New York state of mind

A showdown at MSG highlights the nonconference schedule in December, a glance at Memphis' new-look roster, BC's latest commitment and more.

Author

Mike Miller
July 18, 2023

Summer League isn’t really NBA hoops, but it’s wild to see Cam Whitmore already winning awards. Gonna be a crazy draft to look back on…

Let's get to Monday’s college hoops news.

1. Duke vs. Baylor? Sounds like Christmas

When you’re looking for something for that special college hoops fan in your life, here’s a thought: Tickets to NYC to watch Duke play Baylor on Dec. 20.

(Probably should’ve coordinated with StubHub for that line. Next time.)

The two schools announced the must-see 2022-23 non-conference matchup on Monday, marking just the second time the Bears and Devils will have played each other. The other was the 2010 Elite Eight, which Duke won en route to a national title.

"Over the last few seasons, we have been two of the best teams in college basketball," Baylor coach Scott Drew said in a release. "To have our programs meet up in one of the most iconic venues in our sport is a tremendous opportunity, and one we're looking forward to in December."

It should be quite the sight. I just hope Drew’s program is ready for the onslaught of Duke fans that’ll swarm MSG. This image is from Duke’s Twitter handle, but calling it Cameron North isn’t far off.

Duke has played at Madison Square Garden at least once in each of the past 11 seasons, and 23 of the past 26. It has cultivated just a bit of a fan base in NYC.

"We are thrilled to bring our program back to New York and Madison Square Garden," Scheyer said. "Baylor has established itself as one of the premier programs under Scott Drew and it will be an incredible test for our team. ... This arena and this city have always been special to Duke, and we're excited for another chance to play at MSG."

Oh yeah. The game should be terrific, too.

Duke could enter next season atop the polls, while Baylor is a projected Top 25 squad.

2. A look at Memphis’ summer revamp

While Memphis waits for the results of DeAndre Williams’ appeal for a seventh season, and the outcome of Mikey Williams’ gun charges (the 5-star prospect was due for a July 12 hearing, which is now scheduled for Sept. 5), it’s worth noting that many programs would be stuck in a weird summer limbo. How does a coach handle not knowing if two of his best players are eligible for the 2022-23 season?

If you’re Penny Hardaway, you don’t wait. You make moves.

In the last three weeks, the Tigers added two All-American caliber players in former Louisiana big man Jordan Brown and former Alabama point Jahvon Quinerly. It makes Memphis one of the sport’s oldest teams — both players were in the class of 2018 — and one of the best transfer classes of the summer.

It’s a testament to Hardaway’s patience and Memphis’ NIL to grab players like that this late in the portal.

The roster also features St. John’s transfer David Jones, Florida State transfer Caleb Mills and Middle Tennessee transfer Teafale Lenard. Lenard is the youngest. He turns 21 this week. Jones turns 22 later this year. Mills is 23 later this month. Brown is 24 in December, and Quinerly can rent a car for Thanksgiving.

(If Williams is eligible, he’ll be older than most of the DOBOs on college staffs.)

Mostly, it makes me excited to watch some of the AAC hoops this season. Memphis doesn’t appear ready to concede anything to league newcomer FAU. Not with these men on the roster.

3. BC stays local for its future floor leader

As Earl Grant’s rebuilding project at Boston College continues — the Eagles won more games in Year 2, but the offense stagnated — he’s grabbing some local talent along the way.

On Sunday, the Eagles earned a commitment from Luka Toews, who plays at the Newman School in Boston and thrived for Middlesex Magic, winning a 16U spring title in ‘22 and a title this summer, both on the Under Armour circuit. The 3-star 2024 prospect earned praise from scouts this summer and even a compliment from Jeff Goodman.

Toews chose BC over UMass, Rhode Island, Loyola-Chicago and Colgate, among others.

"The visit was great," Toews told 247 Sports. "I got to watch them practice and I went to their game a few days ago when they beat Clemson at home. They also seem to have a great culture and they are building a brand new practice facility which looked awesome."

Boston College’s immediate fortunes will depend on its 2022 and 2023 classes and how they develop. The highest-rated freshman in ‘22, Donald Hand, only played one game last season due to an injury. If he and the five 3-star recruits have a little time to develop, BC could continue to slowly rise up those ACC standings.

In other recruiting news:

New season, new title

Rodney Terry led Texas to a 29-win season and the cusp of a Final Four as an interim coach. Now that he’s officially the Longhorns’ head coach, what changes for him and his staff? And does anything adjust for Year 2?

Links as you grab some Mega Millions tickets.

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