Mar 23, 2018; Omaha, NE, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
NCAABy Matt Clapp on

The Villanova Wildcats just completed their domination of the 2017-18 NCAA Tournament with a 79-62 victory over Michigan in the national championship game. And with this year’s national championship game now complete, Las Vegas is already looking towards next year’s national championship game.

Duke opens as the (way-too-early) consensus favorite to win the 2018-19 NCAA Tournament. The WestGate SuperBook gives the Blue Devils 5-1 odds to win the national title, while Villanova, Kansas, and Kentucky follow at 8-1.

It’s certainly no surprise that Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke team is the (way-too-early) favorite, even with all of the stars they will likely lose to the NBA Draft. Marvin Bagley III, Wendell Carter,  Trevon Duval, and Gary Trent Jr. are all expected to enter the draft, while senior Grayson Allen is for sure gone.

But their recruiting class is special, featuring the top-three recruits according to ESPN, in forwards R.J.  Barrett, Zion Williamson, and Cam Reddish. And they have another top-10 recruit in Tre Jones, the top-rated point guard in this year’s class according to ESPN.

However, Villanova should absolutely be loaded again themselves. Junior star Mikal Bridges is likely off to the NBA, but Jalen Brunson, Omari Spellman, Eric Paschall, and Donte DiVincenzo are all possibilities to return. Even if just a couple of those players return, to go with a recruiting class ranked 11th in the country according to 247 Sports, you know Jay Wright will have this being a tremendous squad again with a good chance to repeat as national champions.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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