It might be February first, but March Madness tournament resumes are starting to crystalize for some of college basketball’s most hopeful teams. Here are my picks combined with some recent analysis powered by Chatgpt-4.
Florida Gators (UF) +5 vs. Tennessee Volunteers
The Florida Gators are set to face the Tennessee Volunteers today. In their last meeting, Florida secured a significant 30-point victory over Tennessee. The Volunteers will be seeking revenge in this matchup. We like Florida because of their strong defensive rebounding and ability to control the tempo against physical opponents.
Missouri Tigers (#Mizzou) +6 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Missouri Tigers, currently ranked 20th, are on the road against the 14th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State is favored by 6.5 points in this matchup. We like Missouri because they have shown resilience in close games and have an effective perimeter shooting attack.
NC State Wolfpack +6 vs. Clemson Tigers
NC State is hosting the Clemson Tigers in a mid-afternoon game. The Wolfpack will look to leverage their home-court advantage in this ACC matchup. We like NC State because of their aggressive defensive pressure, which often forces turnovers and creates transition opportunities.
Auburn Tigers -5.5 vs. Ole Miss Rebels
The top-ranked Auburn Tigers are visiting the 23rd-ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Auburn is favored by 6.5 points in this SEC showdown. We like Auburn because of their deep rotation and ability to wear down opponents over 40 minutes.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights +5.5 vs. Michigan Wolverines
Rutgers is hosting Michigan in a Big Ten matchup. The Scarlet Knights will aim to capitalize on their home advantage against the Wolverines. We like Rutgers because of their tenacious perimeter defense and ability to defend the three-point line effectively.
Kansas Jayhawks (#KUBBall) +2.5 vs. Baylor Bears
The 11th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks are on the road against the Baylor Bears. Baylor is favored by 2.5 points in this Big 12 clash. We like Kansas because of their disciplined half-court offense and experience in high-pressure matchups.
UCF Knights -2 vs. BYU Cougars
UCF is hosting BYU in an evening matchup. The Knights are favored by 2 points in this contest. We like UCF because of their strong interior presence and ability to dominate in the paint.
Texas Longhorns -1.5 vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Texas is visiting Oklahoma in a Big 12 rivalry game. The Longhorns are slight favorites with a 1.5-point advantage. We like Texas because of their balanced scoring and ability to handle defensive pressure.
North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) +13.5 vs. Duke Blue Devils
The Tar Heels are facing their arch-rivals, the 2nd-ranked Duke Blue Devils, at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke is heavily favored by 13.5 points in this storied rivalry. We like North Carolina because of their fast-paced offense and ability to push the tempo against elite teams.
UConn Huskies +6.5 vs. Marquette Golden Eagles
UConn is on the road against Marquette. The Huskies are 6.5-point underdogs in this Big East matchup. We like UConn because of their disciplined defense and efficient guard play.
South Carolina Gamecocks +5 vs. Texas A&M
We like South Carolina because Texas A&M mixes and matches lineups so often that it never runs away with a game.
Kentucky -11 vs. Arkansas
South Carolina is visiting the Kentucky at Rupp Arena with a highly anticipation return for former Wildcats coach John Calipari. Kentucky is favored by 11 points in this SEC contest. We like Kentucky because Arkansas has been playing poorly all season and we don’t expect this high pressure environment to change that.
St. Mary’s Gaels +1.5 vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
In a late-night West Coast Conference showdown, St. Mary’s is hosting the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Gonzaga is favored by 1.5 points in this closely contested matchup. We like St. Mary’s because of their methodical offensive execution and ability to control the pace of the game.
Your selections encompass a mix of underdogs and favorites, reflecting a strategic approach to today’s diverse slate of college basketball games. Monitoring each team’s recent performances and current form will be crucial as the day’s action unfolds.
After a long hiatus from publishing Saturday college basketball sports betting picks on Twitter, I’ve re-emerged as the same old dude.
Speaking of old dudes, the college basketball transfer portal and the “throw-everything-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks” approach to roster construction has led to my uncertainty in picking games early in the season. It takes teams longer to gel.
Which College Basketball Rosters Have a Healthy Chemistry with a touch of Transfers
I don’t like teams like Texas that seemingly always have one sub-group of transfer portal elders mixed with one diaper dandy expected to go in the NBA Lottery round. As a college basketball fan, I do love teams that have a healthy incumbent core and are adding a few seasoned transfers for their first and only cameo in the portal with the hopes of winning a championship. A guy like Mason Gillis comes to mind in that scenario. He played multiple seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers, including a championship game runner-up last season, before transferring to Duke where he hopes to finally cut down a net with a championship ring.
