Due to the suspension of play in the 2019-2020 season, college basketball has changed forever, or at the very least, for the next several years.
The NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility and a one-time transfer waiver, giving them the ability to transfer once in their careers and be immediately eligible (players previously had to sit a whole year and sacrifice a year of eligibility to transfer).
As you can imagine, the eligibility extension and transfer waivers created a massive demand for existing talent, whether from self-motivating factors (job security, competitiveness, etc.) or external pressure (programs wanting to make back revenue lost due to the pandemic). The result essentially introduced free agency to the NCAA and it has been pure mayhem with far-reaching consequences.
The most observable is on high school recruits who had committed to programs that became log-jammed by returning or transferring upperclassmen. Although this effect was greatest last year, it will continue to prevail for years to come until all players with extended eligibility and the transfer waiver finish their NCAA careers.
Success in the sport is no longer primarily determined by the recruitment of high school prospects. Sticking to the ways of old may be a death sentence. As Oakland head coach Greg Kampe put it, “If you are building for the future, you’re going to lose your job.”
With that in mind, wagering on college basketball odds (especially on futures) is no longer a game of carrying over the returning production and adding in the recruiting class. Transfers, for now, are the name of the game. Of course, adding five-star recruits and eventual NBA prospects to a program still matters. There’s just more nuance for the time being.
Big 12 picks and predictions
The Big 12 hosts seven on the Top 50 projected teams for 2021-22. Watch out for Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas, and of course the defending NCAA national champions, the Baylor Bears.
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Big East picks and predictions
While the Big East is often Villanova's to lose, don't count out Xavier after they missed last year's tournament. After this team rediscovers its identity, they have the tools to go far, making them a tournament long shot worth a good look.
Big Ten picks and predictions
Of all the Big Ten teams, Michigan has the best March Madness odds, but don't count out Ohio State after their early exit in 2021. The Big Ten is competitive though and almost every team in the top half of the rankings has a legitimate shot of coming out on top.
Pac-12 picks and predictions
UCLA is a strong, highly-ranked contender in the Pac-12, but the Oregon Ducks could be a big sleeper pick with their impressive scoring depth. Meanwhile, the Wildcats starting with a new coach and an uncertain outlook for the 2021-22 season.
ACC picks and predictions
In the ACC, Duke continued its top-notch recruiting efforts but will struggle on the perimeter as they embark on the Coach K retirement tour. Meanwhile, the Florida State Seminoles have shown how to rebuild after losing top talent and will be a real challenger in the ACC.
SEC picks and predictions
As the reigning conference champ, Alabama stands as a clear favorite in the SEC, but will face competition from the likes of Arkansas and a sleeping giant lying in wait.
Men's college basketball odds
Shop for the best odds across a wide array of sportsbooks with our NCAA basketball odds comparison tool. Bettors can sort through which type of odds they want to see and our tool will show you the best odds available to get the most value out of your bet.
Odds to win March Madness
After making it all the way to the championship game, only to lose to Baylor, Gonzaga has the best odds to win the tournament in 2022, followed by Michigan, Kentucky, and Texas.
