Michigan State vs. Kentucky: Top Pro Prospects in 2013 Champions Classic Clash

Not even a week into the season, college basketball's two premier teams will square off when Kentucky meets Michigan State on Tuesday's 2013 Champions Classic bout.

While John Calipari and Tom Izzo bring contrasting coaching styles to the table, each legendary leader is working with a loaded roster poised to make a deep run this March. Who knows, we may be getting treated to a Final Four preview.

The Spartans frequently ride teamwork and well-balanced and coached rosters to deep March Madness runs, but this team could prepare some students for the NBA. Kentucky, of course, is a hotbed for top prospects to shine on the grand stage for a year or two before advancing their talents to the pro level.

Either way, Tuesday's epic showdown consists of several names that basketball fans of the collegiate and pro level should commit to memory.

PF Julius Randle, Kentucky

Let's begin with the most obvious choice. Freshman Julius Randle has manhandled and overwhelmed opponents during his first slice of action, and such scorching play could lead to the power forward leading the 2014 NBA Draft.

The Dallas native has notched double-doubles in his first two games with the Wildcats, following 23 points and 15 rebounds from his season debut with 22 points and 14 boards the subsequent game. 

ESPN Stats & Info provided an encouraging tidbit regarding his fast start that's also worrisome when considering the company.

At 6'9" and 250 pounds, Randle is an explosive athlete for his size who can create mismatches at the 4. He can handle the ball well for a man of his stature and possesses the ability to stretch the floor or post up, which could become more of a question mark in the pros.

Randle is a rare talent, but Michigan State provides his first true test against elite competition. Will he display the determination and defensive ability necessary to never be mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Beasley again?

SG Gary Harris, Michigan State

If Gary Harris' performance against McNeese State is a sign of things to come, he will shoot up mock drafts during the 2013 campaign.

In his first game of the new slate, the sophomore scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out six assists for the Spartans. Both the rebound and assist measures set personal bests for Harris during his stay at Michigan State.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman offered high praise after the stellar performance. 

The 6'4" guard does not brandish the prototypical size of an NBA shooting guard, but fewer and fewer 2-guards do these days. Harris does, on the other hand, exhibit enough athleticism, defensive merit and jump-shooting prowess to acclimate him onto a pro roster.

Last season, Harris averaged 12.9 points per game in 29.7 minutes, attempting 9.7 shots per contest. After converting seven of 15 shots in his season debut, expect him to play a much heavier role in the team's offense.

PG Andrew Harrison and SG Aaron Harrison, Kentucky

Brothers Andrew Harrison and Aaron Harrison will look to work twin magic over Michigan State and the rest of the NCAA this season.

Among the two siblings, Andrew touts the higher ceiling with game-changing playmaking ability as well as excellent strength for a point guard. He's a prolific ball-handler and finisher who can outmuscle opponents on both ends of the court.

Calipari has worked wonders before with one-and-done point guards, but Harrison will have to share the spotlight with a loaded supporting cast, including his brother.

They look alike, but Aaron is a shooting guard who flourishes on the wing. He attacks aggressively on the offensive end and has the ability to catch the hot shooting hand in a hurry. 

Andrew will receive more attention, but Aaron is also a potential first-round pick, assuming they both go pro in 2014. But before that happens, they need to impress in Kentucky, and knocking down Michigan State would prove a terrific start to the cause.