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With football officially on ice, it’s time for junior circuit fans to dedicate game-watching to the hardwood. After all, the MADNESS is just around the corner.
Just past the halfway point of the college basketball season, what VALUE futures have the Noise’s undivided attention? Read below.
Alabama to win the national championship (+1400, BetMGM)
ROLL TIDE! ‘Bama backers may still be bitter about the school’s football playoff absence, but its basketball program could bring nothing but sweetness in March.
Nate Oats has a simple four-pronged formula that works — defense, 3-pointers, second chances and speed. Oh, so much speed! The Tide’s all-gas-no-brakes approach is a matchup problem for most foes. They unleash from 3, crash the glass and display active hands on defense. It’s no surprise they sport a very balanced profile.
In its last eight games, Alabama is one of four teams nationally inside the top 50 in effective field-goal offense and effective field-goal defense. Mark Sears and Grant Nelson can take over games, whether by dropping dagger 3s from 30 feet or penetrating the interior. Most importantly, the SEC gauntlet and a rigorous non-conference schedule has instilled a fearless attitude.
This season, the Crimson Tide have played the second toughest slate in the country. That onslaught will only pay dividends in the Dance.
Illinois to win the national championship (+2500, BetMGM)
Oh, just go ahead and let the bias bleed out, you subjective clown. Yes, the Michigan State loss still stings, but, as stated previously, this is the most talented Illinois team in the Brad Underwood era and likely since the Dee Brown-led 2004-2005 national runner-up.
Kasparas Jakucionis is a NBA lottery pick who’s only mitigated by phantom referee whistles. His off-the-bounce creativity, step-back arc conversions and staunch defense will soon make him a pro franchise fixture.
With emerging talents Tomislav Ivisic and Will Riley and proven veterans Kylan Boswell and Tre White, the Illini are a deep and productive collective. Currently the fourth-best team overall on BartTorvik since mid-December, they’re top-15 in offensive and defensive efficiency during that stretch. When they’re on, they bury the competition with repeated carpet bombings (see Indiana), and when they’re off, their unbending defense keeps them in games.
Come tourney time, draw is everything. However, Illinois owns the guard play and general goods to invade the Alamo in San Antonio.