Underdogs to Watch for College Basketball Games on Saturday, January 25, 2025
The Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in a rare position as a 5 point underdog this weekend against Auburn. Both teams have injury concerns among their low post stars, but with the Vols sporting two of the best guards in the country, this seems like an easy bet.
Another team that has a surprising number today is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. You’d think that with two potential NBA Lottery picks and one of the best coaches in the game, Rutgers would be in better position right now. However, they are getting 5 1/2 points at home hosting Michigan State. I will take the five-and-a-half knowing that Rutgers postseason hopes really rest on games like these.
Following in Their Fathers’ Footsteps: NBA Sons in Division I Basketball
The 2024-25 crop of second-generation basketball players might not go down as the most impressive in recent history. In fact, compared to the star-studded classes of the past decade, this year’s group could be among the least impactful when it comes to shaping the tournament field. But that’s part of what makes their story so fascinating. Even with famous last names and NBA pedigrees, these players are largely flying under the radar. While they may not dominate the headlines for their on-court performances, their presence during March Madness remains a compelling human interest story—a nod to basketball’s enduring legacy and the unique challenges of stepping out of a famous parent’s shadow. That said, a few of these lesser-known legacy players could surprise us with key moments when the stakes are highest.
Notable Sons of NBA Players in Division I Basketball
Saint Mary’sGuard Augustas Marčiulionis Leads Class of 2nd Generation Players
Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Augustas has become a key contributor for Saint Mary’s. Šarūnas, a pioneer for international basketball talent, brought Lithuania to global prominence and paved the way for countless players from abroad to succeed in the NBA. Augustas carries that torch with pride, using his high basketball IQ, sharp passing, and defensive grit to make a difference for the Gaels. While Saint Mary’s may not be a powerhouse, their disciplined, team-oriented play could see them make a deep run in the tournament, with Augustas playing a crucial role.
The elder Marčiulionis was a part of the talented core of “Dream Team” era players from the former Soviet Union that redefined what a overseas player looked like in the NBA.
Son of MSU Great and Golden State Warrior Jason Richadson Balling Out
If we were to make a starting five of the best second generation players actually balling out right now, Jase Richardson would be our starting shooting guard. His Michigan State Spartans are consistently ranked in the AP Top 10 this season after implementing Tom Izzo’s patented toughness and togetherness.
For you youngin’s reading this article, Jase’s father was a part of the resurrgence of the Golden State Warriors. After the Run TMC fame of the early 1990s, the Warriors were a joke of a franchise for about a decade. Then, enter Jason Richardson, Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis, to name a few. Oracle Arena in San Francisco started to gain its electricity that it’s now known for with the showmanship of Steph Curry. But that all really started when the Warriors welcomed the Mavericks in 2007 to host its first playoff game in 13 years. The team has an awesome video of this posted to its YouTube channel. Richardson’s 8 seed in the west stunned Dirk Nowitzki’s 1 seeded Mavericks in a series win. This wasn’t the only success that father Richardson saw in tournament play. In 2001, he led his Spartans team in scoring (14 per game) and advanced to the Final Four as a sophomore. For Sparty Nation, fans are hoping it’s like father, like son.
Dylan Harper Running Out of Time to Show NBA Pedigree with Rutgers
The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top freshmen. Standing at 6’6″, Dylan Harper has showcased versatility and scoring prowess, notably dropping a career-high 36 points in an overtime victory against Notre Dame. Despite Harper’s immense talent and the presence of another potential NBA lottery pick on the roster, Rutgers has struggled mightily in the competitive Big Ten. Their inconsistent play and inability to close out critical games have left their NCAA tournament hopes in serious jeopardy. If Rutgers can rally and make the field, Harper’s dynamic game could still make him a player to watch during March Madness.
However, Rutgers has struggled this season. Despite having two top NBA prospects (including possible top overall pick Ace Bailey), the Scarlett Knights are flirting with a .500 season as they plow through a Big 10 conference schedule.
DJ Wagner (Arkansas): The grandson of NBA great Milt Wagner and son of Dajuan Wagner, DJ has continued his family’s basketball legacy at Arkansas under coach Rick Pitino. Known for his scoring ability and smooth ball-handling, Wagner has stepped into a leadership role for the Razorbacks. Though skeptics may question whether his family legacy or his coach’s reputation carries more weight, DJ’s talent is undeniable. If Arkansas makes the tournament, Wagner’s ability to score in isolation and create opportunities for teammates could make him an unexpected star.
