Tread Gently with Kentucky
Kentucky had a powerful 2018-19 campaign, putting with a 30-7 record en route to an Elite Eight berth before falling to Auburn in overtime. No doubt head coach John Calipari will have the Wildcats playing at a high degree, but he will need to enter the season with quite a different appearance. Four of Kentucky’s starting five are very likely to graduate or be drafted into the NBA since Reid Travis is a senior and P.J. Washington, Keldon Johnson and Tyler Herro will probably be moving pro.
All is not lost, though, since the Wildcats have already done a fantastic job recruiting for the upcoming season, procuring two 2019 McDonald’s All-Americans, shooting guard Tyrese Maxey and small forward Khalil Whitney. I anticipate sophomores Immanuel Quickley and E.J. Montgomery to lead the fee and will work well with the incoming freshmen. With their new appearance, I’d be hesitant to put a bet on this bar in +500 at this stage.
Kansas May be Well-Balanced and Experienced
Kansas had an extremely intriguing 2018-19, showing flashes of brilliance and being rated in the top five at the AP poll for eight months, including two weeks at the top place. Overall, the Jayhawks ended the year with a 26-10 record, falling to Auburn in the Round of 32. Kansas was a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde club when it came to home and away splits, going a perfect 16-0 at Allen Fieldhouse but only 3-8 in true road games — very confusing results.
The Jayhawks needed to battle losing guard Lagerald Vick for the summer in February. He’s a senior and won’t be back . Furthermore, junior center Udoka Azubuike played only nine matches in 2018-19. But Kansas, despite those holes in the frontcourt and backcourt needed a Round of 32 appearance. The Jayhawks must be feisty this forthcoming season as I don’t expect Azubuike to be drafted and Vick are their only loss, so chances of +2000 provide adequate value.
Read more: conservativewatchnews.org