Preseason College Basketball: A Quiet Revolution You Might Have Missed
By JOHN WRIGHT • Sports Editor • jwright@murrayledger.com
October 17, 2025 • 9 mins ago
MURRAY — Over the past few years, something remarkable has been happening in the world of men’s college basketball—a shift so significant it’s reshaping how teams prepare for the season. But here’s where it gets controversial: the traditional preseason matchups we once took for granted are now a thing of the past. Gone are the days when even the most prestigious programs, like Kentucky, North Carolina, or UCLA, were limited to facing club teams (think Athletes in Action) or lower-division colleges from the NAIA or NCAA Division 2 and 3. And this is the part most people miss: the old rule of thumb—D1s don’t play D1s in preseason—has been flipped on its head.
This change isn’t just about scheduling; it’s about strategy, exposure, and the evolving landscape of college sports. For years, preseason games were a low-stakes affair, a warm-up act before the real show began. But now, with Division 1 teams squaring off against each other in high-profile exhibitions, the stakes are higher than ever. The ‘big lights’ of preseason are no longer just a metaphor—they’re a reality, as seen in events like Blitz 2025 (https://www.murrayledger.com/special/blitz-2025/edition_6b396ab9-d49d-5a68-b2f3-1d3db7865bc9.html). Curious? Click the image on the left to dive into our latest Special Section and see how this shift is playing out.
Why does this matter? For starters, it levels the playing field. Smaller programs now have the chance to test their mettle against powerhouse teams, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. But it also raises questions: Are these high-pressure preseason games too much, too soon? Could they lead to burnout or injuries? Or are they the perfect preparation for the grueling season ahead? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is this evolution a step forward for college basketball, or are we losing something essential about the preseason’s traditional role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
For more insights, check out our latest e-Edition (https://www.murrayledger.com/eedition/e-edition/edition_03ea6aaa-0da8-5637-af92-739bc1f5a830.html) by clicking the image on the left. And remember, we’re always on the lookout for community news—if you’ve got a story, we want to hear it!
