We are on the cusp of March Madness, one of the most popular times in the sporting year. It is a chance for 68 teams to make their bid for the college basketball national championship, something that draws the attention of millions each spring.
Though we are still yet to hit Selection Sunday, it doesn’t mean we can’t look at some of the favorites to win the whole thing. Check out the early favorites heading into the NCAA Tournament.
UConn Huskies (+480)
Sports betting, particularly March Madness betting, is incredibly popular these days. So, it only stands to reason that millions of college basketball fans would be looking to the tournament to throw down a bit of money. At the top of the list of favorites is the defending national champion, the UConn Huskies.
Somehow, the Huskies look better than the team that won the title a year ago. That’s impressive given that the team lost so much, coach Dan Hurley cannot get enough credit. He has navigated injuries to Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle, thanks in part to Tristen Newton. The Huskies should have what it takes to put together a legitimate title defense.
Houston Cougars (+650)
To some, the Cougars are the best team in America. Houston made a deep run in last year’s tournament and is again loaded this season. Houston should easily be a No.1 seed this year, setting them up for another deep run into the late stages of the tournament.
If there is one question mark, it is the viability of their postseason offense. That said, there may be no better player in the country than Jamal Shead. His play will be the catalyst if the Cougars nab the top overall seed and will be there in the important moments when tournament play begins.
Purdue Boilermakers (+750)
The Boilers were a No.1 seed a year ago and things ended in heartbreak when they lost to a No.16 seed. This year, things feel different. Zach Edey is back, and the 7-foot-4 center is in the mix for the best player in the nation. That said, he might not be the most important player on his team. That’s how good Purdue is this season.
Braden Smith, a sophomore, has become a clutch supporting player that has developed into a star. He hit keep threes to nail down an outright Big Ten title and has demonstrated that he can consistently put his best foot forward. If he and Edey are clicking together, the Boilers can be all but impossible to beat.
Arizona Wildcats (+1300)
An early-season favorite, the Wildcats are right where many expected. They are not only in contention for a No.1 seed but should be one of the outright favorites when tournament play starts.
They have a top-10 adjusted offensive efficiency, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the country. They can hit from deep or at the line, too. Lethal-shooting teams are the toughest to contend with and it should make Arizona a force in March.
Tennessee Volunteers (+1300)
The Vols have gained steam in recent weeks and may very well be the best team in a deep Southeastern Conference. Led by Dalton Knecht, who has six games with more than 30 points, the Vols offense is one of the most dynamic in the entire tournament.
They are a fun team that can make any game into a shootout and Knecht has been the poster boy. He is the kind of dominant scorer who can take over at a moment’s notice, even when the lights are brightest.