Mason Miller (Creighton): As the son of sharpshooting NBA champion Mike Miller, Mason has basketball excellence in his DNA. Now a key contributor for the Creighton Bluejays, Mason showcases his versatility as a forward with a knack for stretching the floor and playing solid defense. Mike Miller, known for his clutch three-point shooting and championship pedigree with the Miami Heat, has clearly passed on his basketball instincts. Mason’s development under Coach Greg McDermott’s system has been instrumental in Creighton’s rise as a Big East contender. With his ability to hit timely shots and provide defensive grit, Mason will play a vital role in the Bluejays’ pursuit of a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Ryan Mutombo (Georgia Tech): Son of the late Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, Ryan transferred to Georgia Tech after three seasons at Georgetown. Standing at 7’2″, he brings a strong defensive presence and shot-blocking ability reminiscent of his father’s legendary career. As he integrates into the Yellow Jackets’ system, his impact on both ends of the floor could be pivotal in their quest for a tournament berth.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. (Temple): Yes, Jamal Mashburn Jr. is keeping the dream alive. He continues pursuing a professional basketball path, now with the Temple Owls after two previous stops most notably with the New Mexico Lobos. He even nabbed conference “Player of the Week” honors in early February.
Legacy vs. Reality: The Challenge of Second-Generation Players
Having an NBA legend as a father brings undeniable perks—access to elite coaching, resources, and exposure—but it also comes with immense pressure. For these players, every game is not only a test of their skills but also a constant comparison to their family legacy. While some rise to the occasion, others find the expectations overwhelming. This year’s crop may not feature a runaway star, but that doesn’t mean their stories are any less compelling.
What to Watch for in March
As the tournament approaches, keep an eye on these players. Augustas Marčiulionis’ leadership and playmaking might propel Saint Mary’s to upset higher-seeded teams. Dylan Harper’s scoring ability could be the catalyst for Rutgers, but only if the team finds a way to salvage their season. DJ Wagner’s high ceiling might be realized as Arkansas is challenged to brush off a rough start to SEC play. These players embody the unpredictability and excitement that make March Madness a must-watch event.
Conclusion
The sons of NBA players in Division I basketball this year may not be rewriting the record books, but their stories are a testament to basketball’s rich traditions and the powerful connections between generations. Whether they deliver game-changing performances or simply keep their teams competitive, these players remind us that legacy alone doesn’t guarantee success—it’s earned, one possession at a time. Keep an eye on this group during March Madness; their breakout moments might just make the tournament even more unforgettable.
If you are looking for fun future parlays to play for a small investment but huge payout involving college hoops, you’ve come to the right place.
Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks Championship Parlay Ticket for Sale
If you can envision the parade route in front of Union Station painted red in February before Mass Street gets swarmed with Crimson and Blue in March (and April), then this future is for you.
At the sports-books, a ticket teaming up two Hall of Fame coaches in Andy Reid and Bill Self will currently go for about 100-1. You can pay a small premium and buy it here through PropSwap today before the Chiefs have their way with the Houston Texans.
Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines Championship Parlay Ticket for Sale
Is Detroit a Michigan Wolverine town or a Michigan State Spartans city? The good news for state residents is that both of their basketball teams are currently slated to make the 2025 NCAA Tournament. And as intimidating as Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell is on the sidelines, two 7-footers for the Wolverines are looking even more intimidating as Big 10 play rolls on.
Whether you’re looking to snag a great price on a college basketball future, or just cramming before the 2025 NCAA Basketball tournament, this list will track the best 5 values.
Of course, this is a subjective opinion.
Best Long-shot odds for the 2024-2025 College Basketball Season
This website and its author Matty D. focuses on what is seen on TV (and occasionally in person), as compared to analytics and top 25 lists.
Odds for the 2024-2025 college basketball season started out with a log jam of great teams in the 9-1 to 16-1 territory. Auburn started the year around 16-1 or 20-1 to win it all, before climbing to the top one or two teams in the national rankings.
Both Auburn and Duke have spent weeks are the overwhelming favorites for odds to win it all, while a pack of second tier teams were separated starting around the 10-1, 12-1 territory afterwards. Some Sportsbooks have even listed a combined ticket of either Duke or Auburn to win a championship in the +120 moneyline territory.
