Early 2024-2025 CBB Conference Winner Sleepers
These teams could be undervalued in the market next season
Matthew Horner - Jul 30, 2024, 4:52pm EDT
ACC: Notre Dame (45/1)
Clearly, when you look at the projected roster for the Irish next season, there isn't a lot to love here. There is a reason they are 45/1 to win the ACC, but I am looking for a team like last year's South Carolina, who was projected last in the SEC and shocked everyone. I like Micah Shrewsbury and their style of play, they just don't have the talent to keep up with most teams. One guy that I like a lot is Marcus Burton, and given how weak the ACC is as a whole, there is a chance they could be this year's sleeper squad. It seems wide open, and just with their unique style of play, they could make a jump. They started slowly last season and got better as the year went on, so maybe they can transfer that momentum to this season.
Big 12: TCU (40/1)
This is obviously disgusting with how good this conference is likely to be at the top, but if I was to select a true sleeper here, I would go with TCU. They loaded up in the transfer portal with a lot of versatile, athletic, and quick guards that can push the pace. I really like Vasean Allette, the Old Dominion transfer, who I think could put up big numbers in the Big-12. Maybe Ernest Udeh Jr. finally plays up to his potential and becomes a star. There is enough here that maybe they can get hot at the right time and go on a run.
Big East: Providence (20/1)
The Friars aren't as big of a sleeper as the last two, but there is no shot I would put anything down on DePaul or Georgetown. I like Kim English as a coach and I like what he brought in. They are getting Bryce Hopkins back, and while I should probably give up on Jabri Abdur-Rahim by now, I still think there is something there that hasn't been realized. Wesley Cardet from Chicago State was a sneaky good addition that many won't even consider, and the same can be said for Bensley Joseph coming in from Miami. I think with the pieces they added, and if English is as good as I think he can be, they can still be a player in a loaded conference.
Big Ten: Oregon (20/1)
I think Oregon has a decent shot here at 20/1 odds, and I really like Jackson Shelstad, who I think is going to be a star. He legitimately could be a Big-10 type of guy making a jump from his freshman to sophomore season. TJ Bamba comes in from Villanova and I think he is a great fit for this system that can get the most out of him. With these two guys leading the way, I think Oregon can be a bit dangerous in the conference at this type of price.