Even though this year’s finish wasn’t as fantastic as last year’s, the college basketball betting season has officially come to a close. The Tar Heels were able to avenge the thrilling loss they suffered at the hands of Villanova and have officially added another title to UNC’s already studded resume. But now that the season is over, sportsbook players will have to contend with a grueling offseason. To help pass the time, we look ahead to next year’s championship match, in an effort to try to predict who will win it all in 2018.

Latest College Basketball Betting News

Obviously a good majority of people who place basketball bets will be picking the Tar Heels to repeat next season. And it makes sense, after all, UNC made back-to-back appearances in the national championship. So even though the image of the Tar Heels cutting down the net is still fresh in our minds, we can still look ahead to next season, in an effort to make the most lucrative future prediction possible. So which teams have the best chance of winning the title next year?

Could it be UNC?

The majority of the college basketball betting community is expecting Justin Jackson to depart for the National Basketball Association, coupled with the losses of Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks and the Tar Heels don’t seem that dangerous. Some rumors have also been floating around involving Tony Bradley’s departure. That essentially leaves Joel Berry II as the sole remaining key of the Tar Heel’s roster. Unless Kenny Williams, Theo Pinson, and Luke Maye pick-up the tremendous amount of slack that will be left over, not many people will legitimately expect UNC to repeat.

Arizona Looking to Get in the Zone

After delivering a 32-5 record this season, players who place basketball bets grew fond of the Wildcats. And despite the expected departures of Lauri Markkanen and Kobi Simmons, Arizona has plenty of depth and talent to get the job done. The determining factor in Arizona’s title chances will be whether or not Allonzo Trier stays.

Blue Devils to Duke it Out

Sure they might be gutted by Jayson Tatum being a lottery pick, Harry Giles heading to the NBA, and Amile Jefferson graduating, but Duke’s title chances hinge on what Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen decide to do. Allen is arguably one of the most hated players in the nation, so it’s extremely uncertain what the tripping-prone player will decide to do.

Kentucky You Wild

John Calipari is expecting his three elite freshmen to depart; De’Aaron Fox, Malik monk, and Bam Adebayo – all first round projections, so it’s more than likely the coach is thinking of 2018 as a rebuilding year. But that might not be the case considering the talent Kentucky has in reserves.