Look for links to buy some futures tickets from ourPropSwap page in the article below! Look for the stock up and the green check mark emojis. 📈✅
A stack of blue bloods cluttered at the top of the futures board to start the season. UCONN’s stock will drop, who will become the new odds-on favorite to win it all? #Duke, #KUBball, Bama, Houston literally vying for this ephemeral spot as we speak… pic.twitter.com/HC6UZlq4QI
With the fluctuating of top teams oscillating somewhere in this 10-1 or 20-1 territory, below are my favorite long-shot odds to win the title at 55-1 or longer. For your information, many teams are vacillating in the 20-1 to 50-1 price range. If you like the teams in that territory, this isn’t your article. But it’s still worth watching. For example, on February 8th Illinois had shifted from a 30-1 odds team to a 55-1 team to win it all. If you love the KU Jayhawks, it’s worth noting they’ve fluctuated between 30-1 and 35-1 quite routinely. If you love them so much, you should invest in that 35-1 number after their next loss. Following a win, they’ve been 25-1 or 30-1 on popular sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook.
BYU Odds to Win a Men’s College Basketball Championship, Link to Buy a Ticket
5. Continuity is an important ingredient in this exercise. Most times, when a new coach comes into a program, all players flee to find other opportunities. Not with BYU. Although new head coach Kevin Young has come in, a small core of important contributors have remained with the Cougars. And they’ve now been surrounded with NBA talent such as Russian Egor Demin, who is currently projected as the 18th overall pick in an mock draft on NBA.com. This team is hitting its stride with road wins in the late stages of the regular season against top tier teams such as Iowa State and Arizona. They demolished Kansas. And they get a huge volume of 3pt shots, which can overcome most deficits when they get down (its inevitable if you’re going to play multiple tournament games). This team started February in the 125-1 range, but look at them now!
Drake Bulldogs Perhaps America’s Best Underdogs at 500-1!
4. Two words. Bennett Stirtz. He is the smoothest point guard in America that no one is talking about. Drake has a wealth of Kansas City area kids and transfers from Northwestern Missouri State, where the new head coach has had championship success.
Northwest Missouri State’s championship pedigree under Ben McCollum is a blueprint for success at the Division I level. His four national titles and 81.2% career win rate showcase his ability to build and sustain an elite program. McCollum’s proven ability to recruit, develop, and maximize talent will translate well as he steps onto a larger stage. His history of dominating conference play and guiding players to national accolades suggests that his approach—rooted in discipline, strategy, and player development—can immediately impact a Division I program. Expect his winning mentality to create a competitive and successful culture at the next level.
Yale Basketball Intriguing Odds at 1,000-1 to win it all
3. With the exception of center Danny Wolf who transferred to Michigan, this Ivy League power is an intelligent bet to make at 1,000 – 1 because of its returning talent and wisdom. This Yale squad upset Auburn last year in the 13 vs. 4 seed matchup. And with exception to its point guards, this is the same Auburn team that is currently ranked a heavy overall favorite to win the 2025 championship. Let’s get crazy and picture a scenario where, at 250-1 odds, Yale makes the Final Four and squares for a rematch with Auburn in 2025!
Ball handling is at a premium during the NCAA Tournament. And Yale has a healthy contingency of trusted guards. Senior starters Bez Mbeng and John Poulakidas return to the 2025 roster with hopes to advance its Cinderella aspirations seen during 2024 March Madness. If you remember, Poulakidas has some dramatic shot making in the closing moments of that 2024 contest to march the Bulldogs back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter (equivalent).
John Poulakidas with a serious game face as he pulls off a career high in the 2024 tourney
As for this current iteration of the Yale Bulldogs in the 2024-2025 regular season, there’s an argument to be made that they’re a better team than last year. Yale basketball has been on a tear, riding a nine-game winning streak to a 16-6 record (9-0 in Ivy League play). The Bulldogs have dominated conference opponents with decisive wins over Harvard, Princeton, and Penn while also pulling out a nail-biting 72-71 victory over Pennsylvania. Their early-season struggles featured close losses to major conference opponents such as Minnesota (59-56) and UTEP (75-74), along with a high-scoring overtime defeat to Delaware (100-94), showcasing their ability to compete in tight matchups. Throughout the season, a core group of players has consistently led the way—John Poulakidas has been the team’s primary scorer, with standout performances like a 32-point outing against Cornell, while Danny Townsend and Yassine Gharram have been dominant on the glass. Bez Mbeng has been a steady facilitator, regularly leading in assists, including a 12-assist showing against Cornell. With their current momentum, Yale has established itself as the team to beat in the Ivy League.
St. Mary’s Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship
2. The St. Mary’s Gaels get some respect here as a top choice for futures values. The Gaels roster combines some long-time players with tournament experience, but a splash of new generation players like combo guard Mikey Lewis. He and veteran point guard Augustus Marciulionis make for a formidable pairing in the backcourt. (Yes, Marciulonis is one of many sons of NBA players playing in college basketball right now. See the list here).
