NCAAB 2023 Odds: Gonzaga, Houston, and Kentucky Early Favorites – Where is the Value?

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Jamal Shead #1 of the Houston Cougars signals to his team against the Villanova Wildcats in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP.

College basketball season is on the horizon. Teams are traveling to scrimmage around the world, and schools are starting back with classes. Basketball programs are preparing for the journey of the upcoming college basketball season, and we are getting first looks at new players as they play.

When looking at the NCAAB futures odds, a few teams are always near the top. Gonzaga has +700 odds to win the national title, and Houston is not far behind with +1100. Kentucky is +1400 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review). These programs haven’t seen the same level of success over the years, but they are all near the top of the standings before the season begins.

This is all great, but where is the value? Let’s break down each team’s value for a bet to win the title with a five-star scale.


Gonzaga Bulldogs

For the past three years, Gonzaga has easily been the favorite to start the season. The Bulldogs are always near the top due to great coaching and the ability to develop great college players.

However, they have yet to win a title with Mark Few. The amazing level of talent has led to practically no postseason success. This is becoming a key storyline every season, but Gonzaga has yet to get over the hump and win a national title.

In recent years, Gonzaga has landed some of the best recruits in the country. Even with Chet Holmgren on the roster, Gonzaga failed to win a title.

Team Value: 2 Stars

I realize that some of last year’s best players came back, but replacing Holmgren with Efton Reid is a downgrade. Malachi Smith adds depth, but these aren’t moves that will turn Gonzaga into the best team in college basketball.

With a bad history in the postseason and the stress of replacing the best player in college basketball last year, I don’t see Gonzaga having much value at +700. There is better value with other teams down the road.


Houston Cougars

Houston has not been viewed as a basketball school for a long time. The Cougars usually have competitive rosters, but they are rarely in the title hunt at the end of the season.

However, last year was different. Houston had a solid resume after winning some key games in the regular season. The roster was robust, and the team made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

This year, Houston returns most of those key players with experience under their belts. Also, five-star prospect Jarace Walker joins the team. Houston will be well-coached, and the team is going to be competitive in tough games. This could be the year when everything turns around for the Cougars.

Team Value: 3 Stars

Winning in the postseason takes a deep roster with a good coach and a versatile offense. Houston fits the bill and checks the right boxes, which is why I think this team should be competitive at the end of the season.

They aren’t the favorite to win it all, but there is a lot of value with this pick. That is all you can ask for at this point in the offseason. We’ll see how this team looks with new talent, but things look good now.


Kentucky Wildcats

I don’t love Kentucky to win it all, but I do like the value at this point in the season. If the Wildcats get off to a hot start in the regular season, this number will lose all value.

Everyone expects Kentucky to be good, but the Wildcats have not won a title since Anthony Davis was on the squad. Most seasons, the Wildcats fail to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

This team will be talented with transfers and new recruits, but that can be said every year. What is going to make this year different than the others? Hopefully, Kentucky’s roster has enough added depth and proven talent.

Team Value: 3 Stars

Last year’s tournament run was embarrassing, and returning players should be motivated to win it all. The path will be a challenge. Alabama and Arkansas will both be strong SEC teams, so don’t expect the Wildcats to have an easy regular season.

Still, UK should have a high seed at the end of the year with a good chance of making a title run.