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Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discusses the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. Can Kansas' front line match up with Kentucky's size?
Andy Katz: Not in height, but Kansas can rebound. The Jayhawks will need to be creative, but they have the personnel to disrupt Kentucky. KU has the ability to be physical and must to win.
Dana O'Neil: It's a tall order, pun intended. Kansas doesn't have the numbers Kentucky has -- then again, who does? -- so they're going to have to get everybody involved on the boards to make it a fair fight. Rebounding and inside defense have to be more of a group effort for Kansas to succeed.
Eamonn Brennan: There aren't many frontcourts in the country you'd take over Kansas, but there isn't a single team in the sport with more size than Kentucky. That isn't limited to the Wildcats front line, either -- it extends to the wings and guards in a way most college rosters simply can't match. If you want to beat them, you have to find a different way.
2. Which player on Duke's loaded roster should concern Michigan State the most?
Katz: His name is Jahlil Okafor. He's one of the best players in the country, and he is likely to be a handful.
O'Neil: Justise Winslow. The Duke freshman is flying under the radar because of the (deserved) Jahlil Okafor love, but Winslow is a matchup nightmare, a player who can post up or shoot from outside. That's especially challenging for a Michigan State team short on players right now.
Brennan: The obvious answer is Jahlil Okafor, but I think Michigan State is probably better equipped against an opposing center -- even a really good one -- than a quality opposing perimeter. Matt Costello can do a job, and Branden Dawson is versatile. Tyus Jones could have a far easier time attacking Travis Trice & Co.
3. The big winner of the night will be ...?
Katz: Okafor. The sport needs new stars and faces to sell. Okafor gets his shot nationally Tuesday night.
O'Neil: Duke. I suspect Kansas and Kentucky will be a more evenly matched game, but I really think the Blue Devils will pounce on the Spartans. There are still doubters about Duke, and this game might make some converts.
Brennan: Maybe Michigan State! Relative to the other three teams on display Tuesday, the Spartans are drastically undermanned, but it's not like they're completely bereft of talent. Plus, it's hard to put value on the intuition that develops between teammates after years of daily practices. It wouldn't shock me if that gave them the edge against a more talented but still fresh Duke roster.
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