The Gaels got out to a great start this season, winning 9 of its first 10 games. As always, its tournament resume will be filtered in large part by whether it can beat Gonzaga. The play the Zags twice in February and won both matchups! They wrapped up the WCC regular season title on February 22nd, a stunning accomplishment for a team that’s barely ever ranked in the AP Top 25 (this season, at least).
At the time of this article being published, the Gaels futures odds had a large variability. On FanDuel, odds to make a Final Four were 45-1. On DraftKings, the same odds were 25-1.
St. Mary’s beat Gonzaga in an uncharacteristically low shooting percentage (including free throws) game for both teams to begin February, when St. Mary’s championship hopes stuck around 80-1.
Texas A&M Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship
Texas A&M has been on this list since it began the 2024-205 campaign at 80-1, so it will remain grandfathered on this “best of” list despite its price surging to around 30-1 while it sticks in the AP top 10 in mid-February.
The Aggies return 82% of their scoring from the 2023-2024 campaign and surge here to the best overall value to win the tournament. Led by point guard Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies have the depth, the coach, and the culture with its commitment to defense. Their roster is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to 6-7 to 6-9 athletes with a multi-faceted talents. However, they don’t really play many at 6-10 or taller.
Texas A&M started the season at 75-1 or 80-1 to win a title, based on where you’ve seen their odds.
If for some reason you don’t like Texas A&M, but you’re looking for a similarly valued team from the stacked SEC, consider the Missouri Tigers.
CUT LINE 2025:
“Also Receiving Votes” for College Basketball Best Future Value Teams for 2025
Michigan Wolverines Import Cinderella Ingredients to Make for an NCAAB Sleeper
Grand Canyon Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship
Removed from this List after losing to CA Baptist
We are still not over the pummeling that Grand Canyon suffered to California Baptist. I’ve never seen that program play, but it’s hard to put my support beyond the Antelopes after that ass beating. Here’s what was previously written: At 250-1 to win a title on DraftKings around the holidays, the Antelopes were be an intriguing lottery ticket to receive in the Christmas stocking. A blowout loss to California Baptist in early February gave you pause as it put the Antelopes behind Utah Valley in the conference standings. Still, this conference and this team is worth a pick as part of this list.
Grand Canyon has a lot of ingredients you look for when searching for a high ceiling stock. First, they have a winnable conference. You wouldn’t expect them to get an at-large, although it’s actually possible with this team. However, they should be able to handle in-conference competition such as Southern Utah and Abilene Christian in the WAC conference standings. Secondly, they have tournament experience. In fact, they logged a win against another team on this list.
As February began, CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm had them slated as a 13 seed due to play Memphis. That would be the type of winnable game that could propel the antelope into a position as the hunter and not the prey.
Grand Canyon was a 12 seed last year when it got a win. Last but not least, they have a star player who can go into takeover mode. Tyon Grant-Foster averages over 16 points per game (and dropped 22 in last year’s tournament win).
Michigan Basketball Cut from the Top Underdog List
Michigan was cut from this top 5 list after its performance became shaky in late February, but it’s ticket price become more costly. The Wolverines struggled to beat Rutgers at home and then got dominated by Illinois.
This blog had previously published how, “We can’t ignore how Michigan imported Dusty May, the 2023-2024 darling of the tournament leading his Florida Atlantic Owls to the Final 4. Also, they’ve added a 7-footer from that squad plus an additional 7-footer from another Cinderella Yale program.”
Arizona State Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship
Arizona State was pulled from this list after getting into its conference schedule and playing typical unpredictable undisciplined basketball for a Bobby Hurley coached team (I know, counterintuitive, you would think). Previous comments: “This team might be a riskier pick than the aforementioned team with an equal price. The Sun Devils odds could be more volatile than coach Bobby Hurley’s behavior on the sidelines. That’s why they call it gambling. As a newcomer to the Big 12, you’ll have to monitor this team’s regular season performance. The Sun Devils have four guards averaging 9 points or more (three in double digits). As its name would suggest, this team can get hot (or cold) with devilish volatility.
The Sun Devils were 250-1 on DraftKings on December 14, 2024 to win it all.”
Penn State Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship
Penn State got off to a hot start with a court-storming home win against Purdue, but as we continue to watch the Big 10 this season, it seems to be a down year for the overinflated league. Previously wrote: “The Big 10 is going to be a tough conference to predict with traditional powers such as Purdue and Ohio State seemingly in a bit of a program transition. Purdue suffered some upsets early in the season as it adjusts to life without Zack Edey. And Ohio State is a mess. In the meantime, a team like Penn State is jumping off the page with its futures odds sitting at 100-1 in mid-December.”
