Razorback Basketball: Hogs with high odds for National Title run

The betting site, Fan Duel, has released their early odds for their favorites in next season’s NCAA tournament. With the incredible transfer portal runs of Kansas and Arkansas they are included in the top three for best odds of a title run.

The Razorbacks have won at least 20 games in each season under Eric Musselman. They have gone to three straight Sweet Sixteen’s and appeared in back-to-back Elite Eight’s in 2021 and 2022.

2024 National Championship betting odds via FanDuel (Top 27)

1. Kansas +1000
2. Duke +1200
3. UConn +1500
3. Arkansas +1500
3. Houston +1500
3. Mich St +1500
7. Marquette +1700
8. Kentucky +1900
9. Tennessee +2000
9. Purdue +2000
11. Arizona +2400
12. North Carolina +3000
12.…

— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 25, 2023

Arkansas wasn’t as highly favored for a championship run last season with gaming sites. With six freshmen and five transfers entering the fold it was going to be a tough task to come together and make a deep March run but they did. The Razorbacks entered the tournament with a 3-6 record over their last nine games before turning up the heat against Illinois in the opening round.

With another Sweet Sixteen bid on the line, team leader, Davonte “Devo” Davis took over scoring 25 points and recording 8 rebounds in a superhuman performance. Davis likely returns this season, per basketball insider Bart Reid. Davis has yet to announce a decision although one is expected soon.

So, why are the Razorbacks favored?

They return several key players from a season ago that will be key contributors including Trevon Brazile, Jalen Graham and Makhi Mitchell. All three bigs played big minutes and can score the ball around the basket. Brazile has the ability to stretch the floor offensively with an elite skillset with his ability to shoot the three. Plus, he can create off the dribble with incredible hops for highlight reel dunks.

Eric Musselman will employ more of his ‘space and pace’ philosophy with more four and five out offenses. He brings in Khalif Battle (Temple), Jeremiah Davenport (Cincinatti), El Ellis (Louisville), Tramon Mark (Houston) and Keyon Menifield (Houston) all have the ability to shoot it from the perimeter. Battle and Ellis are known for their spot up shooting and drive to the basket off screens and such. Should Arkansas stay healthy they’ll be contenders this season.

Finally, Arkansas brings in a pair of five-star players including Natural State native, Layden Blocker, and McDonald’s all-American Baye Fall. Blocker may play more of the extensive minutes early on in the season as a very skilled point guard. While Fall takes time to adjust his body to the college game.

It will certainly be another hyped season for the Razorbacks. And, as long as Musselman is around the Hogs will be a fixture on the national scene.