We think the best way to determine the top handicapping service is with long term trends. Below we have listed the twenty best that we have found with premium pick records dating back several years. You might also want to check out our free NCAA basketball picks page to research a tipster to follow. Those might be the lowest rated plays but the analysis provided can give you some insight into how the bettor thinks and approaches the attack.
We understand that trying to find a handicapper to follow with confidence isn’t easy. That is why we keep independent records and only display guys whose numbers we can trust.
Top NCAA Basketball Handicappers Over the Past Several Years
This Season's Best CBB Bettors in 2024
| Rank | Handicapper | Profit | ROI | Win PCT | W-L | Sc Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Al McMordie | $4,170 | +6.2% | 55.7% | 336-267 | 13.55 |
| 2 | Hunter Price | $4,153 | +10.3% | 57.9% | 208-151 | 22.42 |
| 3 | Alex Smart | $2,490 | +3.7% | 54.4% | 327-274 | 4.97 |
| 4 | Zack Cimini | $2,093 | +11.5% | 58.8% | 94-66 | 12.23 |
| 5 | Brandon Lee | $1,956 | +7.6% | 56.6% | 129-99 | 7.26 |
| 6 | John Martin | $1,539 | +2.2% | 53.6% | 328-284 | 1.81 |
| 7 | Jesse Schule | $996 | +4.8% | 57.5% | 96-71 | 1.54 |
| 8 | Rob Vinciletti | $873 | +3.3% | 54.4% | 129-108 | 1.58 |
| 9 | Kyle Hunter | $526 | +1.8% | 53.3% | 137-120 | 0.44 |
| 10 | John Ryan | $405 | +1.9% | 53.4% | 103-90 | 0.38 |
How Winning College Basketball Handicappers Decide on Their Bets
Handicapping college basketball requires a blend of data analysis, intuition, and a deep understanding of the game’s nuances. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to successfully navigate this endeavor.
1. Understand Team Dynamics
Unlike professional basketball, college teams see a high turnover of players due to graduations, transfers, and early entries into the NBA. This constant change means that a team’s performance can vary significantly from one season to the next. Handicappers must stay updated on roster changes, incoming recruits, and departing stars.
2. Dive Deep into Statistics
Statistics provide a foundation for any handicapping strategy. Key metrics to consider include:
- Offensive and Defensive Efficiency: Points scored or allowed per 100 possessions.
- Tempo: The pace at which a team plays, measured by possessions per game.
- Turnover Percentage: The percentage of a team’s possessions that result in turnovers.
- Rebounding Rate: The percentage of missed shots that a team rebounds.
Advanced metrics, like KenPom ratings, can offer further insights into a team’s relative strength and style of play.
3. Factor in Home Court Advantage
The atmosphere in college basketball arenas can be electric, with student sections and alumni passionately supporting their teams. Some venues are notoriously difficult for visiting teams. Recognizing the strength of home court advantages, and how certain teams perform on the road, is crucial.
4. Monitor Injury Reports and Player Availability
Injuries, suspensions, or academic ineligibilities can significantly impact a team’s performance. Staying updated on player availability is essential, especially if key players or starters are affected. Our college basketball injury reports will have you covered.
5. Consider Coaching and Play Styles
Coaching plays a pivotal role in college basketball. Some coaches are known for their defensive schemes, while others prefer a fast-paced, offensive style. Understanding these tendencies, and how they match up against opposing teams, can offer valuable insights.
6. Historical Performance and Rivalries
While past performance isn’t always indicative of future results, historical trends can be informative. Some teams consistently perform well in tournament settings, while others might have a track record of upsets. Additionally, intense rivalries can bring out the best (or worst) in teams, often defying statistical expectations.
7. Understand Public Perception
Popular teams, or those with recent success, might be overvalued by the public. This can lead to skewed betting lines. Handicappers should look for discrepancies between public perception and actual team strength, as these can offer betting value.
8. Factor in Rest and Scheduling
The college basketball schedule can be grueling, with teams sometimes playing multiple games in a week, including back-to-backs. Fatigue, travel, and limited preparation time can influence game outcomes, especially if a team is facing a well-rested opponent.
9. Dive into Conference Dynamics
College basketball is organized into conferences, and understanding the strengths and dynamics of these conferences is essential. Some conferences might be known for their defensive prowess, while others are offensively oriented. Additionally, conference games can have added significance, as they often influence tournament seeding and selections.
10. Stay Updated on Late-Season Developments
As the season progresses and March Madness approaches, teams might adjust their strategies. Some might be securely positioned for a tournament spot, while others are on the “bubble,” needing wins to secure their place. Recognizing these motivations can be key, especially in late-season matchups.
11. Embrace the Madness of March
The NCAA Tournament, colloquially known as “March Madness,” is a unique beast. The single-elimination format can lead to upsets, as lesser-known teams get their shot against college basketball’s giants. Handicappers should be wary of overvaluing higher seeds and be open to potential Cinderella stories, especially when trying to find value with the odds to win the NCAA tournament.
12. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The world of college basketball is dynamic. New strategies emerge, players develop, and team dynamics shift. Successful handicappers are always learning, staying updated on the latest news, and adapting their strategies.
In conclusion, handicapping college basketball is a rewarding challenge, blending rigorous analysis with the unpredictability of the collegiate game. While no strategy guarantees success, a comprehensive approach, considering factors from statistics to team motivations, significantly enhances the odds of making accurate predictions. As with any betting endeavor, it’s essential to bet responsibly and view handicapping as a skill to be honed over time.