Its that time of year again, its College Basketball time. Every team enters the 2019-2020 season with hopes of hoisting the trophy at seasons end. The biggest question is Who Will Win it All? Which team has the tools to make a deep run? Here is a look at the teams who have the best chance of cutting the nets in March Madness. Which will be a good pick come March Madness?
Can Tom Izzo lead the Spartans all the way?
Head Coach Tom Izzo, looks to have what could be his best chance at winning his second national championship in 2020. With key returners across the board, this team looks like a true contender. Give Cassius Winston the keys, as he will look to build on an outstanding junior season in which he led the Spartans to the Final Four. Xavier Tillman and Aaron Henry could be the tools for making this a real possibility. Freshman Mark “Rocket” Watts and Malik Hall could make an impact quickly for this team, in what is all-around a strong group. The Spartans are the favorite among the oddsmakers at +600, they will get tested early with a clash with the second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats at Madison Square Garden in the Champions classic on opening night.
What about the Kansas Jayhawks?
With the Jayhawks being under investigation, it seems like it will be a big outside distraction. Yet don’t let that take away from the strong cast that Kansas returns this season. With center Udoka Azubuike and point guard Devon Dotson returning, Kansas looks set to make a deep run in March Madness. The Jayhawks sit tied with Kentucky on the odds board at +800 to win the National Championship. A return to the top of the Big 12 would be a good start. They will be tested early in a Champions Classic battle against Duke on opening night.
Maybe the Kentucky Wildcats
Out with one group of talented freshmen, in with a new one. Kentucky will have a new group of future NBA talent taking to the floor this season. Tyrese Maxey should be a name to remember come March Madness as he will be the face of a group of players hungry to make an impact. Immanuel Quickley and Nick Richards will be key returners and gives the Wildcats some valuable experience. Maxey should be able to thrive in the Wildcats game plan and will have plenty of weapons to get the ball to with the pair of Kahlil Whitney and Keion Brooks in the post. Like the Jayhawks, Kentucky also finds itself at +800 odds to win it all.
What about the North Carolina Tar Heels?
The Tar Heels sure lost a lot of key players from last season’s team. As a result, they shouldn’t be among the favorites in theory. Yet a strong recruiting class has North Carolina right in the mix. Regardless the Tar Heels have depth, along with quite the frontcourt with five players 6’8 or taller. That includes 6’10 freshman Armando Bacot. Cole Anthony has got to be among the favorites for Freshman of the Year nationally doesn’t he? An early ACC-clash with Notre Dame should prove well for the Tar Heels in the long run. A bit of a longshot with +1000 odds but North Carolina might have the right tools to win it all.
Are the Duke Blue Devils a darkhorse?
The Zion show is now in the NBA, so Duke isn’t a contender right. Nope, the Blue Devils have retooled and reset, as a result, should be ready to make a deep run. Tre Jones might be the biggest returner the Blue Devils could have hoped for, as his defensive abilities and leadership will be huge. Vernon Carey Jr and Wendell Moore should provide a dangerous frontcourt for the Blue Devils. It’s kind of hard to believe that Duke will have key minutes from players that aren’t Freshman for the first time in what seems like forever. Senior Javin DeLaurier will provide huge depth in the frontcourt. That depth will be tested early as the Blue Devils will face Kansas at Madison Square Garden on opening night. Some pretty long odds at +1200 for a Blue Devil team that has had success with young teams in the past.
