Notre Dame and High Point Show Early March Potential in Season Openers
Coaches note Notre Dame's improved closing ability and High Point's deep roster as key factors in early-season evaluations.
By Aaron Foster ·
Notre Dame defeated Villanova on Sunday in Rome, Italy, to open the 2026-27 college basketball season. The win marked the first victory of the year for the Irish and demonstrated a level of cohesion that had been absent in previous seasons. Coach Micah Shrewsberry credited a change in mindset for the team's improved performance against the Wildcats.
Shrewsberry told reporters at ACC media day last month that he realized he had not been enjoying his time at Notre Dame despite coaching his son, Braeden Shrewsberry. He described the season as a hot seat following a 13-win campaign and three straight seasons without an NCAA tournament berth. Against Villanova, the Irish showed more rhythm, with four players scoring in double figures and the team making 38% of its 3-point attempts. The game ended with Notre Dame overcoming a six-point deficit to take the lead in the final two minutes, a finish that eluded them in multiple games last season.
High Point University also signaled its readiness for the postseason with a 72-57 victory over Liberty on Monday. The Panthers, who won 31 games last season and defeated Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA tournament, reloaded their roster after losing star guard Rob Martin. Coach Flynn Clayman emphasized the team's depth, noting that the roster could compete for a Big South championship and potentially win in March again.
Cam'Ron Fletcher, the 2026 Big South Preseason Player of the Year, recorded eight points and seven rebounds against Liberty. However, ESPN analysts noted that he was overshadowed by transfers and freshmen. CJ Brown from South Florida, Curtis Williams Jr. from Tulane, freshman Trey Pearson, and returnee Conrad Martinez all contributed significantly. The win was achieved without Monmouth transfer Jason Rivera-Torres, a preseason All-Big South selection, highlighting the team's breadth of talent.
Two other mid-major programs are drawing attention for their roster continuity. Western Kentucky retained star sophomore Roman Domon, who scored 22 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 30-point win over Tennessee State. Coach Ryan Miller also keeps backcourt talent in Talis Soulhac and Auburn transfer Kaden Magwood, along with international additions Pavle Nikolic and Mark Padjen. Analysts believe the team will become more dangerous as the international players adjust to the NCAA game.
Queens College brought back three double-figure scorers, Nasir Mann, Avantae Parker, and Jordan Watford, providing uncommon stability for a mid-major program. In a 103-98 win over Winthrop, Watford recorded 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. The Royals play at a fast pace and shoot 3-pointers at a high rate. Watford, a 6-foot-5 point guard, had 19 points and six assists in the 2026 Atlantic Sun championship game and is projected to improve further this year.
The early results from the Field of 68 marathon suggest that several programs have the pieces to challenge for NCAA tournament success. Notre Dame's ability to close out games and High Point's roster depth stand out as early indicators of a competitive team. Queens and Western Kentucky also present strong offensive threats due to their retained talent and specialized skills.
The full opening-day schedule for the 2026-27 season is underway, with nearly 200 games scheduled for the first Monday. Teams across the country are beginning their campaigns, and analysts continue to evaluate performances to identify which programs have the potential to make deep runs in March.
