The 2024 men's college basketball Feast Week games to watch - ESPN

Every year, Feast Week presents a buffet of elite nonconference matchups that matter now, sure, but will mean a lot more once Selection Sunday arrives. Powerhouse programs can add more quality wins to their early résumés, while multiple upset-minded programs will get their shots in for at-large consideration.

This year is no different.

UConn had a chance to stake its claim as America's top team by running through a strong Maui Invitational field — with North Carolina and Auburn (who both narrowly won their games later Monday) standing in its way. Then the Huskies lost in overtime to Memphis in the first game of the day.

Gonzaga is another team that could end the week with a strong argument for the No. 1 spot.

But for all the multiteam events and nonconference tournaments that have already concluded or are just tipping, the week really begins with Cooper Flagg continuing his campaign to be the first pick in the 2025 NBA draft in Las Vegas, where Duke will play No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday night.

There's also a new entrant to Feast Week this year: The Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, which could revolutionize future holiday tournaments.

The event, anchored by Houston, Alabama and Rutgers, will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will give $1 million in NIL payouts to every participating team. Pay-for-play events are against the NCAA's rules, which means the Players Era Festival organizers are trying to ensure compliance even as all signs point to the games moving forward.

Which means it will be closely watched by not just the NCAA, but the entire college basketball world. Because the format, and importantly the financial benefits, could become the norm in this new era if it goes off without a hitch. If it doesn't, it