Kentucky Basketball Odds: Wildcats Showcase Potential at GLOBL Jam

Written By Eli Hershkovich on July 20, 2023

Following a perfect 4-0 run, Kentucky collected the gold medal at the 2023 GLOBL Jam Tournament in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. Up against lower-profile U23 international competition, the Wildcats’ freshman-laden group was clearly the best of the bunch. But concerning Kentucky basketball odds (), did the Wildcats exhibit any reason to believe their championship futures are valuable, as the Bluegrass State inches closer to launching legal sports betting in KY in September?

Click on any of the following college basketball title odds to place a wager at the best sports betting sites. The prices listed are the best available in your state.

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examining kentucky basketball odds

FanDuel and PointsBet Sportsbook have the best price point for the Wildcats at +2000. They’re as low as +1400 at DraftKings. Generally speaking, bettors should stay away from wagering on college basketball odds in the summer — unless one expects some movement. It’s exactly what occurred with my lone futures bet.

Therefore, there aren’t any drastic conclusions to be made from a pricing standpoint. That said, the Wildcats looked the part — and then some — versus inferior opponents. While that likely doesn’t come off as impressive, Kentucky’s young nucleus just as easily could’ve laid an egg. Baylor, albeit missing key pieces, went 1-4 in this event last summer. Keep in mind, John Calipari’s team excelled without much depth up front, as five-star freshman Aaron Bradshaw and fellow center Ugonna Onyenso are both recovering from foot surgery.

Moreover, the Wildcats shot 37.6% from behind the arc while tallying 29.3 3PA attempts per game. Kentucky played both four- and five-out with West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell as the stretch five. Mitchell, who seemingly became available in the portal when Bob Huggins was canned, exhibited passing prowess that is arguably superior to any Kentucky big in years. Assuming this plan sticks, it’s a substantial shift in philosophy for Calipari, whose teams have never averaged 20-plus 3-point attempts over a given season in his 14 years at the helm.

As imposing as 2022 Wooden Award winner Oscar Tshiebwe was in his first season in Lexington, Ky., his 7.9% assist rate over two years displayed his one-dimensional offensive skillset. Tshiebwe also let up over 0.90 PPP against pick-and-roll sets and in isolation coverage in 2022-23, according to Synergy. Believe it or not, Mitchell was a superior defender in both facets.

What’s The Verdict?

Calipari has undoubtedly thrived with youthful rosters before. This particular collection — coupled with veteran marksman Antonio Reeves — supplies the Wildcats with a completely different look than what’s cost them in the NCAA tournament the last two tries. In fact, Calipari’s one recruiting bugaboo revolves around small forwards, and five-star wing Justin Edwards is as talented as they come.

That said, until there’s a definitive answer on whether Bradshaw and Onyenso will be relatively healthy to tip off the season, I’ll pass on any sort of position with Kentucky basketball odds — especially given how their brand name is baked into the market.

More Kentucky betting Odds

Surprisingly, 2024 Wooden Award betting odds are already up at DraftKings. The complete list of odds can be found below. Among them, the Wildcats’ Edwards (+7000), Reeves (+10000), and D.J. Wagner (+12000) all made the cut. Zach Edey, Purdue’s 7-foot-4 center and the reigning National Player of the Year, is the favorite to repeat (+175).

Kentucky Sports Betting Update

The launch of legal sports betting in the Bluegrass State is in less than 60 days. Members voted unanimously to authorize the emergency administrative regulations that will define this sports betting market. Several local racetracks and facilities can apply for wagering licenses in Kentucky. Hence, there will be no shortage of options for Kentuckians.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has announced the rollout dates for when local sportsbooks will go live. Retail operators will begin launching Sept. 7 while online sportsbooks will launch Sept. 28. Residents will be eligible to wager on an assortment of NFL Week 1 odds, college football betting, Kentucky basketball odds, and the like. Stay informed on special sign-up offers by following TheLines on Twitter.

More UK odds: Evaluating 2023 Kentucky Football Odds, Including SEC Futures and Win Total

More Sports Betting Promos

If you’re in a state with legal sports wagering, TheLines has you covered with the best sportsbook promo codes. Just click on any of the following promos and bonus codes to get started. Meanwhile in Kentucky, one state Senator has promised KY sportsbooks are “going to do things better than Ohio. We usually do. So I have no doubt in this case that’s going to happen.”