Tom Izzo says this could be one of John Calipari’s best teams

The wait for Kentucky Wildcats basketball is almost over.

The Cats will travel north to the beautiful state of New York along with a three other elite programs to open the NCAA season with a bang.

Kentucky, after being dubbed the nation’s second-best team, will be tested against Tom Izzo’s Spartans, a game that’ll kick off at 9:30 pm EST in Madison Square Garden. It’ll be their first and arguably most difficult test of the season.

After watching Cal secure three five-star recruits this offseason while returning several impact players, Michigan State head coach had high praise for the Wildcats and the roster they’ve put together, giving a bold prediction about how good this team may become.

According to 247 Sports’ Chris Fisher, Izzo thinks this may be one Cal’s best teams to walk through Lexington.

“He’s got some experience, and John Calipari is one of the best coaches. His teams play so hard. He gets superstars to play defense. I think he’s done an incredible job there, and this team, in a different sort of way, can be one of his best because of the experience they have.”

Both Keion Brooks and Tyrese Maxey chose Kentucky while holding offers from Michigan State, so Izzo knows first-hand the amount of talent he lost out on.

But with Kentucky being one of the ideal development programs, it’s not a shocker they continue snagging these high-profile recruits.

What is shocking is that Izzo thinks this may be one of Cal’s best teams. Many of the teams that are brought in the conversation for Cal’s best have an elite big man. This season, that, for now, is absent.

Maxey, Brooks, Ashton Hagans and Kahlil Whitney are all going to be valued contributors to this roster, but it’s just difficult to forecast this team being anything overly awing. However, Tuesday night may change all the minds of those doubting them.