Only seven high-major programs return more than 50% of their minutes from last year. That’s not just a random stat — it’s a seismic shift in college hoops. For bettors and fans, it means uncertainty, volatility, and opportunity. In a world where transfer portal chaos dominates the headlines, projecting rotations is harder than ever.
Coaches are asking: What’s our best lineup? Who complements who? Did we fix last year’s problems? And for anyone scanning college basketball betting websites, the answers to those questions directly shape lines, props, and win totals.
The first practices have started, and the season starts on November 3. Roster competition at elite schools has begun. With starting positions still open, who earns those positions could determine if a team stays in the hunt in a conference or falls to the bottom.
Focusing on the biggest preseason positional battles, I’m looking at the stakes, the candidates, and the probable outcomes at Duke, UConn, Baylor, Indiana, Arkansas, and St. John’s. Afterward, we’ll look at professional betting tips, answer the most asked questions, and finish with season outlook conclusions to help you gain an edge before the betting season begins.
Preseason Position Battles That Define Contenders
Duke’s Point Guard Question: Boozer or Foster?
At Duke, the point guard spot isn’t just another position battle. It’s a tactical choice that changes how the Blue Devils attack.
Cayden Boozer brings unselfishness and IQ. He’s the type of floor general who elevates teammates but doesn’t consistently punish defenses as a scorer. His fit depends on whether Duke’s shooters — like Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer — hit at a high clip. Put him next to another low-volume shooter like Dame Sarr and spacing could get sticky.
Caleb Foster is the opposite. A junior, he scores first but can still orchestrate. His ability to break down defenders in pick-and-rolls forces opponents to guard Duke differently. When he’s locked in defensively, he adds even more value.
The reality? Both guys will play plenty. Foster can slide off-ball, and Boozer’s decision-making has value in big games. But right now, the lean is Foster because he creates more offensive pressure. For bettors, note how Duke’s early-season efficiency numbers could swing based on who logs heavier minutes.
UConn’s Fifth Starter: Mullins or Stewart?
Dan Hurley has four starters locked in, but the fifth one can change the whole profile of the lineup.
Braylon Mullins, a 6-6 freshman, is a pure shooter. UConn’s system creates opportunities for open threes, and Mullins can take advantage of that. He’ll provide the kind of spacing that is almost unfair for the offense.
On the other hand, Jaylin Stewart brings valuable weight and scoring versatility. He’s 6-7, 225 pounds, and able to defend multiple positions. He provides a strong rebounding presence, which is a nice addition for UConn. While he doesn’t offer the same shooting range, he does make the team tougher.
Although the decision may change based on the particular game, early signs suggest that Mullins is the preferred choice. For those putting money on the futures, UConn will have one of the most lethal offenses we’ve seen if Mullins continues to start.
Baylor’s Alpha Scorer: Agbim, Yessoufou, or Rataj?
Who’s the go-to guy in crunch time for Baylor? That’s the million-dollar question.
Obi Agbim, a transfer from Wyoming, was impressive during Baylor’s World University Games. He has a deadly pull-up jumper, and his confidence shouts that he’s the number one option.
Freshman, Tounde Yessoufou, has a lot of potential. The comparisons to Anthony Edwards aren’t just hype he is very explosive and is starting to become a legitimate ball handler. He is still very raw and it will probably be a while until he is able to run an offense.
Michael Rataj, a transfer from Oregon State, seems to be more of a supportive role. He is a connector of the plays, he distributes the ball, and he fills the gaps but he doesn’t seem to be a main scorer.
The most likely outcome: Agbim carries the load early while Yessoufou earns more responsibility as the season progresses. From a betting perspective, this could mean Baylor’s offense looks streaky in November but far more dynamic by March. And if you’re looking for an NCAA basketball offseason preview, this is the kind of storyline that shows why Baylor is such a volatile but intriguing futures play.
Indiana’s Big-or-Small Decision
For now, the first four starters are set: Tayton Conerway, Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries, and Reed Bailey. It’s the fifth slot that’s uncertain.
Conor Enright, who’s transferring from DePaul, will give Indiana a two-point guard look. It adds shooting, secondary creation, and a faster pace in transition. With Wilkerson and DeVries spotting up, that’s a lot of offensive firepower.
Sam Alexis, who’s transferring from Florida, will add size and an interior presence. The Indiana defense was a season-long struggle, and Alexis should help. He may be crucial during games against hitting Big Ten frontcourt bruisers.
