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Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 05-18-2016, 10:34 AM:

The first confirmed game of the non-conference schedule is against Michigan State University in the Champions Classic. While the loss of Denzel Valentine is sure to hurt Michigan State this season, coach Tom Izzo has made up for it by assembling the number four recruiting class in the nation.

Next up for the Cats will be an island game in the Bahamas against Arizona State University. ASU isn't exactly the biggest threat in college basketball, and they won't be able to assemble a mighty student section to distract free throw shooters when playing this far away from home, but they have added a couple of four-star recruits in Sam Cunliffe and Jethro Tshisumpa for this season. The Sun Devils will likely be a tune-up for UK as they enjoy the Atlantis Resort in Nassau.

Next up comes one of the premier matchups in college basketball when looking at all-time great programs, as Kentucky will take on the UCLA Bruins at Rupp Arena on December 3rd. While UCLA hasn't been much of a factor in the national spotlight in recent years, they handled UK well last season and handed them a 10-point loss at Pauley Pavilion

Following the Bruins will be Hofstra University at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York. UK's matchup against the Hofstra Pride is expected to be nothing more than a tune-up, and a break from the tough non-conference schedule they have before they jump right back into competition.

When I say jump right back into competition, I'm not kidding. The next test for Kentucky comes against the North Carolina Tar Heels on December 17th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kentucky's next test is perhaps the biggest on their schedule every single year just because of the rivalry. The Cats will take on the Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. The Louisville basketball program is in quite a bit of hot water right now, and could be looking at NCAA sanctions in the future, but as for this game, Louisville is sure to compete.

Kentucky's opponent for the SEC/Big XII Invitational is not yet confirmed, although it is expected to be the Kansas Jayhawks. This would be yet another game against a powerhouse program for Kentucky, and a game against another good recruiting class.

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