Early season highlights featuring top 2025 draft prospects

As the 2025 college season begins, several tournaments and invitationals will provide a great look at some of the top prospects in the upcoming draft class. While early evaluations may not paint a complete picture of these players, watching them perform at a high level of competition could put them over the top before conference play begins.

Let’s take a look at three star-studded events and key matches taking place between November 12 and December 17:

Duke vs Kentucky

With two of the most intriguing rosters in terms of overall draft prospects, this matchup will offer one of the best matchups of the entire 2025 season. Duke enters the season with the No. 1 first-year recruit, Cooper Flagg, along with several other players who have lottery potential. Flagg has a chance to compete for an All-American selection while also working towards his projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. While he will be the focal point of this matchup, other Blue Devils like Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel are looking to make their presence known and break into the picture early.

Kentucky enters the season under new management following the departure of longtime coach John Calipari. While many of the Wildcats’ top players departed this offseason, the new roster is filled with intriguing transfers looking to boost their stock in this fresh start. Seeing how well key transfers like Kobe Brea, Brandon Garrison, Lamont Butler and Otega Oweh fit into their new roles will provide an early look at the new era of Kentucky basketball. While seniors are less likely to earn a spot early in the upcoming draft, finding value outside of the top picks is common and could be highlighted by several of these high-profile signings.

Prince vs. Kansas

As mentioned earlier, Duke’s early season games will showcase just how impressive their freshman class is. This matchup will provide a chance to see two of the most complete rosters in all of college basketball. Duke’s freshmen will have their hands full facing off against a well-established Jayhawk roster filled with seniors who have proven they can work well together under one of the most talented coaches in the NCAA, Bill Self.

Kansas is a consistent threat in college basketball and typically stands out for boasting elite offenses alongside top-tier defenses. Returning are two of last season’s top players, Hunter Dickinson and Dejuan Harris Jr., as well as new faces like AJ Storr and Zeke Mayo from the transfer portal, along with Flory Bidunga, one of the most intriguing new freshmen. This matchup promises to be an exciting battle between the impressive interior forces of these two teams, potentially featuring one of the best front courts in all of college basketball.

Michigan vs. Arkansas

This matchup will be particularly intriguing, mostly due to Arkansas’ deep roster, both transfers and talented freshman class. They are entering this new era when many are wondering if they can maximize the potential of their players amidst a slew of highly skilled prospects. The Razorbacks, led by potential first-rounders like Zvonomir Ivisic, Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and DJ Wagner, will be fascinating to watch in terms of how they allocate minutes and usage. Other proven players like Johnell Davis, Trevon Brazile and Adou Thiero will likely play significant roles, but could also impact the playing time of the younger players mentioned earlier.

After a disappointing 2024 season, Michigan will be fighting tooth and nail to regain its form and relevance. Many are considering Danny Wolf to be a breakout player this upcoming season after his impressive showing at Yale last year. He was a two-way star who had the size and skill to continue improving in his first season with the Wolverines.

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