game NFL season