From makeups to break-ups, my relationships with certain college basketball teams remained volatile this Valentine’s Day week. Here are teams that are either dressing sexy for the tournament committee, or about to get dumped.
BY MATTY D.
“The One Night Stand”
They had zero idea what the future would bring, but things got hot and heavy for James and Madison one November evening in East Lansing. The James Madison Dukes defeated Michigan State in overtime at their house. They snagged a hottie as the semester started. Their dating profile jumped to the top of the feed. James Madison was actually listed in the AP Top 25.
However, after sliding into the DMs of the AP writers, the Dukes’ chances for more action went radio silent. Three losses in the Sun Belt Conference have this team out in the cold and not even in the bubble conversation.
Make Ups to Break Ups
This team is nothing but trouble. After losses to LSU, and winnable games slipping away against Ole Miss and Arkansas, confidence was still growing in our relationship with Texas A&M basketball. After a rocky January, it was time for some make ups sessions. That came in a big explosion in a 16 point victory against 6th ranked Tennessee. But those make ups went to break ups when they were caught messing around at Vanderbilt. The Aggies used their cheat card against a 1-9 team in the SEC.
Hanging You Out to Dry
There’s a lot of hype about these two coaches. Like elementary school children the night of February 13th, college basketball writers nationally waste a lot ink on these two guys. Will they be the man their fans have held out hope for? Or, will they leave their fan base high and dry?
Close-up shot of two red Valentines cards hanging on twine, isolated on white background
Of course, I’m talking about Memphis coach Penny Hardaway and St. John’s coach Rick Pitino. Hardaway has had a long-term relationship with Memphis, though his coaching chapter in that love novel has had some major ups and downs. As a former Memphis Tiger star himself, Hardaway has committed to his hometown city to grow roots and build a future together. After an amazing start to the season with multiple top 25 wins, the team is starting to revert back to playing like an AAU team (Hardaway’s prior coaching experience). This would be a major disappointment if this team failed to tie the knot with a tournament seed on Selection Sunday.
We won’t get into Pitino’s relationship history. As for his new relationship with the St. John’s Red Storm, it too has seen better days. After quality non-conference wins earlier this season against Utah and at West Virginia, it seems St. John’s has hit a ceiling in its own conference. Marquette and UCONN looked superior to them in their most recent matchups. And there’s a stockpile of so-so Big East teams floating around the bubble (Providence, Seton Hall, Villanova). At least two or three of these teams will have to perform best in the speed-dating equivalent of college basketball’s dating scene. They will have to win the Big East Tournament to make March Madness.
Picks went 7-12 on Saturday, March 2nd bringing the season record to 20-24-1.
Time to prep for final exams! Here's part 1 of 2 for today's #ATS picks. These are games before 4:01 p.m. EST: UF +2, Providence-2.5, #UK -14, Zona -14, #Longhorns -10, Marquette+5.5, South Florida+4.5. ISU-4, Miss St+9.5. #SuspectSpreadsSaturday#GamblingX#GamblingTwitter
These picks finished the day 3-7 for a poor start in March.
Picks went 6-3-2 on February 10th for a season record of 13-12-1.
Anyone else living dangerously with slight road favorites today? My #SuspectSpreadsSaturday picks are: Auburn-2 at UF, UNC-3 at Miami, Ten-1.5 at A&M, UVA-2 at FSU. Houston -5 @ Cincy, Creighton-1.5 at X, then Rutgers+3.5, TCU+8, #MSU-3, #Duke-12.5, Gonzaga+5. #GamblingTwitter⚔️
The list of sons of NBA players hooping in college basketball seems to grow each year and here’s a look at the long list for the 2023-2024 season.
BY MATTY D.
Bronny James
LeBron James’ son Bronny has to be the most well recognized son of an NBA star in today’s college basketball landscape. After suffering cardiac arrest in the preseason, Bronny James made his USC debut after missing several games.
He was ranked by ESPN.com as the number 19th best basketball recruit coming out of high school. USC lists the freshman at 6-4 and 210 pounds.
2. DJ Rodman
Although USC has the son of a sure-fire Hall of Fame player, USC has the son of another current Hall of Fame player. And that’s Dennis Rodman. Rodman’s son DJ Rodman had a stellar collegiate career at Washington State. Now he gets to chase an NCAA Final Four as a member of the USC Trojans. Similar to his father, DJ has a knack for rebounding. Of course, no one is the rebounder that Dennis Rodman is. However, DJ has a smooth shooting stroke and range that his father rarely showcased.
