100 NBA personnel expected at Champions Classic

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Approximately 100 NBA personnel from all 30 NBA teams are expected on Tuesday for the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden, a source close to the event told ZAGSBLOG.

Kansas, No. 3 in the AP Preseason Poll, faces Michigan State at 7 p.m. ET, followed by No. 9 Duke against No. 10 Kentucky in what will be Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final game coaching at the Garden. Both games will air live on ESPN.

According to the latest ESPN.com rankings , Duke freshman forward Paolo Banchero is the No. 2 prospect in 2022 and fellow freshman A.J. Griffin is No. 12.

“For Banchero to emerge as the top pick in this 2022 class and surpass the tantalizing [Chet] Holmgren [of Gonzaga] — and other No. 1 candidates like Jaden Hardy and Jalen Duren — he’ll have to prove himself as a consistent 3-point shooter, continue simplifying his game by being more efficient with his dribble, and fine-tune his defense, showcasing more versatility on that end,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz wrote.

Duke’s Mark Williams is at 22, Trevor Keels is 51 and Wendell Moore is 75.

Really productive day in Durham at Duke practice. Was able to get an updated look at potential top pick Paolo Banchero, who is in line for a big season. Great to check in on fellow freshmen AJ Griffin & Trevor Keels. Wendell Moore & Mark Williams have both taken a step forward. pic.twitter.com/YiDoGRdTDf

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) October 7, 2021