Smaller conferences have already begun their tournaments. The big boys get started next week. The field looks to be wide open this year with no truly dominant team. That makes it all the more exciting to hit the futures market early knowing full well a team can came come from out of nowhere to make a deep run. The purpose of this article is to find some value with teams on the “Bubble”, so let’s dig in and see if we can uncork a couple squads with a deep run in them.
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 300-1
The blue collar Ramblin’ Wreck doesn’t do much of anything incredibly well, but it does play an in your face brand of defense and can rebound the dickens out of the basketball. Ben Lammers has come into his own now in his junior season averaging 14.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and swatting away 3.4 shots per game. His overall play is only overshadowed by freshman phenom Josh Okogie whose team-high 15.6 points and 38 total steals has allowed for the Yellow Jackets to put forth their best season in years. This is a team that’s already shown it can take down some big time programs in toppling North Carolina, Florida State, Notre Dame and Syracuse. Buyer beware if you choose to fade them should they qualify.
Rhode Island Rams: 300-1
Dan Hurley’s kids were picked by many to win the Atlantic 10 this season. That isn’t going to happen, but don’t for one second count this team out. It still has some business to tend to the final week of the regular season, and if it fails to deliver against both St. Joe’s and Davidson, winning the A-10 tourney will be the only way it can lace up its dancing shoes. Losing that heartbreaker to Dayton on its home floor was a tough one to swallow, but it rebounded this past weekend in attaining a must-win against VCU. This is a team that’s beaten Cincinnati and played real close to a number of other teams already on the right side of the cut line. I want to see Hassan Martin in the tourney; make it happen basketball gods!
Providence Friars: 500-1
Ed Cooley’s Friars have gotten hot at exactly the perfect time. Having just evened its Big East mark up at 8-8 after pulling off a brilliant comeback against Marquette, who melts like no other, Providence’s +2500 return to win the conference tournament looks very enticing. This is a team that’s now beaten Butler, Xavier, Creighton and the Golden Eagles in its last four games and covered against league leader Villanova in both meetings. It’s played some exceptional defense all season, and is finally getting some support from the offense. Should it find its way in, Providence could once again prove to be a giant killer!
Valparaiso Crusaders: 500-1
Now this is a ticket I will no doubt be adding to my portfolio. The Crusaders play a formidable brand of defense and can rebound the basketball. They also possess NCAA tournament experience after battling Maryland to the death a couple years back. They failed to qualify last season, but went on to reach the championship game of the NIT where they got pounded by a streaking George Washington club. Alec Peters might just be the best player in the nation you’ve never heard of, and he’s got a darn good supporting cast next to him in Shane Hammink and Tevonn Walker. Though Peters missing the team’s final two games cost them the Horizon League title, this is an experienced squad that will no doubt show up hungry to The Dance and be worth an investment on the futures odds because of it.
Illinois State Redbirds: 1000-1
It’s MVC title game or bust for the Redbirds. Though they’ve won 25 of their 30 played games, Illinois State’s strength of schedule checks in at No. 116 per the Pomeroy Ratings, but its RPI of 33 is better than most other bubble teams. Having split the season rivalry to earn a share of the Missouri Valley Crown with Wichita State, it seems the only way they qualify for The Dance is by winning the at-large berth or giving the Shockers a major run for their money in the championship game should both teams make it. The latter scenario is a bit of a stretch considering Deontae Hawkins and company have three sub-100 losses on their resume. If they do manage to get in, their defense and 3 point shooting ability will give whomever they match up with fits.
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