**Jesse Newell:** Welcome back to the GameDay Cram Session, as Kansas is taking on Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Tom, there is an argument out there that, if you’re going to play a team as talented as Kentucky, the best time to do so is early in the season. Do you buy that argument?
http://www2.kusports.com/videos/2011/nov/11/35182/
**Tom Keegan:** No. The best time to play Kentucky is April 2nd because that means you’re in the title game. But most years, yes, I guess that’s true. The four freshmen, three projected as first-round NBA draft choices, deserve the hype they’re getting, but it also tends to make people forget that sophomores Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb and senior Darius Miller are outstanding, experienced players.
**JN:** Jones probably doesn’t get enough credit for what he does defensively, as his numbers show him to be a standout defensive rebounder and shot-blocker.
Lamb was only UK’s third-leading scorer last year, but he made 48.6 percent of his threes last year (68 of 140).
Miller, meanwhile, was a slacker and only made 44.3 percent of his threes a year ago (58 of 131).
With Kentucky coach John Calipari adding so much incoming talent to these three returners, the Wildcats have a legitimate argument that they should be the top team in the country right now — even over nearly consensus No. 1 North Carolina.
Tom, in what area do you believe KU has an advantage over Kentucky?
**TK:** In the backcourt. Freshman Marquis Teague will have his hands full with Tyshawn Taylor’s long arms shadowing him.
Taylor, Elijah Johnson and under-hyped freshman Naadir Tharpe combined for 16 assists and one turnover against Towson.
**JN:** I’m in agreement with you. Kentucky should have a significant advantage (especially in depth) down low. KU’s guards will have to defend the perimeter hard and also be the main source of KU’s scoring tonight. As KU coach Bill Self would say, KU’s guards don’t need to have a good night; they need to have a great night.
All right, Tom, what’s your prediction for this game?
**TK:** Kansas 83, Kentucky 80.
Rare underdog status will bring out the best in KU, which figures to play loose. Kentucky’s pressure won’t bother Kansas as much as most schools. Of course, if Thomas Robinson gets into foul trouble, all bets are off.
**JN:** I’m going the other way and will say Kentucky by 10.
This is a game where I think KU will struggle to score — especially against Kentucky’s athletic defenders. Six-foot-10 Anthony Davis was named the top prospect in the country mostly because of his defensive skills. Jones is a tremendous presence inside, and 6-foot-7 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist also comes in with a strong defensive reputation (as does Teague on the perimeter).
I just have a feeling Thomas Robinson will have a tough time offensively against Jones and Davis, and like I said before, I believe most of KU’s scoring will have to come from its guards.
I don’t see KU getting to 70 points tonight, even in a high-possession game. Something like 75-65 Kentucky sounds about right.
OK, Tom, who’s your Hawk to Rock?
**TK:** Naadir Tharpe, one cocky, fast, agile, hot-shooting guard was born to play against Kentucky in Madison Square Garden, but I’m going to go with Tyshawn Taylor here, jacked to play in front of a big turnout of family and friends.
**JN:** I have to go with a guard, so I’ll say Elijah Johnson.
His three-point shot was a little off in the opener against Towson (2 of 7), but I think we’ll see a better shooting night from him tonight. Johnson and Conner Teahan’s three-point shooting could play a big factor in whether this game stays close.
Tracking the picks
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**Predictions tally (through one game)**
Tom: 1-0 record, 16 points off (16 points off/game)
Jesse: 1-0 record, 20 points off (20 points off/game)
Hawk to Rock
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**Tom Keegan**
Towson: Tyshawn Taylor (4th in Keegan ratings)
**Jesse Newell**
Towson: Conner Teahan (6th in Keegan ratings)
