There were no surprises for anyone waiting for the college basketball kickoff that Kansas won the national championship last season.
The Kansas Jayhawks were a top seed, are traditional blue blood, and likely will be in the running to win another championship this season. However, Kansas isn’t the odds-on favorite to cut down the nets in early April.
The Jayhawks will have to fight their way back through a loaded field of teams eager to knock them off the top spot. Here’s a look at what bettors can expect for the college basketball season.
Gonzaga Is Again the Favorite
One of the most agonizing debates around college basketball kickoff time centers around Gonzaga.
The Bulldogs have been one of the NCAA’s top programs over the past 10 seasons, making two appearances in the championship game, and have been to the Sweet 16 for the past seven seasons.
What has plagued Gonzaga is the ability to bring home a national championship.
Drew Timme’s Comeback
This year, Gonzaga will return star forward Drew Timme, but won’t have the one-and-done players like Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren that Gonzaga had the last two seasons.
Junior forward Julian Strawther decided to forgo the NBA draft and return for another season. The Zags will again be in the hunt for a top seed and the West Coast Conference title.
While in the past Gonzaga has been criticized for its schedule, the Bulldogs will give people plenty of opportunities to see what they are made of early in the season.
Gonzaga’s Non-conference Schedule
Gonzaga will play:
- Michigan State
- Texas, Kentucky
- Baylor
- Washington
- Alabama
Tar Heels Ready to Rise
UNC lost a heartbreaking game to Kansas in the championship round last year after making a deep run in the bracket as a No. 8 seed.
Last Season’s NBA Draft
The North Carolina Tar Heels were lucky not to lose much to the NBA Draft last season. Both Armando Bacot, a double-double machine who was named ACC preseason player of the year, and Caleb Love both return after strong performances in the tournament.
UNC also hit the transfer portal to get some fresh blood. Northwestern transfer Pete Nance will look to fill in the role Brady Manek left after he graduated. Nance averaged 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds last season for the Wildcats.
Davis Under Pressure
Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis will be under pressure to replicate his first season. UNC finished 29-10 overall and 15-5 in ACC play. Davis took over for legendary coach Roy Williams and is hoping to keep the program moving on a strong trajectory.
The Big Ten Will Go Another Year Without a Championship
While the Big Ten always touts how deep it is every year when college basketball kickoff rolls around, it hasn’t resulted in much hardware for the conference.
Among the teams expected to contend for the championship, Michigan at +3500, represents the favorite among all the teams to pick up a championship win.
Indiana Grabbing a National Crown
No team from the Big Ten has won a national championship in men’s basketball since Michigan State won in 2000. The Maryland Terrapins, who were in the ACC at the time, beat Indiana to grab a national crown.
This year could provide a surprise champion. UCLA Bruins has seen a lot of improvement under coach Mick Cornin, and the Bruins could finally break through and win their first title in nearly 30 years.
Kentucky coach John Calipari may be under the gun as well after losing a stunner in the first round of St. Peter’s last season.
Topsy-turvy College Basketball Season
This may once again be a topsy-turvy college basketball season. Right now, many books have Gonzaga and Houston — which are both from non-power conferences — among the top teams to win a championship.
However, many of the traditional powers like:
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- Baylor
Aren’t far back in terms of expectations. What last season showed in the transfer portal will likely have a major impact on the season.
A lot of teams were able to add a significant piece or two to help benefit them over the summer, and all of these teams hope they have found the right guy to win games.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.