NCAA Basketball Season 2024/25 Preview: Odds and Contenders

As the college basketball world gears up for the 2024/25 season, fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting year on the hardwood. With the dust settling from the NBA draft withdrawal deadline and transfer portal moves, we're getting a clearer picture of the top contenders for the national title. Let's dive into the early favorites and dark horses for the upcoming season.

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The Frontrunners

Kansas Jayhawks

After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, Bill Self has reloaded with what many consider the most talented roster in the country. The return of All-American Hunter Dickinson and the addition of high-impact transfers like AJ Storr and Zeke Mayo make the Jayhawks a strong favorite to cut down the nets in April.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Fresh off a Final Four appearance, Nate Oats' squad looks poised for another deep run. The return of Mark Sears, a preseason All-American candidate, coupled with key transfers like Aden Holloway and Chris Youngblood, puts the Crimson Tide near the top of most odds boards.

UConn Huskies

Don't count out the back-to-back national champions. Despite losing several key players, Dan Hurley's decision to stay in Storrs and the return of Alex Karaban keep the Huskies in the title conversation. The addition of Saint Mary's transfer Aidan Mahaney and top-10 recruit Liam McNeeley should help offset some of the departures.

Houston Cougars

Kelvin Sampson's team is a perennial contender, and this year is no exception. With L.J. Cryer and J'Wan Roberts returning and the addition of Oklahoma transfer Milos Uzan, expect the Cougars to be in the mix come March.

Top Challengers

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Mark Few's squad returns most of its core from last season, including the formidable inside-outside duo of Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike. The addition of Pepperdine transfer Michael Ajayi and the return of Steele Venters from injury make the Zags a serious threat.

Baylor Bears

Scott Drew has assembled an impressive backcourt, featuring Duke transfer Jeremy Roach and top-five recruit V.J. Edgecombe. The addition of Miami transfer Norchad Omier addresses their interior needs, making the Bears a well-rounded contender.

Iowa State Cyclones

After winning the Big 12 tournament and earning a 2-seed last year, T.J. Otzelberger's team returns its top four scorers. With added depth from the transfer portal, the Cyclones could be poised for an even stronger season.

Dark Horses to Watch

North Carolina Tar Heels

The return of RJ Davis, a preseason first-team All-American and potential Wooden Award favorite, gives the Tar Heels a fighting chance. If Hubert Davis can successfully integrate his new pieces, including Belmont transfer Cade Tyson and five-star recruit Ian Jackson, UNC could surprise many.

Auburn Tigers

Bruce Pearl's team flies somewhat under the radar, but the return of first-team All-SEC selection Johni Broome and the addition of Furman transfer JP Pegues make the Tigers a team to watch in a competitive SEC.

Creighton Bluejays

With Ryan Kalkbrenner back to anchor the defense and Steven Ashworth running the point, Greg McDermott's squad has the pieces to make noise. The addition of Texas Tech transfer Pop Isaacs could be the X-factor that pushes them into the upper echelon.

Betting Considerations

When looking at the odds for the 2024/25 season, it's important to consider a few key factors:

Returning production: Teams like Kansas, Alabama, and Iowa State that return significant portions of their rosters tend to have an advantage early in the season.

Transfer impact: The transfer portal has become a major factor in college basketball. Teams like Baylor and Indiana that have added high-impact transfers could see their odds shorten as the season progresses.

Freshman phenomena: While one-and-done freshmen aren't as prevalent as in years past, teams like Duke (Cooper Flagg) and Arkansas (Karter Knox) have landed potential game-changers who could significantly impact their title chances.

Coaching stability: Programs with established coaches like Bill Self, Nate Oats, and Dan Hurley often provide more consistent returns for bettors over the course of a season.

Conference strength: The Big 12 and SEC look to be particularly deep this year, which could lead to more battle-tested teams come tournament time but also potential for upsets during the regular season.

Who will cut down the nets? A look at the 2024-25 NCAA Championship odds

While the season is still months away, bookmakers and casinos are already setting the odds for the 2024-25 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. With a wide-open field and several contenders boasting loaded rosters, the race for the national title promises to be thrilling.

Here's a glimpse at how some of the top sportsbooks see the championship picture shaping up:

Kansas Jayhawks: +1000

Alabama Crimson Tide: +1200

UConn Huskies: +1400

Gonzaga Bulldogs: +1600

Houston Cougars: +1800

Stake.com, a popular cryptocurrency casino, according to a recent review, also offers odds on the NCAA Tournament champion. Their current line may differ slightly from the options listed above, highlighting the variability across different sportsbooks.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the 2024/25 NCAA basketball season promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!