Basketball Teams Face Early-Season Questions

Oklahoma State’s women’s team will need to improve defensive rebounding and scoring defense around leading scorers Audi Crooks and Liv McGill, while the men’s team must address a defense that allowed a Big 12-worst 84.2 points per game last season. Arkansas showed trouble finishing at the rim against Gonzaga, though center Cooper Bowser’s performance offered encouragement. Michigan State’s championship hopes may depend on settling its center rotation after transfer Szymon Bonke struggled in exhibitions. The 76ers’ use of LeBron James at center showed he can help in short stretches, but his struggles rebounding and protecting the paint against Detroit reinforced that he is no substitute for Joel Embiid. Detroit’s thin center rotation has also been tested by Jalen Duren’s injury, while Texas Tech may struggle on the boards until JT Toppin returns.