Posted on 10/26/2007 6:15:19 PM

NCAAB Betting: Will Kentucky Return to Glory?

By D.S. Williamson

For the past two years SEC basketball has revolved around the Florida Gators. The Gators sported one of the best starting fives in the history of college basketball the past two years. So, it is no wonder why the Kentucky Wildcats had to take a back-seat as the Gators romped their way through two NCAAB National Championships.

Things could be different this year, though, as the Florida Gators lost pretty much everybody from those talented championship teams and the Wildcats picked up a key piece to their own title hopes.

The key piece isn’t a player; it’s a coach. Billy Gillespie, who turned the Texas A & M Aggies into a Big-12 college hoops powerhouse, goes to Kentucky with huge expectations. He’s all ready made a big splash by recruiting Freshmen Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion.

Legion is a 6’ 4” guard who will provide immediate dividends to a Kentucky Wildcats team that is all ready deep in the back-court. The Cats return both Ramel Bradley and Joel Crawford. Crawford could be the best player in the SEC this season. If he steps his game-up, and the Legion contributes just enough, then watch-out. The Wildcats’ back-court will be every bit as good as the one over in Tennessee.

Freshman forward, Patrick Patterson, should secure a starting position early in the year. If that happens, and he is as good as advertised, then the questions regarding the Cats’ front-court become moot.

With the new coach and new attitude, the Cats could go a long way in not only winning the SEC but winning the National Championship. They only need to improve in the front-court in order to do so.

The BetUS college football line is + 2000 on the Kentucky Wildcats to win the National Championship.

Because of whom they return, and Gillespie’s steady hand, this is actually a terrific future wager on Kentucky. With Florida out of the mix, the Kentucky Wildcats need only to beat the Tennessee Volunteers for the SEC Championship.

Then, it is on to the Big Dance where their excellent guard play will serve them well.

Expect Gillespie to get Kentucky back to its winning ways in a hurry. Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats suffer a few setbacks early in the season but then come on to make a spirited run in the NCAAB Basketball Championship.

NCAA football betting has started, and BetUS sportsbook already has tons of college football Futures betting available for those of us who can't wait. Bet on the Heisman winner, Conference and Divisional winners and, of course, the 2008 BCS National Championship winner. Bet NCAA Football Futures in our sportsbook today in the Future / props section!