WKU Basketball: 2019–20 Schedule Released
On Tuesday afternoon, WKU Basketball became the 129th school (out of 353) in Division 1 to release their 2019–20 schedule.
On Tuesday afternoon, WKU Basketball became the 129th school (out of 353) in Division 1 to release their 2019–20 schedule.
Despite the transfer news last week, the 2019–20 Hilltoppers will arguably have the most talented, deep and experienced roster of the Rick Stansbury era. Most of these games we knew about beforehand but it is good to see the order and some surprise opponents. Here are some quick thoughts on the 2019–20 schedule
Resume Building Opportunities
There weren't many surprises on the schedule that we didn’t already know about. WKU’s major resume-building games include the Paradise Jam (potentially Cincinnati & Nevada), Louisville in Nashville, At Rhode Island, Arkansas & Belmont at home. While not necessarily as impressive as recent nonconference schedules. This is a solid base to build NET numbers should WKU live up to their potential. Should they go 11–2 or 10–3 in the opening stretch you’ve got to feel good about their at-large potential.
Regional Rivalries Renewed
One good job WKU has done over the past few years is playing teams within the region. Non-conference games against former OVC rivals Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay and EKU definitely are more interesting than your average game against Alabama State. Going to EKU’s house in their “super bowl”, should be a fun Friday night game that WKU needs to be ready for even if the Colonels rebuild is only in year 2 for A.W. Hamilton. It is the last game of a 4 game series so WKU could have bragging rights over their in-state directional rival for a while should they win.
The Louisville game is the start of a 4 game series that should be alot of fun and it is WKU’s number one chance to get a statement win. The Cardinals should be in the Top 10 when the two teams meet on November 29th. Should WKU enter undefeated, a win could propel the Hilltoppers to their first top 25 rankings in over a decade. This series will be fun over the next couple of years especially if Stansbury can keep getting the same talent level he’s brought to the Hill.
Lastly, one more regional rival the Tops play is nemesis Belmont, With Belmont coach Rick Byrd retiring, WKU needs to break through and retake the momentum against a team that has owned the Hilltoppers for the last 5 years.
A Month Without a Home game
WKU once again has shades of its 2016–17 schedule (Stansbury’s first year) as they’ll go almost a month without playing at home. After the November 9th game against Austin Peay, WKU won’t play another game in Diddle Arena until the December 7th game against Arkansas. This stretch will test WKU’s resiliency and maturity. We’ll see if they succumb to bad road losses that have haunted the program over the past three seasons.
Conference Schedule
Year two of the Conference USA pod system experiment continues this season. WKU plays a single game against every team except rival Marshall (twice, back to back). WKU starts the conference schedule at home against the eastern Texas schools (UNT & Rice) and then alternates road trips and homestands over the usual Thursday/Saturday split.
WKU will once again have to finish in the top 5 to make the top pod. I see UTSA, ODU, UTEP, and UAB being the biggest challenges for WKU next year with only UTSA being close. They’ll travel to San Antonio on February 15th for the first of potentially 3 matchups against the RoadRunners over the 2019–20 season.
Toughest Stretch
November 23rd to December 28th
Between the aforementioned month away from Diddle and all of WKU’s high profile nonconference games, we’ll know if WKU is a serious at-large contender after this stretch. Should they 5–1 or 4–2 in the previously mentioned resume-building games then we should start monitoring the NET rankings seriously, should the Tops trip up and enter conference play with 5 or 6 loses the season will once again come down to a week in Frisco.
Easiest Stretch
January 30th to February 13th
Getting to play the Florida schools, an inconsistent Louisiana Tech team, a rebuilding Southern Miss and a talented but still unproven UTEP. This stretch should help WKU peak before the crucial pod play part of the schedule. Should they falter in this part of the schedule we’re in big trouble heading into March.
Overall, This is a good but not great schedule. I think WKU tried to find a Washington type buy game but couldn’t find any takers, which will be an issue as WKU continues to grow its reputation under Stansbury. There is enough quality on this schedule to be excited each month of the season. WKU can position itself for an at-large bid, now its time for Stansbury and company to prove they’re up for the challenge.