3. Augustas Marciulionis
This guy often doesn’t make these lists, but Augustas Marciulionis has been starring at St. Mary’s for years now. The Gaels are a perennial March Madness participant, and this guard is a big reason why.
Do you like old school hoops from the 80s and 90s? Do yourself a favor and watch a sample of Šarūnas Marčiulionis Career Highlights.
4. Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. has been a best-kept-secret in the second generation category because of his teams inability to make the NCAA Tournament. Mashburn Jr. started his collegiate career with Minnesota and then transferred to the New Mexico State Lobos. Unlike his father Jamal Mashburn who starred at Kentucky and in Final Fours, junior has not been able to crack the bracket yet. The last time the Gophers made the tournament was 2019. The last time the Lobos made the tournament was 2014. Hopefully, the sharpshooting Mashburn Jr. will re-introduce the family name to a national audience come March of 2024.
5. Jaelen House
Mashburn Jr. isn’t the only Lobo with a familiar last name listed on New Mexico’s roster. Jaelen House is another sharpshooting guard who is following in his father’s footsteps. Eddie House played for the Celtics, Suns and Heat in addition to also playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils (where Jaelen started his collegiate jounrey.
6. Jace Howard
Juwan Howard has now had many sons come through the NCAA Division 1 ranks. Currently, Juwan senior’s number 25 isn’t retired from this alma mater Michigan. However, the number is in good hands with his son Jace.
Jabri Abdur-Rahim is the son of former lottery pick and Grizzlies great, Shareef Adbur-Rahim.
8-9. Ashton and Jayden Hardaway
Penny Hardaway is actually coaching two of his sons with the Memphis Tigers. Jayden Hardaway has earned his minutes over the years and is now a regular rotation player with the Tigers. Ashton Hardaway is a freshman and has had his own share of bright moments this season.
10. James Keefe
Former Atlanta Hawks forward Adam Keefe’s son James has seemingly played for Stanford for the last decade. The graduate student is a forward from Los Angeles.
11. Jameer Nelson Jr.
After playing for the Delaware Hens in the Colonial Athletic League for several years, point guard Jameer Nelson Jr. has made the leap to Big 12 Basketball as he joins the TCU Horned Frogs.
The son of one of the best-ever shot blockers, Dikembe Mutumbo, makes this list without much fanfare. Ryan Mutumbo has stuck it out during a rocky tenure with Georgetown. He has seen the thrill of coach Patrick Ewing leading his team to an unlikely tournament berth as a 12 seed after winning the 2021 Big East Championship. And, he’s seen that same coach fired for a new era with Ed Cooley.
The 7 foot 2 junior plays sparingly for the Hoyas. At last check, he had played 7 of 22 games averaging just 4 minutes per. However, Mutumbo does have 28 blocks over his college career! Mutumbo’s cameo on this list bolsters the presence of second generation talent from the 1994-1996 NBA All Star game…
Sports #Trivia: Which member of the 1996 @NBA All-Star Game does NOT have a son playing @NCAA hoops right now?
A. Penny Hardaway B. Gary Payton C. Dikembe Mutombo D. Juwan Howard
Fans of NBA basketball from the early 2000s might remember Dajuan Wagner. But, then again, then might have forgotten him. After one of the best high school basketball careers ever, Dajuan Wagner was drafted 6th overall by the Cleveland Cavs in 2002. A medical condition held him back from ever having an NBA career materialize. However, Google searches for “What happened to Dajuan Wagner” are morphing into “How high is D.J. Wagner’s draft stock?” That’s because his son D.J. Wagner is starring for a Kentucky Wildcats team that’s been consistently ranked in the top 25 this year.
In recent years, Dajuan Wagner was interviewed by fellow past NBA players, Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles.
More: Mike Miller, Larry Hughes Jr.
See previous year’s rosters of 2nd generation NCAAB/NBA Talent:
Check out 5 fantastic values when it comes to investing in underdogs to win March Madness. At last check, these teams were selling for at least 30-1 or better odds (i.e. more favorable to the bettor).
These values indicate the odds for each team to win an NCAA Championship. This same report resulted in two Final Four teams last year! See here.
