While the NBA is a player’s game, college basketball is a coach’s game. Especially today, with so much roster turnover. With that in mind, gamblers should always consider the coaching impact of each team with the College Basketball lines. This year, several coaches can bring the difference between victory and defeat. As well as a trip to the payout window or not. Of course, even great coaches such as Bill Self have suffered March Madness shockers. But the fact remains it is rare for a team to make the Final Four without great coaching.
2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
| Dates: | First Four on March 19 and 20. Following the First Four are the first and second rounds from March 21 through March 24. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight run from March 28 through March 31. Then, the Final Four and the national championship game are held on April 6 and 8. |
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SBG 2024 NCAA Tournament Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | +450 |
| Houston | +650 |
| Purdue | +700 |
| Tennessee | +900 |
| Arizona | +1200 |
| Kentucky | +1600 |
| North Carolina | +1800 |
| Duke | +2000 |
| Creighton | +2500 |
| Marquette | +3000 |
| Iowa State | +3000 |
| Auburn | +3000 |
| Kansas | +4000 |
| Illinois | +4000 |
| Alabama | +5000 |
| Baylor | +5000 |
| Michigan State | +6000 |
| Wisconsin | +6000 |
| All Other teams | +7500 or Higher |
2024 NCAA Tournament Top Coaches
Dan Hurley – Connecticut Huskies
Last year, Dan Hurley led the UConn Huskies to the national championship. Hurley took over a decimated sportsbook program and made it into a national champion by his fifth season. Previously, Hurley was one of the most successful coaches in Rhode Island history. His win percentage at UConn is .695.
Kelvin Sampson – Houston Cougars
Previously, Kelvin Sampson had successful March Madness lines stints at Washington State, Oklahoma, and Indiana. At the onset of the season, Sampson has won six regular season and five conference tournament championships. Sampson led Houston to the Big 12 regular season championship in its first season as a member. But Sampson has never won a national championship. He does have two Final Four appearances and three Sweet Sixteens. Also, Houston brings the nation’s best defense to this year’s tournament.
Rick Barnes – Tennessee Volunteers
Rick Barnes has been a strong hire by Tennessee. Consider that Barnes led Tennessee to the 2024 SEC regular season title. But Barnes remains an enigma with the NCAA Tournament odds. Overall, he has only one Final Four on his resume (Texas 2003). This year, Barnes added reliable offense to his always-strong defense. Thus, he made Tennessee one of the most complete teams on the board.
Tommy Lloyd – Arizona Wildcats
Namely, Tommy Lloyd is one of the bright new coaches in college basketball. Lloyd arrived in Arizona from Gonzaga, where he was a top assistant to Mark Few. Lloyd took over an Arizona program that was decimated by scandal. Yet in his first season, Lloyd produced a Sweet Sixteen run. This year, Lloyd led Arizona to the Pac-12 championship with one of the most prolific offenses in the game.
Bill Self – Kansas Jayhawks
Last year, Bill Self had to miss the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament due to health concerns. Self has led KU to two national championships and 16 Big 12 regular season titles. It would be dangerous ever to underestimate Self. Especially after a regular season that did not meet expectations. Kansas has the talent to rise when it matters most in March Madness.