College basketball 2022-23 AAC betting guide

Memphis Tigers +650

The Tigers added guard Kendric Davis from rival SMU via transfer this season. If Sasser is not the player of the year this year it is probably because Davis is. He can definitely control a game but the Tigers do not have as much talent as they have had in recent years this season. They might have fewer distractions too, but not enough to get them over the top. 

Cincinnati Bearcats +1800

The Bearcats would love to make a statement in their last season in the league. They have some chance to do so if they can get the most out of transfers Landers Nolley and Rob Phinisee. If that happens they could easily leapfrog Memphis. They are no longer the bruising squad you remember from their days under Mick Cronin. 

Tulane Green Wave +2200

We are only in the four-spot and the odds start to get pretty long. Continuity is the name of the game for the Green Wave who do not lose much after finishing 10-8 in the AAC a year ago. They also add some high major transfers that elevate the talent base. They are a legit threat to Memphis but not really to Houston. 

UCF Knights +4000

The Knights are of interest to the Big 12 for their football success but this is a decent hoops program too. They were .500 in the league last season and have a chance to finish there again even though they have to replace a few starters. Like so many teams they are looking to reload with transfers. They should improve as the season progresses. 

Temple Owls +4500

Am I the only one who remembers Mark Macon on the cover of SI? That might have been the high point for the Owls but this year's team should be solid. Khalif Battles scored more than 20 ppg last year in limited action due to injuries. If he challenges for player of the year in the AAC this team has upward mobility. Aaron McKie is another legend, trying to get it going from the sidelines. 

Wichita State Shockers +4500

This is a program in decline. The Shockers still have the name recognition but every year it is more obvious that Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker are not walking through those doors. The only thing that is keeping this program from really bottoming out is the fact that there are some worse ones out there. They are hoping for a lot from Colby Rogers, a Siena transfer. 

SMU Mustangs +6000

It is tough when you lose your top player to another program in the conference. Since Larry Brown left, the program has been on a downward trend and now they have a new coach in Rob Lanier. They were successful in the league last year, but missing the Tournament pushed them to go in a different direction. There is too much uncertainty to expect strong results this season. 

Tulsa Golden Hurricane +8500

Tulsa also has a new coach in Eric Konkol. The expectations are pretty low as this team tries to rebuild. The biggest challenge they appear to have is a lack of outside shooting. That just makes it tough for good offense to function. There is also, not a lot of size on the roster. 

South Florida Bulls +9500

Small guard Tyler Harris was never really a good fit at Memphis but at USF he will have the ball in his hands all game and will be asked to score. If he has a strong final season the Bulls could be a lot better. He and a couple of other Power Conference transfers are going to form the nucleus of this Bulls team. The question is what will that really look like when it comes together.

East Carolina Pirates +10000 

There is a recurring theme of new coaches in less-than-ideal situations at the bottom of the league. Boston College's Wynston Tabbs is another guard who might make sure this team is at least functional this season. Similar to other programs he is one of a few transfers that could make the Pirates more competitive. 

Best Bet - Houston - There is no play at that value there. 

Best Sleeper - Tulane - After Houston, they have the most continuity and that could maybe land them a surprise title (not likely though, the Cougars are just too good.