As one season closes, another is set to begin in just a mere six months and it is never too early to put a futures bet on who you think will be the team cutting down the nets at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta next April. The Virginia Cavaliers claimed the 2019 title, their first in history, but they sit on the oddsboard, two spots behind the Kentucky Wildcats, that would be the +500 favorite.
BetOnline has Kentucky as the favorite to win the 2020 college hoops championship at +500 followed by Duke in +600, Virginia in +650, Michigan State in +800, and Michigan and North Carolina at +1200 to round out the leading teams on the oddsboard.
Tread Lightly with Kentucky
Kentucky had a powerful 2018-19 effort, placing together a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. Undoubtedly head coach John Calipari will possess the Wildcats playing at a high degree, but he will have to enter the season with rather a different appearance. Four of Kentucky’s starting five are likely to graduate or be drafted in the NBA as Reid Travis is an old and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will probably be moving pro.
All isn’t lost, though, since the Wildcats have already done a good job recruiting for the upcoming season, procuring two 2019 McDonald’s All-Americans, shooting guard Tyrese Maxey and small forward Khalil Whitney. I expect sophomores Immanuel Quickley and E.J. Montgomery to lead the charge and will work nicely with the incoming freshmen. With their new look, I’d be hesitant to put a bet on this club in +500 at this stage.
Kansas Could be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had an extremely interesting 2018-19, showing flashes of brilliance and being rated in the top five in the AP poll 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 club when it came to home and away splits, going a perfect 16-0 in Allen Fieldhouse but only 3-8 in true road games — quite confusing results.
The Jayhawks had to battle through injuries, losing guard Lagerald Vick for the season in early February. He is a senior and will not be back next year. Furthermore, junior center Udoka Azubuike played only nine matches in 2018-19. However, Kansas, despite those big holes in the frontcourt and backcourt, nevertheless needed a Round of 32 appearance. The Jayhawks must be feisty this forthcoming season as I do not anticipate Azubuike to be drafted and Vick are their sole loss, so chances of +2000 provide adequate price.
Auburn Providing Best Value
Head coach Bruce Pearl has to be proud of this effort his team put in this past season, going 30-10, for example winning the SEC tournament and falling only to eventual national champion Virginia 63-62 in the Final Four. The group had four seniors, such as shield Bryce Brown, who led the team with 15.9 points per match.
However, the center of the group should return for the 2019-20 year, most notably Jared Harper and Chuma Okeke, who united for 27.3 ppg. Harper led the team with 5.8 assists per game, while Okeke was the team leader with 6.8 rebounds per game. Additionally, Pearl has recruited five players who have signed letters of intent, including little forward Isaac Okoro,who’s the 37th-ranked recruit. I believe this group will cause waves and +3300 could be a steal as we close March following year.
Here’s a look at the full 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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