College basketball odds: UConn's 3-peat chances, Wooden Award race

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet

The college basketball season is upon us. While there are often mundane early-season nonconference matchups and a few marquee showdowns in the early weeks, it's the perfect time to explore season-long bets.

Let's look at the national championship and John R. Wooden Award odds.

National championship odds

Teams above 40-1 are not listed.

UConn is attempting to become the first team to win three straight national titles since Wooden's UCLA dynasty in the early 1970s. Only one other program won back-to-back titles this century: Florida in 2006 and 2007. Winning three straight is virtually impossible in today's changing landscape, which explains why it hasn't been done in half a century.

If anyone can accomplish the impossible, it's Dan Hurley. UConn's maniacal and relentless coach turned down basketball's most iconic job as the Lakers bench boss to return to UConn, and he's just as hungry to win as ever.

Four of UConn's five starters from last year's championship team departed for the NBA, but Hurley trusts his younger guys to emerge as stars. Plus, the Huskies reloaded with talented transfers to surround returning forward Alex Karaban.

Even though Hurley's the undisputed best coach in the country, UConn isn't the favorite to cut down the nets.

Duke returns as the epicenter of the college basketball universe for the first time since Mike Krzyzewski retired and Jon Scheyer took over. The Blue Devils have the best freshman in the country and presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who's projected as the best American prospect since Anthony Davis.

Flagg's not the only highly touted freshman who'll play a pivotal role for Duke. The Blue Devils have five of the top 35 players in the 2024 class, according to ESPN's rankings. However, as all college basketball fans know, inexperienced freshmen don't win championships in today's older era. Scheyer complemented an elite freshman class with the right blend of returning veterans and transfers.

The Blue Devils haven't been the preseason favorite to win since 2018-19, and the historic program hasn't won a title since 2015. This year presents a unique opportunity with lofty expectations in Durham, North Carolina.

Kansas has one of the most experienced and talented rosters in the nation and returns to the championship picture after a disappointing season in which it began as the preseason favorites to hoist the trophy. Alabama, fresh off a Final Four appearance, and Gonzaga have the star power and depth to compete with anyone.

Arkansas is a semi-long shot in John Calipari's first year. As is Kentucky, where a coach other than Calipari will roam the sidelines for the first time since 2009.

Wooden Award odds

Players above 30-1 are not listed.

Zach Edey has moved on from being an immovable college force and transitioned to perpetually fouling in NBA games. That means a new player will win the Wooden Award after Edey claimed the honor the last two seasons.

Hunter Dickinson is a first-team selection for the "How is this guy still playing college basketball?" squad. Dickinson is entering his fifth season, but it feels like he's been around the game for longer. His first year as a Jayhawk didn't go as planned, which wasn't entirely Dickinson's fault.

Still, the big man's scoring average slightly dipped. Even more concerning, Dickinson's shooting numbers worsened. He went from hitting 3-pointers at a 42% clip in 2022-23 down to 35% in 2023-24 on a similar number of attempts. Dickinson's free-throw percentage also dropped from 72% to 62%. But he showcased his passing and ability to operate as a hub in Bill Self's offense. If he can improve his shooting and continue to dominate in the post, he'll be in prime position to win the Wooden Award and lead Kansas on a deep run.

The other two favorites, Mark Sears and RJ Davis, could join Dickinson on the imaginative team of oldheads sticking around college basketball. Davis is entering his fifth year with North Carolina, and Sears is in his third year at Alabama after transferring from Ohio.

Flagg has the fourth-best odds, but they're only available on theScore Bet. American sportsbooks can't offer Flagg's odds until he turns 18 on Dec. 21. By then, the leaderboard might look drastically different. There will certainly be bettors counting down the days until they can wager on the freshman sensation.

Zion Williamson was the last freshman to win the Wooden Award in 2019. Davis in 2012 and Kevin Durant in 2007 are the only other freshmen to win this century. Flagg would be among some accomplished company if he earned the honor. For now, banking on an established vet is the safer option.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.