Updated NCAAB Futures Odds
We’re months away from the college basketball season but we try to keep readers updated on the futures odds all year. He’s a look at the latest men’s NCAA basketball tournament odds, with Duke right at the top.
The Favorite
According to oddsmakers, Duke is a 6/1 favorite to win the college basketball championship in 2019. The Blue Devils’ projected starting lineup of Tre Jones, R.J. Barrett, Cameron Reddish, Zion Williamson and Marques Bolden would feature three players that could be selected in the top-10 picks in next year’s NBA draft. (Those three players are Barrett, Reddish and Williamson). While detractors will note that Duke lacks outside shooting, the Blue Devils will ultimately own one of the nation’s best offenses.
The Challenger
Behind Duke is Kentucky, which is 7/1 to win the 2019 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. John Calipari will have the ability to give opponents different looks in 2019. He could roll out a two-point guard lineup with Quade Green, Immanuel Quickley, Keldon Johnson, PJ Washington and Reid Travis on the court at the same time, or a long and athletic lineup in Quickley, Johnson and Washington, but with E.J. Montgomery and Nick Richards joining the starting five. Either way, Calipari’s squad will be in the mix for a national title again next season.
Rounding out the Top 4
Gonzaga and Villanova round out the top 4 in terms of the odds, with both programs listed at 8/1 to win next year’s basketball championship. The Wildcats are coming off yet another championship but will lose Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo and Omari Spellman. Some noteable additions are Jahvon Quinerly, Joe Cremo, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater and Saddiq Bey. The biggest question facing Jay Wright’s squad is whether or not a program built on experience can succeed this time around with youth.
Also in the Mix
Kansas is 17/2 while Nevada, North Carolina and Virginia at 12/1, respectively. Michigan State is also 25/1, followed by Tennessee at 30/1 and Auburn, Michigan, UCLA and West Virginia are all 35/1, respectively. Indiana and Syracuse are 40/1, respectively, followed by Florida, Purdue and Wichita State at 50/1, respectively.
Check out a complete list of 2019 Men’s College Basketball odds here.