The Connecticut Huskies overcame an inconsistent regular season to win the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball championship. And the Huskies did so in a dominant fashion. UConn opened as the college basketball betting odds favorite to repeat as national champions. Of course, the defending champions of any sport usually open as the favorite to repeat. But in Connecticut’s case, there is a legitimate reason for its chalky status. Head coach Dan Hurley is recruiting elite players and coaching them hard and effectively. Also, UConn has a strong basketball tradition. Since 1999, the Huskies have five national championships.
2024 Men’s College Basketball National Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | +1100 |
| Duke | +1300 |
| Arizona | +1500 |
| Alabama | +1500 |
| Kentucky | +1500 |
| Purdue | +1600 |
| Creighton | +2000 |
| Marquette | +2000 |
| Michigan State | +2000 |
| North Carolina | +2400 |
| UCLA | +2500 |
| Arkansas | +2500 |
| Kansas | +2500 |
| Houston | +2500 |
| Gonzaga | +2500 |
| Florida Atlantic | +3000 |
| Miami | +3000 |
| Texas | +3400 |
| Tennessee | +3500 |
| TCU | +3500 |
| All Other Teams | +4500 or higher |
Duke Blue Devils +1300
At the onset of the 2022-23 season, head coach Jon Scheyer had the unenviable task of replacing a living legend. Nike Krzyzewski, AKA “Coach K,” put Duke basketball on the map. And coach K retired as the winningest coach in history. Scheyer led the Blue Devils to the ACC Tournament championship. However, Duke flopped in the second round of March Madness. Still, it was a strong start for the new online betting era of Duke basketball.
Arizona Wildcats +1500
In like manner to Duke, Arizona had a successful regular season that ended in March Madness disappointment. The Wildcats were upset by the 15-seed Princeton Tigers in the NCAA Tournament. Still, head coach Tommy Lloyd continues to impress after two seasons. Lloyd has won 85 percent of his games. And in 2022, he led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 appearance. As Lloyd continues to develop his program, gamblers believe the best is yet to come.
Alabama Crimson Tide +1500
Last season was one of ecstasy and agony for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide produced the best campaign in school history on the hardwood. However, it was all overshadowed by a capital murder involving a player that was immediately cut. Also connected to the incident was Alabama’s best player, Brandon Miller. Head coach Nate Oats did not help with his ham-handed handling of the issue.
Alabama was a top-tier favorite in the NCAA Tournament. But the Crimson Tide was upset in the Sweet 16 by San Diego State. And the off-court controversy was considered a factor in the flop. Overall, Oats is building a power program in the SEC. And with Miller moving on to the NBA, the air will be cleared. Alabama will be talented and focused in 2023-24.
Kentucky Wildcats +1500
On the whole, head coach John Calipari has been a success at Kentucky. At least by the standards of most schools. Calipari has a .774-win percentage at UK, with four Final Fours and a national championship. However, the Wildcats produced all that CBB odds success many years ago under Calipari. Since 2016, the Wildcats have not seen the Final Four.
Further, Kentucky’s last Elite Eight was in 2019. Fans and Gamblers are increasingly frustrated by Calipari not getting the maximum production out of his highly touted recruiting classes. It is true that the SEC is vastly improved as a basketball conference. But Kentucky fans don’t care. At Kentucky, it’s Final Four or failure.