Scheduling is never easy for college basketball programs. You have to worry about revenue, reputation, and balancing ever-changing fan interest with conceivable wins. When Kentucky and Gonzaga announced their annual series, supporters in either camp were cautiously optimistic about what seemed to be a far-reaching event.
Then, like clockwork, news broke yesterday (per BBN Tonight) that the Cats and Bulldogs had mutually agreed to end their season series early, prior to the incoming home-and-home portion.
I, for one, am bummed out. I love the idea of Kentucky playing in the Kennel out west. But since that won't happen now, Kentucky may need to find someone else to take the place of that yearly marquee game.
But who could it be?
Kentucky Needs a Marquee Matchup
Mark Pope has made clear that he isn't afraid of building a tough schedule, but he can't do that by filling it up with buy games against directional state.
You need buzz and big-time matchups bring eyes to your squad. Last season, Kentucky went 2-4 in those sorts of big matchups, defeating Indiana and St. John's, while losing to Louisville, North Carolina, Michigan State, and, of course, Gonzaga.
With the latter out of the picture, and Kansas, Michigan State, and Duke in Champions Classic rotation (not to mention the ongoing ACC-SEC challenge), the list is already thin. On my own blue-tinted perspective, I've narrowed the possibilities down to five.
1. UConn
This is a dream matchup for me. Danny Hurley vs Mark Pope, smack-dab middle of the non-conference schedule, seems like mayhem.
Now, realistically, neither of these programs are likely to do a home-and-home, but you could set the game somewhere in the middle and draw traveling fans from either end of the matchup.
2. Wisconsin
Kentucky and the Badgers of Wisconsin have played two of the most legendary games in recent March Madness History.
Aaron Harrison hitting one huge three (of many) to send the Badgers home in the 2014 Final Four, only, as the BBN knows all too well, for Frank Kaminsky to ruin Kentucky's perfect season the following year. This feels like a fun modern renewal between two programs that remain nationally competitive.
3. Villanova
While not the shiniest name on the list, the Villanova Wildcats are still a top program historically and would make for a unique matchup for both teams. This feels more like a home-and-home situation, so it may not be as likely as the first two. But with Kevin Willard taking over the program, and given their relatively close proximity, these two names clashing on a regular basis could certainly work.
4. Oregon
Dana Altman seems to always have his Ducks in the NCAA Tournament, and Kentucky could benefit from adding a consistently successful school to their list of usual suspects.
Both programs are Nike-bound and could get a boost from a one-off bonus game such as this one. Again, Oregon is more like Villanova than they are Duke or North Carolina, but they're always going to be a quality opponent likely to present new challenges nonetheless.
5. Houston
Kelvin Sampson has built the Cougars into national contenders on a yearly basis now, also boasting a consistent weight on the recruiting trail. Playing this game on a neutral site could make it a temporary hot spot for recruits and national media, both.
It's two successful programs pitted against one another on the national stage. Mark Pope's penchant for offense rallied against Sampson's defensive sensibilities promises a unique setup, too.
Of course, these are just my potential picks. I know you've got your own thoughts, BBN, so don't be afraid to sound off on social media and let us know who you want to see the Wildcats add to their schedule moving forward!
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