Drew Timme's Return Solidifies Gonzaga as National Championship Favorites for Next Season

Gonzaga was already the betting favorite to win the 2022 National Championship at +700, but with the announcement Thursday that star big man Drew Timme will be returning to school, their odds got even shorter.

Here's the full list of odds, courtesy of BetMGM.

The Zags were the betting favorites all last season in which they started 31-0 before a National Championship Game loss to Baylor. Mark Few still has a title contending roster, especially with Timme back in the fold, and they won't lose many games on their way back to the Final 4.

Timme rejoins a loaded roster that added No. 1 recruit Chet Holmgren this offseason. Holmgren is a 7’1” center who averaged 20.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 4.7 blocks while shooting 80% from the field last season. The two of them together are going to be a tough ask for opposing defenses.

Also rejoining the program is point guard Andrew Nembhard. After transferring from Florida last season, Nembhard is going to take over as the lead guard in 2021-2022 alongside No. 13 recruit Hunter Sallis.

Timme averaged 19 points and seven rebounds on 65% shooting from the field as part of the dominant Bulldogs in 2020-2021. Expect him to be the betting favorite when the National Player of the Year odds are released in the coming months.

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