Which Team Will Reign Supreme in the Final Four Tournament?

The 2024-2025 NCAA Division I men's basketball season is gearing up, and the race to the championship is shaping up to be an exciting one. Here are some of the top contenders based on current odds and predictions for the upcoming season.

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue, led by their strong roster and key transfers, has been the favourite to win the championship. With odds around +900 to +1000, they have been the most bet-on team at some sportsbooks, reflecting strong confidence from bettors. The Boilermakers' recent performance, including a national runner-up finish in 2024, has solidified their position as a serious contender.

Houston Cougars

Houston is another team consistently near the top of the betting markets, with odds around +900 to +1100. The Cougars, who narrowly defeated Purdue in last season’s Sweet 16, are viewed as a serious contender. Their recent finalist finish in the tournament only strengthens their position.

Duke Blue Devils

Duke, a perennial powerhouse, is among the top three favourites, though their odds have shifted slightly behind Purdue and Houston recently. Nonetheless, the Blue Devils remain a formidable force in college basketball.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama, one of the nation's elite three-point shooting teams, has been making waves this season. After struggling at times during SEC play, they have defeated Charleston, North Carolina, and Clemson. The Crimson Tide has also shown their offensive prowess, scoring 100+ points twice late in the season, beating Ole Miss with 103 points and Charleston with 109 points. With odds of +1300, they are fourth on the list due to their upcoming match against the UConn Huskies.

UConn Huskies

The UConn Huskies, who won the title last season, have been impressive this year as well. They have three losses on the season, all on the road, but have been unstoppable in the NCAA Tournament, winning 10 straight games by double digits. Players like Zach Edey, who scored 40 points and pulled down 16 rebounds in a game, and Donovan Clingan, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the tournament, including 5 blocked shots, have been standout performers.

Other Contenders

Florida, Kentucky, BYU, and St. John’s are also seen as potential challengers, with odds generally ranging from +1200 to +1800. These teams, while not favourites, are certainly capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

The landscape could shift as teams’ rosters finalize and the season progresses. But for now, these teams are the ones to watch. The 2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the 85th annual edition of the tournament, promises to be an exciting one.

[1] Betting Odds Source 1 [2] Betting Odds Source 2 [3] Betting Odds Source 3 [4] Betting Odds Source 4

Which Team Will Reign Supreme in the Final Four Tournament?