2024 UKG Legends Classic Prediction & Preview

Four teams make the trip to Brooklyn, N.Y. for the 2024 UKG Legends Classic.

The Barclays Center will host three Power 5 programs and one mid-major, on Thursday and Friday. Texas and Texas Tech basketball are both receiving votes for the AP Poll, while Syracuse basketball and Saint Joseph’s are searching to find their identity in Brooklyn. 

5 players to watch

Arthur Kaluma, Texas

The Creighton and Kansas State transfer, chose Texas basketball to be the landing spot for his senior season. Kaluma has scored in double figures in his first four games for the Longhorns and is averaging 14.5 points per game. He is also shooting an efficient 63% from the floor. While Kaluma is not known for his three point shooting, he produces constant matchup problems with his athleticism. 

JJ Starling, Syracuse 

Syracuse is coming off of a double-overtime thriller that saw the Orange hang on to beat Youngstown State 104-95. The primary reason Syracuse came out victorious? JJ Starling. The junior guard put up a career-high 38 points and played 49 of the possible 50 minutes in the contest. While he has not been extremely effective from behind the arc, he has found a way to make an impact, shooting 55% from the field and adding 3 assists per game. 

JT Toppin, Texas Tech

The New Mexico transfer has been an early bright spot for the Red Raiders. In his first four games, he is averaging 20.5 points while playing less than 25 minutes per game. This means that he has been extremely efficient from the floor. Before a trip to Brooklyn, Toppin is shooting 72.9%, which ranks 16th in the country in this category. The 6-foot-9 forward currently leads the way for a Texas Tech basketball team that has five players averaging in double figures. 

Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman guard Tre Johnson made an immediate splash for the Longhorns when he put up 29 points in his debut against Ohio State. Johnson was the fifth ranked player in the class of 2024 but has proven that he might be the best freshman in the country. Johnson has averaged 23.5 points per game and is shooting an impressive 58% from the floor and from behind the arc. While Texas basketball has high level talent, so far Johnson has been the highlight of the Longhorn’s season. 

Xzayvier Brown, Saint Joseph’s 

The sophomore and Philadelphia native has proven his place in the starting lineup on Hawk Hill. Brown has scored in double figures in all four games this season, including an 18-point performance against Big 5 rival Villanova. Brown has not yet found his stroke from deep in the 2024-2025 season, but last year he shot 37% from behind the arc. If he can find it, he will be one of the most exciting players to watch in Brooklyn. 

2024 UKG Legends Classic Predictions – Semifinals

Syracuse (3-0) vs. Texas (3-1) – 7 p.m. on ESPN2

Thursday’s meeting will be only the second time that Syracuse basketball and Texas basketball have met. The last time these two teams met, was one that Orange fans will remember, as Syracuse beat Texas in the national semifinals in 2003. This year may be a different story. 

This will be the first time that the Orange will see a Power Five team this season. With Texas basketball’s balanced offensive attack and strong defense, the Orange will need to have their best performance of the season if they want to keep this one close. 

Prediction: Texas by 9

Texas Tech (4-0) vs. Saint Joseph’s  (3-1) – 9 p.m. on ESPN2 

Texas Tech basketball has the third best scoring margin in the country coming into their matchup with Saint Joseph’s. While three of the four games that the Hawks have played have been decided by single digits, including a loss to Central Connecticut State. In this semifinal matchup the fire power of the Red Raiders may outweigh the balanced scoring of Saint Joseph’s.

Prediction: Texas Tech by 13

2024 UKG Legends Classic Predictions – Championship

Texas Tech vs. Texas – 9 p.m. on ESPNU

This matchup would mark the first time that the Red Raiders and Longhorns meet since Texas left for the SEC. Last year, these two sides split the season series in conference play, and these teams are evenly matched again. Both teams are receiving votes in the AP Poll and sit just outside of the top 25. This one is very hard to pick, but regardless it will be a must watch game. 

Prediction: Texas Tech by 2