Best bets for college basketball's Wooden Award
Washington Huskies forward Isaiah Stewart hangs on the rim after dunking the ball. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire)
December 6th, 2019
After a month of examining what college basketball has to offer, we have a much better lay of the land, which makes it the perfect time to drop a couple futures wagers. Some of the best offers you will find are for the John R. Wooden Award, which goes to college basketball's Player of the Year.
Odds to win the John R. Wooden Award
| Player | Wooden Award Odds |
|---|
Cole Anthony | +450 |
Cassius Winston | +450 |
Markus Howard | +850 |
Payton Pritchard | +900 |
Jordan Nwora | +900 |
Devon Dotson | +1500 |
Anthony Edwards | +1700 |
Sam Merrill | +2200 |
Tre Isiah Jones | +2200 |
Cole Anthony (+450)
The North Carolina combo guard is, at the top of the board alongside Michigan State’s Cassius Winston. Each team has stumbled a few times early in the season. That may be held against them at the end of the year, but based on talent, you won’t find a more complete package in all of college basketball than Anthony. Not only does he score in a variety of ways, he gets his teammates involved and is a hawk on defense.Cole Anthony met him at the rim 🚫 pic.twitter.com/BSC7ZvSt5i
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 29, 2019
But Anthony's chances to win the Wooden Award could depend on the Tar Heels’ success. Anthony’s best supporting cast member, power forward Armando Bacot, will miss significant time with an ankle injury. The same concern applies for Michigan State. If Josh Langford does not return from injury in the spring, the Spartans could be in a world of hurt.
If either team flounders, we could have another Trae Young situation. Young had all of the numbers to win the award in 2017-2018, but his team didn't fit in the win-loss columns (Oklahoma went 18-14). That could be held against Anthony and Young. If I had to choose one favorite, I’m riding with Anthony. Winston is a solid college player, but he doesn’t have enough sauce to keep up with Anthony.
If either team flounders, we could have another Trae Young situation. Young had all of the numbers to win the award in 2017-2018, but his team didn't fit in the win-loss columns (Oklahoma went 18-14). That could be held against Anthony and Young. If I had to choose one favorite, I’m riding with Anthony. Winston is a solid college player, but he doesn’t have enough sauce to keep up with Anthony.
Jordan Nwora (+900)
While Anthony’s stock might fall because of his team’s struggles, Nwora’s could soar. The preseason ACC Player of the Year is averaging 21.9 points and 7.5 rebounds for the top-ranked Louisville Cardinals. After they absolutely stomped fourth-ranked Michigan, 58-43, the Cardinals don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.Jordan Nwora scored 22 points as No. 1 @LouisvilleMBB held No. 4 Michigan to just 26% from the field in the Cardinals 58-43 win 💪
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 4, 2019
Catch up on the action ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7ZCyjWXSu4
In a season of college basketball described by many as one without a “dominant team,” Louisville could transform into that steamroller. If that happens, it’s Nwora’s award for the taking.
Isaiah Stewart (+4000)
It’s awfully hard for kid from the West to win this award. Jimmer Fredette (BYU) won in 2011 and Andrew Bogut (Utah) won in 2005, but a Pac-12/Pac-10 player hasn't won the award since 1995 (Ed O'Bannon, UCLA). Stewart is averaging 16.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for Washington. If he shows out against Gonzaga this weekend, he’ll put the Huskies on every college basketball fan’s radar.College basketball is starting to heat up! Check out all the NCAAB matchups at BetAmerica!
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