ACC Predictions for the 2009 NCAA Tournament
Written March 18, 2009 by Craig Trapp
One of our college basketball betting experts in Craig Trapp has done a good job of providing articles to our readers all through March, so people know what goes on with his handicapping process. Today he’s going to help you make your NCAA basketball picks in the tournament by focusing on the teams that made the Dance out of the ACC. If you are looking for a place to deposit with your credit or debit card, try Sportsbook.com where you also get reduced juice on Fridays.
Craig thinks that the ACC was the second best conference this season with three different schools rising up to #1 in the national rankings. The league also earned seven invites which tied for the tops with both the Big East and the Big Ten.
North Carolina (3/1) – The Tar Heels came into the season as the favorites and while they haven’t been as dominant as some had hoped, they didn’t really do too bad either. This is the third year in a row that UNC will enter the tournament as the favorite to win, but the last two years haven’t worked out so well. Roy Williams has one title, but with the talent he has had over the years many think that’s under-achieving. Craig says to pass on the college basketball odds here.
Duke (15/1) – The Blue Devils won the ACC tournament and earned a #2 seed in the tournament. The last few years of losing in the first or second round have put a blemish on what was a winning history for Coach K in the dance. This year’s team was falling off the track too, but a late season change at PG has turned the offense up a notch and improved the perimeter defense. Craig thinks the Blue Devils match up well with their bracket and should make a deep run, so 15 to 1 might be worth a look.
Wake Forest (20/1) – Craig thinks you should keep an eye on this team and that they may be worth a bet at 20/1. Jeff Teague is a great player who can win games by carrying the team on his back, plus the Demon Deacons are athletic down the line. If it wasn’t for a few late losses they would have been a higher seed.
Florida State (50/1) – The Seminoles should win a few games during the tournament if only because they have the most explosive scorer in Toney Douglas, and we all saw last year what Stephen Curry did for Davidson. Still one player won’t win you a title.
Clemson (60/1) – Another fast start for the Tigers only to see the team stumble late when playing tougher opponents. Craig isn’t very big on this team but with their intense full-court pressure they will both a few opponents and possibly make a deep run.
Boston College (100/1) – Craig says he wouldn’t take this team if you offered him 1000 to 1 and if they made the Sweet 16 he would be extremely surprised.
Maryland (200/1) – Again, no way this team wins six games in a row so not really worth a look. If they won their first round game Gary Williams would have to be happy.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- SEC Tournament Predictions & NCAA Projections
- NCAA Tournament Predictions: ACC
- NCAA Basketball Odds on Big Ten Teams To Win the Tournament
- Big East Teams in the 2009 NCAA Tournament
- NCAA Tournament Predictions: Pac-10
One Response to “ACC Predictions for the 2009 NCAA Tournament”
Got something to say?
Never been big on big favorites. First round heavy favorites have two main concerns…..winning the game and preventing injury. Never consider favorites in the tourney above 10 points so UNC reamins a no-play for me. Memphis was a good example of why I don’t like to take heavy favorites. Pass on UNC, but GL.
Reply