As always, eyes are on John Calipari and Big Blue. We’re not sure, however, the Cats are even the most interesting storyline for this opener. Jason Hooten seems just the man for the restoration job At NMSU as the Ags begin a new life in Conference USA. and his attention to defense (his Bearkats ranked fourth-best in PPG allowed at 59.3) figures to translate quickly to a new-look roster that is nonetheless heavy on college experience as it arrives en masse from the transfer portal. Meanwhile, it’s the latest invasion of five-stars for Coach Cal, but Hooten’s track record suggest this might be a bit uncomfy tonight for UK, with regional insiders having issued an early alert on under-the-radar NMSU.

Incoming New Mexico State coach Jason Hooten hails from Sam Houston State, where he subscribed to a slow pace and an emphasis on defense. For Kentucky, eight of the 12 main scholarship players are freshmen. The youthful Wildcats under John Calipari are prone to deliver offensive clunkers in November, and this opener is a prime candidate for another. This is a mere prep for the Wildcats' hugely anticipated matchup with Kansas next week.