Predicting the March Madness winner in February is an extremely tough bet to make. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t break down the best bets on the board.
WynnBet recently came out with a list of the 10 NCAA Basketball teams with the best chance of cutting down the nets in March. I will start with my least favorite pick of the board.
Gonzaga is the betting favorite to finally win its first CBB National Championship.
— BetSided (@BetSided) February 20, 2022
What's the best bet on the board? pic.twitter.com/85ZR6MJgcK
10. Illinois +2000
Illinois is back in the mix. Led by junior center Kofi Cockburn, the Fighting Illini are currently second in the Big 10. Cockburn, the 7-foot tall 285-pound center, averages 21.7 PPG and 11.2 REB. He is an absolute problem for opposing teams in the painted area. Alfonso Plummer and Trent Frazier have also been significant contributors all year long on both ends of the floor. Efficient three-point shooting from those two guys will prove to be key in order for Illinois to make a run.
The commitment that Illinois has shown on the defensive side of the ball is admirable. They rank first in the Big 10 in defensive efficiency. Their ability to disrupt opponents’ offensive sets is what separates them from most other teams.
Illinois is a fun team and they do have one of the most dominant big men in the country. However, I do not think they are worth a futures bet. All it will take is for Kofi Cockburn to get in foul trouble early in one of the tournament games and then it could be over for them. Save your money, don’t put it on the Illini.