They've cut down the nets, paid off all those happy UConn backers, and cleaned up the confetti at Reliant Stadium in Houston but college basketball betting is far from over thanks to a number of enterprising and accommodating sportsbooks that already have posted future book prices to win next year's NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, scheduled for the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, April 2.
Given that underclassmen have until April 24 to declare for the June 23 NBA Draft and until June 13 to withdraw their names (provided they haven't hired an agent), it is either brave or foolish (maybe both) for sportsbooks to post future book prices on NCAA teams without knowing who will be back on collegiate campuses next season.
Did the sportsbooks get it right? Let's take an early peek at the contenders and their future book odds:
North Carolina (5/1): Will Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller return to Chapel Hill or head to the NBA? The buzz—which is always subject to change—is that the trio will be back in Tar Heels finery, making UNC a legitimate contender to win the 2011/12 NCAA Championship.
Kentucky (5/1): The Wildcats lost everyone last year and still reached the Final Four this season so even though Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones probably are history in Lexington, there's plenty left and Coach John Calipari's recruiting class, as always, is superb.
California (5/1): There were no seniors on California's roster last season but the Bears were only 18-15, lost in the first round of the Pac-10 Tournament, failed to get a bid to the Big Dance and were bounced out of the NIT in the second round so 5/1 is mystifyingly low. What's going on here?
Clemson (5/1): The Tigers were a respectable 22-12 overall and 9-7 in the ACC but we fail to see what justifies such a low price. Our advice: shop elsewhere.
Duke (8/1): Coach K will bid adieu to the heart of thisyear's team but top overall recruit Austin Rivers, as well as Quinn Cook and Michael Gbinjie, along with the returning Seth Curry, should keep the faithful filling Cameron Arena and have the Blue Devils contending for another national championship.
Kansas (8/1): The Morris twins are as good as gone but what will Josh Selby, Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor do? They can't all go pro (this isn't Kentucky). If two of the three return, the Jayhawks still will be formidable. If it's one or less, Coach Bill Self might be, well, beside "himSelf."
Louisville (8/1): Preston Knowles has played his last game for Rick Pitino but the return of Peyton Siva, Kyle Kuric and Terrence Jennings will make the Cardinals a contender in the Big East and we've all seen what that can do for a team (think UConn).
OhioState (8/1): The plusses, including Jared Sullinger, Aaron Craft, William Buford and Deshaun Thomas, outweigh the minuses, including the loss of Jon Diebler and David Lightly so you have to figure the Buckeyes still have enough talent to make another run. Knocked out of the Big Dance as the overall No. 1 seed, there should be no problem with motivation.
Syracuse (8/1): The Orange will be plenty potent with Kris Joseph back in the fold and should be yet another of those Big East beasts to warrant serious consideration when NCAA Tournament time rolls around.
Texas (10/1): Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton return making the Longhorns a better bet than Kansas to be the top gun in the Big 12 and a legitimate national contender. If Cory Joseph continues to improve, they could be celebrating in Austin next April.
Connecticut (12/1): Final Four MVP Kemba Walker will not be back but the Huskies have plenty of firepower in Shabazz Napier, Alex Oriakhi and Jeremy Lamb if, as expected, that trio returns. UConn will need a new "go-to" guy but youth will be served.
Florida (12/1): The Gators lose most of their rebounding prowess but Coach Billy Donovan will counter lowered expectations with a slick backcourt of Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton. You need guards to win championships, right?
Arizona (15/1): It will be impossible to replace Derrick Williams but the Wildcats have a solid core led by Solomon Hill, Kyle Fogg and Momo Jones, as well as another excellent recruiting class.
Memphis (15/1): The Tigers still are very young but with plenty of emerging talent and another top-flight freshman class, look for Memphis to be a force in March.
Looking for a better price? Try Xavier (125/1), Marquette(100/1), Missouri(80/1), WashingtonState(66/1), Wisconsin(60/1), orTexas A&M (50/1).
The 2010-11 season may be over but college basketball betting for 2011-12 is just beginning.
