2015 NCAA Basketball Tournament Odds
In about 48 hours, 64 college basketball teams will begin their quest to cut down the nets in Indianapolis on April 6th. Most of the talk centers around No. 1 overall seed and undefeated Kentucky’s bid to become the first unbeaten to run the table since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. However, with a deep field of quality schools invited to the field, there is no shortage of legit contenders capable of claiming the 2014-15 NCAA basketball championship. Here are the current odds to win the title.
Kentucky 11/10 – Essentially even money, which is crazy. Not since UNLV in 1991 and Duke in 1999 has a team been pegged as such a prohibitive favorite. John Calipari’s vaunted roster is deeper and more talented than any other in the nation. They have size all over the floor and play an intense brand of defense that nobody thus far has been able to solve. Only one of their last ten opponents hasn’t lost by double-digits. Needless to say, betting against them is unwise.
Arizona 15/2 – The number two seed in the West Regional have won eleven straight and 15 of 16. Two wins over Utah and an overtime squeaker versus Gonzaga means they can hang with the big boys. Stanley Johnson, Brandon Ashley, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are a formidable frontcourt trio with athleticism to spare. Although, plowing through a weak Pac-12 schedule puts them firmly in the overrated category.
Wisconsin 17/2 – The Badgers beat up a subpar Big Ten, but went 6-0 on neutral courts and 9-2 against RPI Top 50 competition, including out of conference wins over Boise State, Georgetown, Oklahoma, and Buffalo. Frank Kaminsky is the likely Player of the Year, and Bo Ryan’s team is experienced and disciplined. And lest we forget, they advanced to the Final Four a season ago.
Duke 9/1 – From a pure talent standpoint, this is Coach K’s most skilled group since the early 2000s. They won at Wisconsin, Louisville, Virginia, and North Carolina. Only Notre Dame has beaten them since mid January. Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones are all potential one-and-doners. Senior Quinn Cook is lethal in the clutch. That said, spotty defense and severe lack of depth could lead to an early exit.
Villanova 11/1 – At this price, the Wildcats are a great pick. They went 13-1 versus the RPI Top 50, have 15 straight victories, and nobody is talking about them. Jay Wright has disappointed backers in recent years, but this team is built for a deep run. However, the journey to Indy won’t be easy with potential matchups with N.C. State, Baylor, and Virginia looming.
Gonzaga 16/1 – Is this finally the year Mark Few quits teasing us and advances further than the Sweet 16? They are the best shooting team in the country and have a solid post player in junior forward Kyle Wiltjer. Getting by the Oregon-St. John’s winner will be the first hurdle.
Notre Dame 25/1 – A trendy sleeper due to their ACC Tourney title, and two wins against mighty Duke. Also beat UNC twice, Michigan State, Louisville, and pushed Virginia to the wire. Like the Blue Devils, they struggle on defense, but few are better in a track meet. Senior Jerian Grant has the look of a MOP.
Kansas 40/1 – Always a threat, this Jayhawks team is missing the shooting touch and commitment to defense required to make a serious run.
Maryland 75/1 – Took down Wisconsin, Iowa State, Michigan State twice, and battled Virginia tough. Escaping the first weekend might be their biggest challenge.
VCU 100/1 – Wins over Northern Iowa, Davidson, Oregon, and blowout defeats to Villanova and Virginia prove Shaka Smart’s charges aren’t afraid of mixing it up. If senior Treveon Graham gets hot, look out for the Rams.
Buffalo 500/1 – Feeling bold? Drop some coin on the Bulls. They are coached by college legend Bobby Hurley, and led both Kentucky and Wisconsin at halftime. Justin Moss is no joke in the post.
