The college basketball betting season may still be a light-year away, but the latest NCAA basketball news demand a bit of attention.
Last month, Milwaukee added Northwestern’s assistant Pat Baldwin to their program. At the time, it seemed that would be the final signing of the offseason. However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
A couple of weeks later, and a flurry of signings have left many basketball betting sites out of the loop. This includes Dave Wojcik’s unexpected rescindment from San Jose State, as well as 47 other coaching changes. We won’t bore you will all 47, but we will take a gander at the moves that come with the highest expectations.
Butler Bulldogs
Out: Chris Holtmann In: LaVall Jordan
With Holtmann out of the picture, Butler becomes one of the top coaching designations in the country. On top of last year’s stellar success, the Bulldogs come into this year’s season with one of the best rosters in the nation – easily top 25. Not only that, Butler also managed to nag some of the best recruits in the country, giving them one of the best incoming freshman classes in the program’s history.
Jordan is a Butler alumnus and was the runner up to get the job back in 2013. With Holtmann out of the picture, Jordan is a clear cut option for the Bulldogs.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Out: Thad Matta In: Chris Holtmann
Matta posted an impressive 337-123 record in his 13 seasons with Ohio State. His win percentage of .733 amounts to the best any Big Ten coach has posted in the conference’s history – with at least 10 or more years of experience. Matta’s resume makes him alluring to any program, but his age might keep him from coaching again. At 49 years of age, it’s no secret that Matta is struggling with a myriad of health issues. Nevertheless, he is still a great addition for any program, but the NCAA basketball odds don’t think he’ll be coaching again.
It didn’t take Holtmann long to find a new job. The man has gone from Gardner-Webb to Butler assistant to Butler interim to Butler head coach to Ohio State in less time than it takes a child to develop his teeth.
Indiana Hoosiers
Out: Tom Crean In: Archie Miller
Crean’s lackluster record of 166-135 through 9 seasons at IU paints him in a negative light. However, the fact that he lead the Hoosiers to two college basketball betting upsets over two eventual No. 1 seeds last season proves that Crean is more than capable of coaching in the NCAA. Indiana had to struggle with a number of injuries last season and that should help Crean muster some defense of his skills. He may have lost the hearts of some of Indiana’s biggest fans, but Crean should have little difficulty finding another gig.
On the other hand, Archie Miller is widely considered to be one of the best basketball minds in the country. Needless to say, Indiana’s chances just went way up.
