8 early-season college basketball games that will be must-watch affairs

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates in the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the quarterfinals of the 2022 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 11, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 19: Hunter Dickinson #1 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a free throw against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 19, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Gonzaga vs. Baylor

Date: Dec. 2, 2022
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Venue: Samford Arena
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: Peacock

The long-awaited rematch of the 2021 national championship game between Gonzaga and Baylor should be an excellent college basketball showcase. This game will be on Peacock, so it may be behind a paywall for non-subscribers, but college hoops fans will want to be sure to have the service to access this contest.

Most of the names have changed over the past few years but Drew Timme is still around and eager for revenge against the team that denied Gonzaga a chance at a perfect season and the program’s first national championship. Baylor will also be looking forward to this game as a chance to test how their new-look squad performs against a championship-caliber team ahead of Big 12 play.

6. Michigan vs. Kentucky

Date: Dec. 4, 2022
Location: London, England
Venue: O2 Arena
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: ABC

This international contest was originally set for December of 2020 but was delayed for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Kentucky and Michigan are traveling across the pond to deliver the best non-conference matchup played overseas in years.

The battle down low between Oscar Tshiebwe and Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson will be worth the price of admission by itself. The Wolverines also envision themselves as a Big Ten title contender so making a statement here against Kentucky would raise their credibility nationwide.