BYU Cougars – NCAAB Futures 40-1
I was buying into the BYU Cougars at 60-1 around year’s end. And after beating Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse to close out February, BYU’s stock is only going up. This team is historically older and more mature than its competition. Spencer Johnson is a saucy point forward who epitomizes this with his court awareness. Jaxson Robinson is an electric wing at 6-7 he offers a matchup problem for most teams. Power forward Fousseyni Traore has returned from injury a few weeks ago and has contributed multiple 20 plus point performances. Not many teams ever win as a road team against Kansas. This could be a sign that there’s a special season on tap in Provo.
South Florida Bulls – NCAAB Futures 300-1
Amir Abdur-Rahim has done it again. Many people didn’t realize that he did it a first time. The first year head coach at South Florida has his team cracking the AP 25 and on its way to the Men’s College Basketball Tournament as we enter March. He did the same for little-known Kennesaw State last year. Abdur-Rahim is a rising star in the coaching realm. He brings senior guards Chris Youngblood and Brandon Stroud over from his Kennesaw success. The Bulls have beaten American Athletic Conference heavyweights such as FAU, SMU and Memphis this season. They actually finish February on a 13 game winning streak. It makes no sense that a team on such a roll is listed at 250 or even 300-to-1. However, you can find that value on popular apps such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
Auburn Tigers – NCAAB Futures 30-1
Bruce Pearl’s team returns a talented and postseason tested nucleus. NBA top pick Jabari Smith has been replaced by freshman Aden Holloway in terms of underclassman scoring punch. This team is loaded with veteran players who value the ball late in games and patiently wait for the best shot. There are mutiple point guards with experience and toughness. Johni Brome looks more and more like Chris Bosh each year. You might have difficulty finding Auburn at 40-1 depending on when you’re reading this. However, they would still be worth it at 22-1 or 25-1.
Seton Hall – NCAAB Futures 200-1
The Seton Hall Pirates were spotted on DraftKings Sportsbook app the weekend of Christmas at 200-1 odds to win a college basketball championship. They remained in that range even after beating fellow bubble teams Xavier, Butler and St. John’s in late February. If Shaheen Holloway can lead the St. Peters Peacocks to the Elite 8, I think he has a chance of winning the Big East tournament. The Pirates also beat top 5 teams UCONN and Marquette this season, so it’s not out of the question that they carve out a tournament worthy resume.
College of Charleston – NCAAB Futures 350-1
Both of these long-shot odd choices are more about coaching. College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey always has his team well conditioned and prepared to run a track meet and play above its weight class in tournament play. This team hasn’t had an earth-shattering season, but they are still among the favorites to win their conference and have a high upside.
This video below might haunt me scarier than the Ghost of Christmas Past. I made the argument to invest in Memphis, among some other dogs. Check out the archive:
After a handful of upsets in the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, many high value underdogs remain in the bracket. Here is some analysis and sports betting lines to consider.
BY MATTY D.
Princeton Tigers Remain a Live Dog +10 Against Creighton
It might seem counterintuitive, but Creighton has struggled at times this season to defend the post, and Princeton is rolling right now as it exposes the paint against other bigger teams. It will be interesting to watch whether 6-8 Ivy League Player of the Year Tosan Evbouomwan gets matched up against Ryan Kalkbrenner, or some of the smaller but very skilled defensive wings for the Creighton Bluejays. Either way, taking 10 points with Princeton feels like the best value based on what we’ve seen.
Arkansas Razorbacks +4 Against UCONN is a Slam Dunk
This is where we start to follow the trail that led us here. What teams have these teams beaten to get here? Arkansas handled Illinois, another evenly ranked team. Then, they knocked off the #1 seeded defending champion Kansas Jayhawks in dramatic fashion mounting a comeback in the final minutes.
On the flip side, the UCONN Huskies beat an Iona team that had its coach clearly on the way out (see Rick Pitino). Then, they beat a St. Mary’s team that was probably the most vulnerable top 25 team in terms of its propensity for serious droughts on offense.
Taking Texas on the moneyline against Xavier
If you haven’t caught the trend, I don’t think that more than one team from the Big East will make the Elite 8. Texas put out the fire on a red hot Penn State team and looked superior doing it. Xavier struggled at times against 14 seed Kennesaw State and then again against 11 seed Pittsburgh on its third game in five days. Sure, Xavier won by several possessions, but if you watched the game you noticed that Pitt hung around. Senior (Graduate) starting guard Souley Boum struggled on offense and was held scoreless for a majority of the game. I think you’re starting to see the liabilities for Xavier and its lack of depth with Zach Freemantle unavailable for the tournament. It’s awesome to see coach Sean Miller back on the basketball sidelines, but I just don’t see him in the Elite 8.
College Basketball Eye Test 