Tread Lightly with Kentucky
Kentucky had a powerful 2018-19 campaign, putting with a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. Undoubtedly head coach John Calipari will have the Wildcats playing at a high level, but he’ll have to enter the season with rather a different appearance. Four of Kentucky’s starting five are very likely to graduate or be drafted into the NBA since Reid Travis is an old and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will probably be going pro.
All is not lost, however, since the Wildcats have already done a good 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 appearance, I’d be hesitant to lay a bet on this bar at +500 at this stage.
Kansas May be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had a very interesting 2018-19, showing flashes of brilliance along with being ranked in the top five in the AP survey for eight weeks, including two weeks in the top spot. The Jayhawks finished the year with a 26-10 record, falling to Auburn. Kansas was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team as it came to house and away splits, heading a perfect 16-0 at Allen Fieldhouse but just 3-8 in true road games — quite confusing results.
The Jayhawks had to battle through injuries, losing protect Lagerald Vick for its season in February. He is a senior and won’t be back next year. Additionally, junior center Udoka Azubuike and nine matches played with in 2018-19. However, Kansas, despite those big holes in the frontcourt and backcourt, still had a Round of 32 appearance. The Jayhawks should be feisty this forthcoming season as I do not anticipate Azubuike to be drafted and Vick will be their sole loss, so odds of +2000 provide adequate value.
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