The post The Champions Classic May Feature No. 1 NBA Draft Pick For 7th Time Since 2012 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) attempts to shoot against Indiana State’s Ian Scott, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. On Tuesday night, four of the nation’s best men’s college basketball programs compete in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden. The event, now in its 15th season, has lost some of its luster since its early days, but it is still an opportunity for Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State to see where they stand and for fans to watch marquee matchups. Since its beginning in 2011, the Champions Classic has provided a national stage for numerous talented freshmen to perform in New York City and in front of millions of people watching on ESPN, which created the doubleheader. This year is no exception when No. 12 Kentucky faces No. 17 Michigan State in the opener at 6:30, followed by No. 5 Duke against No. 24 Kansas. In fact, there is a good chance the event could feature the No. 1 pick in next June’s NBA draft, as Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer is among the early favorites to be the top selection. Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson is projected as the top pick in the 2026 draft, while Boozer is third, per The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie. But Kansas coach Bill Self told reporters Saturday that Peterson may not play against Duke. Peterson has missed the past two games due to hamstring tightness. Six freshmen who have competed in the Champions Classic were the top overall selection in the following June’s NBA draft: Kentucky center Anthony Davis (2012 draft) Kansas guard Andrew Wiggins (2014), Kentucky forward Karl-Anthony Towns (2015), Duke forward Zion Williamson (2019), Duke forward Paolo Banchero…

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Filed under: News - @ November 18, 2025 11:32 am