This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
The 2024-25 college basketball regular season heads into the first weekend of action on Friday, Nov. 8.
There are a slew of games available on Friday, something we haven't seen a lot of in the past couple of days. We have some marquee matchups, too, with North Carolina and Kansas facing each other in a top-10 battle at Allen Fieldhouse, and No. 2 Alabama is also in action.
If you're unfamiliar with how to play, you must simply choose at least two players from any sport and pick more or less on their projected statistics to win. We'll obviously be exclusively selecting college hoops players, but you can mix and match from various other sports. You can also go with a flex play, meaning you still can have a winning night even if you have one losing selection. Or, you can go big and choose the power play, which pays out higher. However, you must hit all ends to win. Let's get started!
Mark Sears, G, Alabama 
Sears and the Crimson Tide will play their second game of the season against Arkansas State. He opened the season with 20 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the 3-point line Monday against UNC Asheville. He also chipped in with three bounds and an assist.
The problem with some of these early-season games against cupcake opponents, big-time players see reduced minutes if the game gets out of hand, giving way to lesser players to get some extra run that they may not see in closer games. Sears managed just 25 minutes before checking out for good in the opener against the Bulldogs.
This game could very well go the same way against the Red Wolves, with Sears having an efficient scoring night, before seeing plenty of second-half rest. Let's go low on his projected points.
CBB PrizePicks Selection: Mark Sears, Under 22.5 Points
Nate Calmese, G, Washington State 
Normally I like to be positive, playing the Over for players, rather than cheering against someone. Plus, Unders are a lot less fun to play.
However, Calmese managed just a single rebound in the opener against Portland State, while going for 17 points, five assists, two steals and three triples. But, again, he had just the single board.
Against Bradley, Calmese will likely have plenty of scoring opportunities against the overmatched Braves, and he won't really need to focus on boards.
CBB PrizePicks Selection: Nate Calmese, Under 2.5 Rebounds
Parsa Fallah, F, Oregon State 
Fallah is an interesting play against Weber State. The 6-foot-9 junior forward from Amon, Iran managed 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots on a very efficient 6-of-7 from the field in 27 minutes against Utah Tech in the opener.
He made a pretty successful debut after averaging 13.2 PPG with 6.0 RPG in 25 games with Southern Utah last season.
Weber State pounded Northwest Indiana 118-35, so we really don't know what kind of team the Wildcats will be. They're expected to challenge for a spot in the top half of the Big Sky Conference, and guard Miguel Tomley will be their best player. But Fallah and the Beavers should find it to be a favorable matchup against a smallish frontcourt.
CBB PrizePicks Selection: Parsa Fallah, Over 5.5 Rebs+Asts
Wednesday's College Basketball PrizePicks Selections
Here's a recap of my best college basketball selections for Wednesday:
- Mark Sears, Alabama, Under 22.5 Points
- Nate Calmese, Washington State, Under 2.5 Rebounds
- Parsa Fallah, Oregon State, Over 5.5 Rebounds+Assists
For additional recommendations for PrizePicks and other similar sites, check out our College Basketball Picks page.
For more fantasy college hoops content, be sure to check out features like our college basketball injury report, college basketball depth charts and latest college basketball news.
