The Associated Press Top 25 College Basketball Poll was released toward the beginning of this week, with some expected names near the top, and a few surprising ones throughout.
Nevertheless, the rankings mark the soon-arrival of the college basketball season. Less than a month away, schools’ players and coaches are gearing up to make a run at conference championships and national titles.
With that, it’s time for the fans to get ready to bet. Before the ball goes in the air, it’ll be wise to get an NCAA champion bet in. Sure, it’ll be easy to convince yourself that the teams with the best odds could win it all, but we’re here to convince you of a few value bets that would increase your payout.
Here are four schools with enticing title odds.
All odds via BetMGM
1
Indiana Hoosiers (+3500)
It’s surprising that the Hoosiers’ odds are this long, given their No. 13 ranking in the AP, and their collection of talent throughout the roster.
Most of Mike Woodson’s core group of players that advanced to the second round of the previous NCAA Tourney are back. More importantly, Trayce Jackson-Davis is back to help try and lead this Hoosier group to a Big Ten title and potentially more.
2
Texas Longhorns (+3000)
Things didn’t go quite as planned for the transfer-heavy group assembled in Austin last season. The Longhorns failed to live up to the hype and were bounced early in the tournament. But, perhaps some continuity is the way to go in 2022-23.
Chris Beard’s team returns its top-2 scorers (Timmy Allen and Marcus Carr), while the other key player from last year’s portal (Christian Bishop) will be back in the rotation. Beard did subtly dip into the portal again this year and come out with the Big 12’s reigning Freshman of the Year (Tyrese Hunter) to raise Texas’ ceiling.
Maybe this is the year the Longhorns talent meets expectations.
3
Creighton Bluejays (+2500)
Creighton should be able to win the Big East. And if you’re good enough to win the Big East, you’re likely good enough to compete for a national championship.
Greg McDermott’s second-round NCAA Tournament squad from a season ago is returning a ton of proven talent. The Jays will return the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year (Ryan Kalkbrenner) and Freshman of the Year (Ryan Nembhard), along with two sensational sophomores (Arthur Kaluma and Trey Alexander) and one of the best transfers that hit the portal this past off-season (Baylor Scheierman).
It’s understandable not to bet on a school that hasn’t had many deep NCAA Tournament runs but just remember, there’s always a first time for everything.
4
TCU Horned Frogs (+5000)
Remember when TCU was this close to upsetting Arizona in the second round of last season’s NCAA Tournament? Their entire starting lineup is back, which is a big reason why they find themselves ranked No. 14 by the AP.
Led by Mike Miles Jr. and Damion Baugh, Jamie Dixon’s squad has a realistic chance of playing basketball during the final weekend of the season. With +5000 odds to win the national title, I find myself very intrigued.
