- Kansas Jayhawks’ odds to win the 2023-24 NCAA Men’s National Championship have shortened following Hunter Dickinson’s decision to join the program.
- Hunter Dickinson was the top overall rated player in the college basketball transfer portal going into the 2023-24 season.
- There was no specific reason given for Dickinson’s departure from the Wolverines after spending three years in Ann Arbor.
Kansas basketball fans are celebrating following the signing of the most sought-after center in the transfer portal. Former Michigan Wolverine, Hunter Dickinson, is off the market after committing to the Kansas Jayhawks.
The decision by Dickinson comes after Michigan had one of the most disappointing seasons in the nation. Michigan was not invited to the NCAA Tournament as they had to settle for the NIT Tournament in what was an up-and-down year at 18-16.
Despite the poor season, it is unknown if this played a role in Hickinson leaving. By all accounts, his relationship with head coach Juwan Howard appeared to be rock solid.
What we do know is that Kansas is getting a great basketball player. Bettors are well aware of the impact that Dickinson can have. They were quick to react, as Kansas’ odds to win the 2023-24 NCAA Men’s National Championship flew up the board at BetOnline.
— Hunter Dickinson (@H_Dickinson24) May 4, 2023
Kansas Owns Second Best Odds To Win 2023-24 NCAAM National Championship
The Jayhawks have seen a significant bump in their odds after adding Dickinson to the fold. They had +1600 odds to win the Men’s National Championship before it was official that Dickinson was going to Lawrence, Kansas.
Currently, Kansas has +1100 odds to win their fifth national title. This moves Kansas from the fourth-best to the second-best odds to with the championship. Before signing Dickinson, Kansas was tied with Gonzaga at +1600.
Now, only the Duke Blue Devils have better odds to win the Men’s National Championship next season. Duke has slightly better odds at +1000. As money continues to come in on Kansas, they could be favored by the start of the season.
The Jayhawks were left sulking after exiting the NCAA Tournament earlier than expected this past season. The No. 1 seed was bounced in the Round of 32 against the No. 8 seed Arkansas Razorbacks.
With Dickinson, the Jayhawks are getting a player that will do all of the dirty work in the paint. If he’s on the floor in the waning minutes of that 72-71 loss to Arkansas, Kansas probably doesn’t lose that one. In addition to being a hard worker, Dickinson provides veteran leadership to what is already a skilled roster.
In three seasons at Michigan, the talented center averaged 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. Additionally, he was efficient from the floor with a 57% field goal percentage. This past season, Dickinson recorded 18.5 points and 9 rebounds per game.
Why Did Dickinson Transfer From Michigan?
He does not owe anyone a reason for transferring, but that is not going to stop the speculations. It could very well be a combination of things that convinced Dickinson to move on from Ann Arbor.
From what has been surmised, it is likely a twofold answer. Going into his fourth, and likely final collegiate season, Dickinson wants to compete for a national title. He has two more years of eligibility left.
Michigan is not in a position to compete for a national title. They lost two starters from last year’s team and their incoming class will not be enough. Dickinson will instantly have a chance to reach the Final Four at Kansas.
Another possible reason, and perhaps the strongest, is because of the nature of college athletics in 2023. The NIL deals available at Kansas might have been more attractive than with the Wolverines.
Lucrative sponsorship deals that lure players with money are all part of the environment of college sports now. It was probably a driving factor for Dickinson. The pull of going to a national contender and some extra cash might have been too much for him to pass on.
— Hunter Dickinson (@H_Dickinson24) May 4, 2023
Michigan’s 2023-24 NCAAM National Championship Odds Continue To Sink
Michigan already had long odds to win a national title next season. With the news of Dickinson leaving Ann Arbor, the Wolverines’ chances continue to dwindle. Michigan has +6600 odds to win the 2023-24 NCAAM Championship.
Replacing Dickinson is not going to be easy for the Wolverines. He is not the only Michigan player to hit the transfer portal. Four-star power forward, Gregg Glenn, revealed last month that he was leaving the Michigan basketball program.
Three-point specialist, Joey Baker, recently indicated that he has signed with an agent and is pursuing a professional basketball career. Baker isn’t a huge loss, but a solid spot-up shooter that provided a spark off the bench.
Expectations are going to be lower for Michigan next season. The roster will look much different. Perhaps in a year where there are no expectations, Michigan will be a surprise team in the Big Ten?
At +6600 odds to win the Men’s National Championship, it is highly unlikely. The most likely scenario is that Dickinson’s former team is looking at going to the NIT Tournament for a second straight season. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks should be in the NCAA Tournament as a highly regarded No. 1 seed.
