As one season closes, another is set to start in a mere six months and it is never too early to place a futures bet on who you believe will be the group cutting down the nets at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium at Atlanta following April. The Virginia Cavaliers claimed the 2019 title, their first in school history, however they sit on the oddsboard, two spots behind the Kentucky Wildcats, who would be the +500 favorite.
BetOnline has Kentucky since the favorite to win against the 2020 college hoops championship at +500 followed closely by Duke at +600, Virginia at +650, Michigan State in +800, and Michigan and North Carolina in +1200 to round out the top teams around the oddsboard.
Tread Lightly with Kentucky
Kentucky had a successful 2018-19 campaign, placing with a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. Undoubtedly head coach John Calipari will have the Wildcats playing at a high level, but he’ll need to enter the season with rather a different look. Four of Kentucky’s starting five are likely to graduate or be drafted into the NBA since Reid Travis is a senior and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will likely be going pro.
All is not lost, however, since the Wildcats have already done a great job recruitment for the upcoming season, procuring two 2019 McDonald’s All-Americans, shooting guard Tyrese Maxey and little forward Khalil Whitney. I anticipate sophomores Immanuel Quickley and E.J. Montgomery to lead the fee and will work nicely with the incoming freshmen. With their new look, I would be hesitant to lay a bet on this club at +500 at this stage.
Kansas Could be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had a very interesting 2018-19, showing flashes of brilliance and being ranked in the top five in the AP survey for eight weeks, including 2 weeks in the top place. Overall, the Jayhawks finished the year with a 26-10 record, falling to Auburn from the Round of 32. Kansas was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team as it came to home and away splits, going a perfect 16-0 in Allen Fieldhouse but only 3-8 in true road games — very confusing results.
The Jayhawks needed to battle through accidents, losing protect Lagerald Vick for the season in early February. He is a senior and won’t be back next year. Additionally, junior centre Udoka Azubuike played just nine matches in 2018-19. However, Kansas, despite those huge holes in the frontcourt and backcourt, nevertheless needed a Round of 32 look. The Jayhawks should be feisty this forthcoming season as I don’t anticipate Azubuike to be drafted and Vick are their only loss, so chances of +2000 provide adequate price.
Auburn Providing Best Value
Head coach Bruce Pearl must be proud of the effort his team put in this past season, going 30-10, including winning the SEC tournament and falling just to eventual national champion Virginia 63-62 in the Final Four. The team had four seniors, such as guard Bryce Brown, who headed the team with 15.9 points per match.
On the other hand, the center of the group should return for the 2019-20 season, most notably Jared Harper and Chuma Okeke, who combined for 27.3 ppg. Harper led the team with 5.8 assists per game, while Okeke was the group leader with 6.8 rebounds per game. In addition, Pearl has recruited five players who have signed letters of intent, such as little forward Isaac Okoro,who’s the 37th-ranked recruit. I think this group will cause waves and +3300 could be a steal as we close March following year.
Here’s a look at the Complete list of chances for your 2020 college hoops championship:
2019-20 College BASKETBALL Champion Odds
Team Odds
Kentucky +500
Duke +600
Virginia +650
Michigan State +800
Michigan +1200
North Carolina +1200
Gonzaga +1400
Villanova +1600
Kansas +2000
Oregon +2200
Arizona +2500
Louisville +3300
Auburn +3300
Mississippi State +3300
Tennessee +3300
Texas +3300
Texas Tech +3300
Florida State +6600
Wisconsin +6600
UCLA +10000
USC +10000
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