Texas Longhorns Odds - Longhorns aim to steal attention away from gridiron counterparts
Texas was a bit of a sportsbook failure last year, and their 23 wins was their lowest total in five years. But the Longhorns have reloaded, powered by some veteran big men and a point guard that some are calling the best incoming freshman in the NCAA. Armed with a top preseason ranking and high expectations, the Longhorns have the talent to make a run.
Texas Longhorns Odds: +1500 to win national title/+250 to win Big 12
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Texas Longhorns odds maker breakdown: THE COACHING
Rick Barnes has led the Longhorns to the NCAA Tournament in each of his 11 seasons at the helm, which is why Texas is ranked third in the preseason polls. Barnes is a master recruiter who has snagged the likes of Kevin Durant, T.J. Ford and D.J. Augustin, and he may have another star-in-the-making in point guard Avery Bradley.
Texas Longhorns odds maker breakdown: THE STARS
Bradley is being touted as the next Ford, who he looked up to as a kid. The young point guard can defend as well as anyone, which is hard to find in recruits nowadays. The Longhorns are waiting on Florida transfer J’Covan Brown to be ruled eligible to play in January, and the frontline is led by seniors Dexter Pittman and Damion James. Gary Johnson and freshman Jordan Hamliton will handle the wing play.
Texas Longhorns odds maker breakdown: THE SCHEDULE
If the Longhorns want to prove themselves as an online betting favorite, they have a non-conference schedule to prove whether they can compete or not. Texas welcomes USC to town, and right before Christmas, the Longhorns face North Carolina and Michigan State, last year’s NCAA finalists. Before beginning the Big 12 schedule, where they’ll battle with No.1 preseason kings Kansas as well as Oklahoma, the Longhorns visit Storrs to face Connecticut.
Texas Longhorns odds maker breakdown: THE OUTLOOK
Texas didn’t have a true leader to run the show last year, and they’re hoping Bradley can step into that role. James has to take control of this team and show that he’s a legitimate threat at both ends of the court, and if Pittman improves due to lost weight over the summer, it’ll be that much easier for James. The Longhorns are deep in the backcourt, and if Bradley turns out to be as good as advertised, Texas will battle Kansas for the Big 12 title, and a spot in the Elite Eight is the minimum NCAA basketball betting expectation.
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