The Champions Classic serves as an annual benchmark on the scouting calendar, with the entire NBA convening to assess the talent level of four storied college programs, and take the temperature of what may be coming in next year’s draft. This year, a matchup between Duke and Kentucky the primary draw for the massive throng of executives lining the stands at Madison Square Garden, and Michigan State and Kansas facing off beforehand as an appetizer.
This writer was also in attendance, with projected No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero making his much-anticipated college debut for Duke.