There are eight specific National Championship threats this season. The National Championship is undoubtedly the most prestigious accolade for any college basketball team. Since 1939, the NCAA Tournament has been the biggest talking point for players looking to catch the eye of teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and make a professional career in the game.
Some colleges have a long and proud history with plenty of National Championship trophies in their buildings. UCLA remains the most successful university, with 11 national titles to their name, but for this season, there are plenty of other universities with an eye on the title.
There are a few leading contenders for the 2020 National Championship, as well as some outsiders that could upset the form book and go all the way. With so many teams hoping to have success in 2019-20, it’s unsurprising that there is a clamor among fans of the college game to bet on basketball online and place futures wagers that could turn out to be great value plays as the season unfolds.
Top Eight 2020 National Championship Threats
Michigan State
The first of eight National Championship threats are the Michigan State Spartans. Naturally, it helps any college team to have one of the country’s best young talents in its ranks. Michigan State certainly has that in the shape of Cassius Winston. Some of the Spartans’ big-game players have also returned from injury for this season, capable of helping the team build and improve upon last year’s semi-final finish. The big blot on their copybook is the injury to Josh Langford, who has once again aggravated last season’s foot injury.
Kansas
12 months ago, Kansas was the outright favorite for last season’s National Championship. However, due to injuries, ineligibility, and inadequate depth, the Jayhawks experienced their worst finish for 20 seasons. Desperate to return to the top of the Big 12, Kansas will be pleased to have the likes of Silvio De Sousa and Udoka Azubuike back in action to augment sophomores such as Agbaji and McCormack.
Kentucky
A leading NCAAB pundit said that the last time Kentucky had two “starting-level guards”, the Wildcats lost just a single game. That was back in 2014-15, and in the shape of Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky might just have a similar formula again. The fortunate graduate transfer of Nate Sestina has also given the Wildcats roster much-needed additional options.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels have been considered by many to be something of a one-man team of late, thanks to the talents of Cole Anthony. Nevertheless, if you delve a little deeper, you’ll discover that the Tar Heels’ roster has more layers than you think. Freshman, Armando Bacot brings a little “box office” to the roster, as does a returning starter, Garrison Brooks.
Maryland
It’s been a long time since the Maryland Terrapins had such airtime among college basketball analysts. This year, there is plenty more optimism surrounding the Terrapins’ roster. Most notably, the combination of Jalen Smith and Anthony Cowan, who some believe could be the best point guards and centers in this season’s Big Ten.
Florida
Three of Florida’s 2018-19 team are back in the roster as sophomores this time around. The hope is that they can have a significant impact this season. Florida is also grateful to the graduate transfer arrival of Kerry Blackshear Jr. Many believe has the potential to become an All-American selection. Freshmen, Scottie Lewis, and Tre Mann are also highly regarded in NCAAB circles too.
Duke
It is foolhardy to ever discount Duke’s Blue Devils, even though last season was something of a disappointment. Much rests on the shoulders of Tre Jones, who will be given greater responsibility this term as the number-one shooter. Both Vernon Carey and Matthew Hurt are still feared as a potentially powerful frontcourt pairing. It all depends on how the team gels in the early stages of the campaign.
Louisville
The final team of the eight National Championship threats are the Louisville Cardinals. The Cardinals are another team that should be highly respected this term. Jordan Nwora is undoubtedly the main talking point for Louisville, given his preseason ACC Player of the Year status. Meanwhile, Steven Enoch and Malik Williams are two centers with plenty of room for development this season. Lamarr Kimble is a solid graduate transfer, too, offering stability at point guard.
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