Get ready, college basketball fans — December 20 in Atlanta might just feel like March Madness in December. The CBS Sports Classic is always a highlight of the non-conference slate, but this year’s clash between Kentucky and St. John’s is dripping with drama. Two elite coaches — Mark Pope and Rick Pitino — two passionate fan bases, and two rosters stacked with future pros are about to collide on national television.
And now, with projected starting lineups for both programs released, fans can’t stop talking about what’s coming.
Kentucky’s DREAM Starting 5 Is Scary Good
Mark Pope has turned Kentucky into one of the most exciting teams in the country in record time. This projected starting lineup has everything — speed, athleticism, shooting, and defensive intensity:
Boogie Fland Lowe – The engine of this offense. Lowe is a fearless point guard with elite downhill burst and next-level court vision. If he gets hot early, Kentucky’s tempo skyrockets.
Jizzle Aberdeen – A confident perimeter threat who can handle the ball or space the floor. Expect him to be a big X-factor with timely shooting.
Otega Oweh – The emotional leader. A relentless defender and transition nightmare, Oweh sets the tone with his physicality and competitive fire.
Somto Cyril Quaintance – A rim-protecting monster and lob-catching highlight reel. He gives Kentucky a dominant paint presence on both ends.
Amari Garrison – The glue guy every great team needs. Garrison brings toughness, rebounding, and smart decision-making.
This lineup is tailor-made to swarm opponents defensively and turn stops into fast-break points. Big Blue Nation has been buzzing about this group’s potential all offseason — and December 20 will be a perfect early test.
Rick Pitino’s Red Storm Is Ready to Shock the World
Rick Pitino has transformed St. John’s into a legitimate national contender, and this starting five proves it:
Dillon Jackson – Lightning-quick combo guard who thrives in Pitino’s full-court press.
Jahari Sanon – Pure bucket-getter with NBA-ready scoring ability. Sanon can attack off the dribble, pull up from deep, or finish above the rim.
KJ Sellers – A versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and bring energy to every possession.
Brandon Hopkins – The perfect modern stretch-four. Hopkins forces defenses to stretch out and opens up driving lanes for his guards.
Zuby Ejiofor – The enforcer. Ejiofor owns the glass, protects the rim, and plays with a physical edge.
This is a Pitino team through and through — aggressive, relentless, and built to make opponents uncomfortable for 40 minutes.
Key Matchups That Could Decide Everything
This game is full of storylines, but two battles stand out:
Otega Oweh vs. Jahari Sanon – Both wings are elite athletes, both are relentless competitors, and both will be tasked with stopping each other. Whoever wins this head-to-head could tilt the entire game.
Somto Cyril Quaintance vs. Zuby Ejiofor – A clash of big men that could determine who controls the paint. If Quaintance protects the rim and stays out of foul trouble, Kentucky’s defense becomes suffocating.
Why December 20 Matters So Much
This isn’t just a fun early-season game — it’s a statement opportunity for both programs:
For Kentucky, it’s a chance to prove Mark Pope’s new-look Wildcats are Final Four good.
For St. John’s, it’s an opportunity to show Pitino’s rebuild is ahead of schedule and the Red Storm belong among the sport’s elite.
And for fans, it’s a gift: two high-octane teams running the floor in one of the sport’s biggest early-season showcases. If you like highlight plays, big-time coaching chess matches, and national-TV drama, this game has it all.
