Antonio Reeves and DJ Wagner: Players to Watch This Season
The 10th annual CBS Sports Classic is set to return to State Farm Arena on Saturday, December 16, showcasing a prominent double-header featuring Ohio State against UCLA at 3 p.m. E.T., immediately followed by North Carolina facing Kentucky.
Recent clashes between North Carolina and Kentucky have been particularly gripping, highlighting the intensity of this matchup. In their last five encounters, North Carolina holds a slight edge, with three wins to Kentucky’s two. Their most recent face-off in the 2022 CBS Sports Classic saw North Carolina narrowly defeating Kentucky 82-77, continuing the trend of close games with an average margin of victory at 6.4 points over these bouts. This year’s match is especially intriguing, as Kentucky, ranked #1 in the SEC and overall, will face North Carolina for the first time in the regular season since their 2019 clash in the CBS Sports Classic.
The event promises a riveting rematch, recalling 2020 when Ohio State bested UCLA with a score of 77-70 and North Carolina prevailed over Kentucky, 75-63.
Two standout players to keep an eye on in this year’s contest between North Carolina and Kentucky are Antonio Reeves and DJ Wagner. Reeves, a Chicago native, has transitioned from Illinois State to Kentucky, where his 3-point prowess has dazzled. Wagner, born into a basketball legacy, has showcased his skills in high school and looks promising for the upcoming matchups. Another player of interest is Jordan Burks, who turned heads with an average of 27.1 points per game in the 2022-23 Overtime Elite league season, and he too will be showcasing his skills for Kentucky.
Official fan travel packages for the CBS Sports Classic, providing game tickets, downtown Atlanta hotel accommodations, and exclusive in-arena hospitality, will be available for purchase starting August 16. This unique offer allows enthusiasts early access to secure their event spots. For the wider audience, tickets will become available on August 24. Fans eager to grab a seat can register at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets for direct email updates and gain eligibility for an exclusive presale on August 23.
The CBS Sports Classic, a fixture in the basketball calendar, will be hosted by State Farm Arena for the first time. This event has previously been held at prominent venues such as the United Center in Chicago and Madison Square Garden in New York City, to name a few.
Celebrating college basketball’s legacy, the CBS Sports Classic is a testament to the prowess of the participating teams. Combined, they have secured 26 national championships with UCLA, Kentucky, and North Carolina holding the top three spots in NCAA history. These teams have also accumulated over 8,400 victories and have regularly featured in the AP Top-25 rankings.
As this decade-old tradition unfolds, basketball fans worldwide anticipate a day of thrilling matchups and remarkable sportsmanship. It’s not just a game; it’s a reflection of basketball’s rich heritage and the indomitable spirit of these leading teams.
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