College basketball is back, and the opening day of the 2024-25 season didn’t disappoint. Monday night was packed with the drama, intensity, and fresh storylines fans crave. From the much-anticipated debut of Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg to unexpected upsets that left fans reeling, Day 1 reminded us why we love this sport. With top programs in action and plenty of talent on display, the day set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.
Flagg Makes a Statement at Duke, But He’s Far from Alone
The hype around Cooper Flagg has been intense. Touted as the “future of the NBA” by none other than LeBron James, Flagg’s first game for Duke came with a lot of eyes on him. And while he took a bit to find his rhythm, finishing the game with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, he didn’t disappoint. His one-handed dunk late in the first half brought fans to their feet, a taste of the athleticism that has everyone talking.
But Flagg wasn’t the only standout for Duke. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel made a statement with 22 points, proving he’s more than just a supporting player. Shooting 8-for-14 from the field, Knueppel was a force, especially in the first half. With both Flagg and Knueppel leading the charge, Duke looked poised to be a balanced, dynamic team this season, hinting that the Blue Devils aren’t a one-man show.
And then there’s Khaman Maluach, Duke’s towering 7’2” freshman center, who added three blocks and disrupted Maine’s attempts in the paint. Duke’s freshmen are already showing why they were such coveted recruits, and with their collective strength, the Blue Devils have the depth to be serious ACC contenders.
Top-25 Teams Deliver Mixed Results, With Early Signs of Vulnerability
Duke’s impressive win wasn’t the only notable result among top-ranked teams. Purdue, entering the season without their former star Zach Edey, stumbled a bit in their opener against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The No. 14 Boilermakers held only a three-point lead with just over six minutes remaining before finally securing a 17-point victory. Braden Smith, a standout in his own right, managed 12 points, eight rebounds, and a whopping 15 assists to pull Purdue through. But their shaky start raises questions about how they’ll adapt in the post-Edey era.
Elsewhere, No. 12 Texas A&M faced a tougher-than-expected challenge on the road against UCF. Aggies fans were stunned when the Knights rallied to win 64-61, storming the court in celebration. With Texas A&M shooting just 31% from three-point range and 40% from inside the arc, they’ll need to sharpen their offense quickly if they want to stay competitive in the SEC.
And then there’s Kansas, who managed a straightforward win over Howard. Bill Self’s lineup featured South Dakota State transfer Zeke Mayo, who came off the bench to score 19 points, hitting five three-pointers. Mayo’s debut performance is a promising sign for Kansas, adding depth and shooting accuracy that could make them formidable as the season progresses.
Big Moments and Big Performances: Standouts Across the Nation
Across the board, individual players had breakout performances. Maryland’s Derik Queen, another top recruit from Montverde Academy, wasted no time making his mark. In a 22-point, 20-rebound performance against Manhattan, Queen showed why he was such a priority for Maryland. With stats like these, Queen could be the key to a strong season for the Terrapins, especially if he maintains this level of play.
Similarly, Georgia’s freshman Asa Newell shone in the Bulldogs’ win over Tennessee Tech, racking up 26 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Newell’s stats have been eye-popping since preseason, and his regular-season debut proved he’s one to watch.
Meanwhile, Harvard’s Robert Hinton stepped up as a potential breakout freshman with a 27-point game against Marist. After an impressive preseason, Hinton is carrying on the tradition of strong freshman talent at Harvard, and if his early performance is any indication, he could be a vital player for the Crimson this year.
Upsets and Setbacks: Cinderella Stories and Early Woes
Opening day wouldn’t be complete without a few unexpected twists, and this season’s start was no different. UCF’s 64-61 upset over Texas A&M was just the beginning. South Dakota State, led by redshirt freshman Joe Sayler’s 18 points, handed McNeese a stinging 80-73 loss. Though McNeese has ambitious NCAA tournament hopes, this loss could hurt their resume. South Dakota State, known for its tournament appearances, reminded fans why the Jackrabbits are a constant Cinderella threat.
Saint Louis faced a setback in their loss to Santa Clara. Star big man Robbie Avila left the game with an ankle injury, potentially jeopardizing the Billikens’ momentum. Avila, who had already tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists before his exit, was a pivotal player for Saint Louis last season. If he’s out for long, the Billikens may have a tough time maintaining their stride in nonconference play.
Game Highlights |
Final Score |
|---|---|
Duke vs. Maine |
96-62 |
Purdue vs. Texas A&M-Corpus |
84-67 |
UCF vs. Texas A&M |
64-61 |
South Dakota State vs. McNeese |
80-73 |
Santa Clara vs. Saint Louis |
85-78 |
New Coaches, New Directions, and Big Expectations
The 2024-25 season also brings a fresh crop of head coaches hoping to leave their mark. Kentucky’s new coach Mark Pope made a solid first impression with a 103-point debut win over Wright State. Pope, formerly at BYU, has implemented an up-tempo, space-the-floor style that UK fans will find refreshing. His offensive philosophy encourages open shooting and relentless drives to the basket, and Kentucky’s players responded with an impressive team effort. Five players hit double digits by halftime, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack that could redefine the Wildcats this season.
At Louisville, head coach Pat Kelsey started his tenure with a 48-point blowout over Morehead State. Although Louisville’s opponent wasn’t top-tier, it’s a strong start for a program in desperate need of a reset after two lackluster seasons. With South Florida transfer Kasean Pryor leading the team, Kelsey may be able to turn Louisville into a competitive squad sooner than expected.
As the dust settles from opening day, college basketball fans have plenty to look forward to. With early standout performances, surprising upsets, and new storylines emerging, this season is shaping up to be unforgettable. If Day 1 was any indication, this year’s men’s college basketball season will be filled with surprises, heart-stopping moments, and players who rise to meet the spotlight.
