Tread Gently with Kentucky
Kentucky had a successful 2018-19 effort, putting together a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. No doubt head coach John Calipari will have the Wildcats playing at a high degree, but he will have to enter the season with quite a different look. Four of Kentucky’s starting five will be likely to graduate or be drafted into the NBA since Reid Travis is a senior and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will likely be moving pro.
All isn’t lost, though, as the Wildcats have done a fantastic job recruiting for the upcoming season, securing two 2019 McDonald’s All-Americans, shooting guard Tyrese Maxey and small forward Khalil Whitney. I anticipate sophomores Immanuel Quickley and E.J. Montgomery to lead the charge and will work nicely with the incoming freshmen. With their new look, I would be hesitant to put a wager on this bar in +500 at this point.
Kansas May be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had an extremely interesting 2018-19, revealing flashes of brilliance and being rated in the top five in the AP poll for eight months, including 2 weeks in the top place. The Jayhawks finished the year with a 26-10 record, falling to Auburn. Kansas was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team as it arrived to home and away splits, going a perfect 16-0 in Allen Fieldhouse but just 3-8 in true road games — very confusing results.
The Jayhawks had to battle through accidents, losing guard Lagerald Vick for its summer in early February. He is a senior and won’t be back next year. Additionally center Udoka Azubuike and nine games played in 2018-19. However, Kansas, despite those huge holes in the frontcourt and backcourt, still had a Round of 32 look. The Jayhawks should be feisty this upcoming season as I don’t expect Azubuike to be drafted and Vick are their only loss, so chances of +2000 provide adequate price.
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