When BYU takes on North Carolina at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City this weekend, it won’t just be another preseason basketball matchup — it will mark the start of a new era for college hoops. What used to be a time for quiet “secret scrimmages” has evolved into full-fledged exhibition events, often in major arenas, drawing national attention and sizable crowds.
AJ Dybantsa’s Debut and the New Exhibition Era
BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, projected by many analysts as a potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick, made a big splash in his collegiate debut last weekend, scoring 30 points in a road exhibition at Nebraska. The Cougars lost, but the performance highlighted both Dybantsa’s elite talent and the growing appetite for high-level preseason matchups.
Until recently, such games wouldn’t have been possible in public view. The NCAA’s men’s basketball oversight committee approved a rule change in January 2025 that now allows schools to play two exhibition games against any four-year program, replacing the older model of “secret scrimmages” that were closed to fans and media.
That change has turned the preseason into a mini showcase of ranked teams. This weekend’s lineup includes:
- No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 9 Kentucky
- No. 19 Kansas vs. No. 11 Louisville
- No. 25 North Carolina vs. No. 8 BYU in Salt Lake City
- No. 6 Duke vs. No. 18 Tennessee
- No. 7 Michigan vs. No. 5 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden
Why Coaches Support the Change
BYU head coach Kevin Young, who spent eight years as an NBA assistant, says this format is closer to what the sport needs. “Honestly, I wish it was more like the NBA,” Young said. “I hate practicing for four or five straight months where you’re just going against each other.”
Coaches across the country agree that playing real opponents early helps teams assess lineups, test rotations, and prepare for competitive environments. Some still prefer closed scrimmages for flexibility — such as focusing on situational play or testing end-of-bench players — but many see public exhibitions as a valuable learning experience and a fan engagement tool.
The Financial and Fan Appeal
There’s another major incentive: revenue. Hosting high-profile exhibition games draws big crowds and boosts local interest. Programs like Creighton and Butler have already seen attendance numbers rival their regular-season averages for these matchups. BYU’s game against UNC at the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz, is expected to bring in one of the largest preseason basketball crowds in the West.
As Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland put it, “It’s about finding the right opponent, the right venue, and giving fans something they’ll actually show up for — even during football season.”
How It Changes the Game
The shift away from secret scrimmages means results are now public — and often broadcast. That transparency has sparked early storylines and fan debates, from Nebraska’s upset win over BYU to Oklahoma State’s overtime victory over Auburn. But coaches like UNC’s Hubert Davis say that visibility is a good thing. “I’m not treating this like a lab experiment,” Davis said. “They keep score.”
Still, preseason results can be misleading. Two years ago, Purdue lost an October exhibition at Arkansas before going on to reach the national championship game. For coaches, the value lies less in wins and more in what they learn.
The Future: Summer Basketball and Beyond
With college basketball undergoing massive changes — from NIL deals to expanded media rights — exhibition play may continue to evolve. Coaches like John Calipari have floated ideas for summer exhibition tournaments, similar to the NBA’s Summer League. With players now allowed to earn money, these events could offer another platform for exposure and development.
For now, fans can enjoy an early glimpse of what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in years. BYU’s matchup against UNC isn’t just about preseason bragging rights — it’s about ushering in a new era where college basketball belongs in the spotlight year-round.