It seems likely that the first all Indiana has to address will be Alexis. Of course, Indiana will be looking to adjust the rest of the order, mostly on the defensive match-up. The rest of the order should help with putting points on the board these first few weeks, while Alexis should help get opponents to points.
Arkansas’ Center Battle: Pringle vs. Ewin
John Calipari has two options at center, which is exactly what he has been looking for.
Nick Pringle is the ideal worker. He plays defense in various ways, rebounds, and finishes plays. He fits Calipari’s guard-heavy offense perfectly as he can change the game without the ball.
Malique Ewin, a transfer from Florida State, is a big man who plays in a different style. He is 6’11, and can control, pass, and punish double teams. The trouble is he is unengaged defensively, and at times, unkept in games, which is a problem as Calipari teams usually underfeed bigs.
Both players will contribute, but Pringle has the willingness to do the dirty work. Bettors should see if Arkansas develops a reliable inside-out game; this will determine if they can compete with SEC contenders. The other formations for Calipari are looking good.
St. John’s Guard Race
Rick Pitino has Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Zuby Ejiofor as four starters on the team. He has not decided on the last guard yet.
Most likely, Oziyah Sellers will be chosen. He plays consistent, smart, and efficient basketball. Out of the options, Joson Sanon has the most shooting potential, but he needs to work on attacking the basket and defending. Dylan Darling has point guard skills, but there may be a gap in his defensive skills. Kelvin Odih is a bigger, younger player and may be weak on defense.
Pitino appreciates competition and all four will feel it, but the bottom line in the line-up will most likely be Sellers. Flat-out, this is for bettors– St. John’s is going to change a lot offensively, depending on who gets the last guard spot.
Betting Angles for Preseason Chaos
Lineup Uncertainty Creates Value
Sometimes sportsbooks don’t react quickly to lineup changes, and if you pay attention to team reports, there are opportunities to catch soft lines before they make adjustments.
Bet Against Early Chemistry
In November, teams are replacing 60%-70% of their minutes and are likely to struggle. Underdog bets can pay off when going up against brand-name teams.
Monitor Pace Shifts
With the right lineup choices, like Indiana’s, you can swing possessions per game by several points, and that’s a great opportunity for totals bettors.
Fade Overhyped Freshmen Early
Yessoufou and Boozer have the potential to be stars, but they will likely struggle in November and mostly come from already established teams, which tend to cover the spread.
Watch Defensive Versatility
Arkansas with Pringle, can switch on defense. With Ewin, they’re exploitable. Track rotation patterns before betting. Matchups are key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes preseason battles so important for betting?
A: They set the foundation for rotations, usage rates, and efficiency numbers. Oddsmakers adjust slowly, so bettors who know which players are emerging can find early value.
Q: How Safe College Basketball Betting Sites Protect Users?
A: Safe college basketball betting sites use encryption, ID verification, and regulated banking options. They also enforce responsible gambling tools like deposit limits. Stick to trusted platforms to avoid scams.
Q: Should I bet on teams with lots of transfers?
A: Cautiously. Transfer-heavy rosters often need time to mesh. Underdogs with continuity frequently outperform in November and December.
Q: How do coaches usually handle close position battles?
A: Most rotate heavily early in the season, then tighten rotations by conference play. Bettors should expect fluctuating results in non-conference matchups.
Q: What’s the risk of betting too early in the season?
A: Variance. Chemistry issues, foul trouble, and unexpected lineup changes can swing outcomes. Smaller unit sizes help manage risk until trends stabilize.
Q: What’s the best stat to track in November?
A: Minutes distribution. Who closes games tells you more than who starts them. Clutch usage is often more predictive than starting roles.
Q: Can preseason exhibition games give betting insight?
A: Yes, but cautiously. Coaches often experiment. Still, they reveal rotations, pace preferences, and which freshmen look ready.
Q: How do I apply preseason insights long-term?
A: Keep notes on lineup strengths and weaknesses. By January, you’ll know which matchups favor certain bets, especially totals and spreads.
Stay Ahead Before the Lines Adjust
The 2025–26 season is loaded with uncertainty. Fewer returning players, wild transfer activity, and unpredictable freshmen make this year tougher to project. But that chaos is exactly where smart bettors thrive.
From Duke’s point guard question to St. John’s guard shuffle, these battles won’t just decide starting lineups — they’ll shape spreads, totals, and futures. The best college basketball betting websites won’t always catch up fast enough, which means opportunity for anyone paying attention.
The takeaway: track rotations, fade early hype, and look for undervalued continuity. And when you’re ready to put these insights into action, BetNow is a solid place to start.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 28, 2025
Last updated: September 28, 2025