Oh how long it has been since the abrupt ending of last years college basketball season. We were just about to enjoy the juiciest two weekends of the sport when Covid-19 shut down conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament. Covid-19 ended the season so abruptly that the NCAA literally called a Big East Tournament quarterfinal game between St John’s and Creighton at halftime. With the season ending the way it did, I’m ecstatic for the start-up of the 2020-21 season. Throughout this, I will be throwing out some college basketball futures for conference winners and the NCAA tournament.

Conference Futures

Atlantic 10: Dayton +270

I love the value that the Flyers are given here in the A-10. Dayton was the top Mid-major team of 2019-20 season finishing at 18-0 in the conference and 29-2 overall. That’s why I love the value. The Flyers were absolutely dominant. Although, I guess there is one problem. Dayton lost not only their best player, but the best player in the nation in Obi Toppin.

So yes, the Flyers have to a lot of production to fill. The man to fill that production is, senior guard, Jalen Crutcher. Crutcher was Toppin’s second-hand man last season who averaged 15.1 points per game and shot 42.4-percent from distance. They also have two other senior guards returning in Rodney Chatman and Ibi Watson who combined for 17.8 points per game last season. I just don’t see anyone else in the A-10 competing with Dayton. Trust the senior leadership of the Flyers backcourt to win the A-10.

ACC: North Carolina +650

When you see this one you might be a little bit confused. I say that because last season was the worst record for the Tarheels under Roy Williams with a record of 6-14 in conference and 14-19 overall. This is a great line to see as a better. UNC has been dominant over the last decade in the ACC winning five regular season titles. The Tarheels are bringing back their senior big man in Garrison Brooks who averaged 16.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. They also bring back sophomore forward Armando Bacot.

That isn’t their only good news headed into the season. The Tarheels are bringing in the second best recruiting class in the nation. That class includes five top 100 recruits and three in the top 18. The top recruit of that class? The second highest point guard in the nation, Caleb Love. I know they’ll have to go through Virginia and Duke, but at these odds I couldn’t pass it up. Surprisingly, Duke hasn’t won an ACC regular season title since 2010. With the help of the veteran front court and the talent of Caleb Love, I see North Carolina at these odds with great value.

Big Ten: Illinois +350

Out of all the futures this might be my favorite. This is also one of my favorite teams to win the title at +1200. I believe this because I think the Illini have the best one-two punch in college basketball. That one-two punch is junior point guard, Ayo Dosunmu and center Kofi Cockburn. These two together when healthy are a lethal combination. Dosunmu averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30 games last season. Cockburn put up 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 31 games played. Cockburn actually declared for the draft but then opted to come back to Illinois for one more run to take the Big Ten and make a March Madness run.

Brad Underwood’s club surprised a lot of people finishing 13-7 in the Big Ten and 21-10 overall. They went from a massive underdog to being the second favorite to win the conference. The Big Ten as a conference, could be the toughest in college basketball and that is my biggest worry for the Illini. To begin the season, the Big Ten starts with seven teams inside the AP Top 25. For the Illini to get to the top, its going to be Dosunmu and Cockburn who lead them there. Take a chance with the young kids from Champaign.

To Win it All Futures

Villanova +1000

How can you not bet on the Wildcats? Jay Wright has dominated the last decade with two Final Fours and winning them both times. It doesn’t look they’re going to slow down now. Coming into the season, Villanova is ranked third in the country following a 13-5 record in conference to win a Big East Championship, and a 24-7 record overall. The Wildcats are also bringing everyone back who played quality minutes except for Saddiq Bey, who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. Take the veteran Villanova to take the crown again.

Arizona State +3300

My biggest sleeper of all of my futures are the Sun Devils from Arizona State. I love the fast-paced style offense that Bobby Hurley and the Sun Devils play. The biggest reason I like Arizona State this season is the return of their senior point guard, Remy Martin. Martin tested the waters for the draft before returning to Tempe. Martin averaged 19.1 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 31 games as a Junior. Remy is going to be a dark horse for player of the year and I can really see him and the Sun devils taking the next step. Take the chance with this sleeper.

North Carolina +2500 and Illinois +1200

As I talked about these teams to win their conference earlier, I love there chances to get to the Final Four and possibly taking home a National Championship.

Lock Them In!

It’s going to be a crazy college basketball season with Covid-19 and game cancellations but I am for sure pumped for what this season will end up being. Lock up these college basketball futures and good luck!

All lines are here are courtesy of My Bookie.

For more on college basketball coverage picks and coverage, head over to Belly Up Fantasy Sports.