The State Farm Champions Classic will take place next Tuesday, November 12. We’ll see Michigan State take on current No. 1 Kansas to open the day, followed by another blueblood matchup between No. 7 Duke and No. 23 Kentucky. This event brings together four of the most successful programs in college basketball history, with each team offering intriguing draft prospects. Let’s take a look at a few names to know ahead of these high-powered matchups.
Jaden Akins | Guard | 6’4” | £195 | Senior
Michigan State’s Jaden Akins moves to the rim against Niagara during the first half on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jaden Akins is off to a good start in his senior season, averaging 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in Michigan State’s first two games. Akins is a smooth, athletic guard who excels at finishing near the rim with big dunks and a soft touch. He has shot the ball well on dribble pull-ups so far this season and looks to be one of the top scoring options for Michigan State. His motor is extremely high on a nightly basis, and this elite level of competition could provide a clearer picture of how productive he could be throughout the season.
Jase Richardson | Guard | 6’3” | £185 | Freshmen
Michigan State’s Jase Richardson moves the ball against Niagara during the first half on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jase Richardson has found his groove early for the Spartans, averaging 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal in his first two collegiate games. He is an athletic guard with a mature touch both offensively and on the ball and quick hands that have consistently disrupted defensive offenses. While he is a bit small for a primarily off-ball guard, his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways is very intriguing for his long-term upside. He is currently just 1-of-2 since deep into the season, but expect his shooting volume to increase as the season progresses.
Zeke Mayo | Guard | 6’4” | £185 | Senior
Kansas Jayhawks guard Zeke Mayo (5) looks for a pass in the first half of the game at Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. / Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Zeke Mayo received high praise from coach Bill Self in the preseason and has lived up to the hype, finishing his season opener with 19 points, four rebounds and one steal. His shooting mechanics look very clean, both on pull-ups and catch-and-shoot options. He is a fast processor on offense and does not force shots. When attacking the rim, he is crafty with his footwork and uses an impressive touch to drop shots over rim protectors.
Hunter Dickinson | Center | 7’2” | £265 | Senior
March 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Hunter Dickinson (1) drives during the second half of the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Vivint Smart Home Arena-Delta Center. Mandatory credits: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Hunter Dickinson has been one of the biggest names in college basketball over the past few seasons and looks to remain a star, posting 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks in his season opener. His three-point shot was a clear area of improvement and he seems comfortable attempting it when he has space. His foot speed is a bit slow, which isn’t much of an issue in college, but the lack of mobility could be an issue when translating to the NBA.
Flory Bidunga | Forward | 6’9” | £220 | Freshmen
October 29, 2024; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Flory Bidunga (40) brings in a rebound against the Washburn Ichabods during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory credits: Denny Medley-Imagn images / Denny Medley-Imagn images
Flory Bidunga is one of the top big men in this freshman class and he started the season strong with 13 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He is a strong and athletic big man who excels as an interior play finisher. While his attacking game is still developing, his defensive potential is what makes him such a strong player. He reads and moves laterally very well for a player of his size, allowing him to influence the game in a variety of ways.
Cooper Flagg | Forward | 6’9” | £205 | Freshmen
November 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) brings the ball down the field during the second half against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory credits: Zachary Taft-Imagn images / Zachary Taft-Imagn images
Cooper Flagg is widely considered the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he did not disappoint in his season debut, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. His elite versatility on both sides of the room was evident, and he looked overwhelming at times. While his jump shot didn’t get much attention in this first game, his aggressiveness and unselfishness were as advertised. This match against tougher competition will be very interesting to follow.
Kon Knueppel | Wing | 6’7” | £217 | Freshmen
November 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) celebrates a basket against the Maine Black Bears during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory credits: Zachary Taft-Imagn images / Zachary Taft-Imagn images
Kon Knueppel had a very impressive debut, finishing with a team-high 22 points, along with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. He is an extremely smart player off the ball who can easily get into position for open looks and make smart passes to keep the ball moving when there is no shot. He played with great confidence throughout the preseason and the season opener. His defense also looked promising, as he processes the play quickly and is rarely caught out of position.
Otega Oweh | Guard | 6’4” | £215 | Junior
November 4, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (0) goes to the basket during the second half against the Wright State Raiders at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory credits: Jordan Prather-Imagn images / Jordan Prather-Imagn images
Otega Oweh is a two-way problem who plays with a high motor, which translates well to the stats. He opened the season with 21 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. The Wildcats have a well-rounded roster, so it seems safe to assume there won’t be a primary scoring option on a nightly basis. Whether or not Oweh always puts up big scores, his defensive versatility and ability to turn stops into transition opportunities make him a promising NBA player.
Lamont Butler | Guard | 6’2” | £208 | Senior
Kentucky’s Lamont Butler (1) drove to the basket during the Wildcats’ season-opening game against Wright State at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. on November 4, 2024. / Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Lamont Butler has been everywhere for Kentucky from the preseason to the season opener, where he contributed 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. He doesn’t need to score the ball to impact games, as his ball defense and smart decision-making while helping and jumping from passing lanes looked elitist. As the season progresses, Butler can be counted on to provide a spark on both ends every night to keep Kentucky moving. This matchup against a loaded Duke team offers a good look at how Butler can impact games against mostly bigger players.
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