The Wooden Award is given each year to the most outstanding player in men’s college basketball. With the departure of Zach Edey to the NBA after winning the award for the past two seasons, the spotlight now shifts to new contenders. The latest betting odds have been released, highlighting some of the favorites for the 2023-24 season.
Hunter Dickinson from Kansas and RJ Davis from North Carolina have emerged as the early co-favorites to win the Wooden Award, both with odds of +800. Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 center, is returning for his fifth collegiate season at Kansas after transferring from Michigan. Last season, he averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, earning accolades such as Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team honors.
On the other hand, RJ Davis, a 6-foot guard, is entering his fifth season with North Carolina. He put up impressive numbers last season, averaging 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Davis was recognized with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Jerry West Award for the nation’s best shooting guard, ACC Player of the Year, and consensus First Team All-American.
FOX Sports college basketball broadcaster John Fanta sees potential in both players. He believes Dickinson’s decision to stay in college will enhance his brand and marketability, setting him up as a prominent figure in the sport. Fanta also praised Davis for his impact on the Tar Heels, predicting that he could contend for National Player of the Year honors.
While Dickinson and Davis are the early favorites, Fanta has his eyes on Mark Sears of Alabama as a dark horse pick for the Wooden Award at +1400. Sears, who averaged 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season, plays a vital role for a Final Four-caliber team. Fanta believes that Sears, along with the strong roster and coaching at Alabama, could propel the Tide to success in the upcoming season.
As college basketball fans eagerly await the return of March Madness, it will be intriguing to see how the season unfolds and which players emerge as contenders for the prestigious Wooden Award. Stay tuned to FOX Sports for the latest updates and coverage of all things college basketball.