Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey observes the game against Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA basketball matchup on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The Associated Press
Increased Betting Amid NCAA Tournament
LAS VEGAS — Despite the rarity of upsets in this year’s men’s NCAA Tournament and a women’s tournament missing Caitlin Clark, betting activity saw an uptick at BetMGM Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook.
Men’s Tournament Highlights
BetMGM reported an 18% rise in bets on the men’s tournament, highlighted by all four No. 1 seeds reaching the Final Four for the first time since 2008. The tournament concluded with Florida’s thrilling 65-63 triumph over Houston, marking the Gators’ third championship title and their second consecutive win since 2006-07.
Florida and Duke at BetMGM
A significant number of fans placed bets on Florida, making them the second-most wagered team after Duke. Similarly to Houston in the finals, Duke lost a substantial lead to the Cougars in the semifinals, resulting in a 70-67 defeat.
Women’s Final Four Summary
The women’s Final Four lacked as much excitement, though the only No. 2 seed among the eight teams ended up prevailing. UConn defeated defending champions South Carolina with a commanding 82-59 score to claim their 12th national title, their first since 2016. Star players Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins emerged as prominent figures in women’s college basketball this season, following in the footsteps of Clark and Angel Reese, who now play in the WNBA. Bets on the women’s tournament rose by 10% at BetMGM this year.
Transfers and Coaching Changes
In team news, Michigan and Michigan State have successfully acquired valuable talent through the transfer portal. Michigan signed guard Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina and forward Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois. Cadeau averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 assists last season, while Johnson contributed seven points and seven rebounds in limited play. Meanwhile, Michigan State added forward Kaleb Glenn, who previously played at Louisville and Florida Atlantic.
Pat Kelsey Receives Contract Extension
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After leading Louisville’s basketball team back to prominence and into the NCAA Tournament in his inaugural season, head coach Pat Kelsey received recognition in the form of a one-year extension to his initial five-year contract, ensuring his position through the 2029-30 season. His salary will rise from $2.3 million to $3.3 million following this past season’s accomplishments.
Creighton’s Coaching Update
OMAHA, Neb. — Alan Huss, previously the head coach at High Point, has been named the head coach-in-waiting at Creighton as the program awaits the eventual retirement of Greg McDermott, who has led the Bluejays for 15 seasons and holds the record for most wins in the school’s history. Huss expressed his excitement about returning to his alma mater to help shape the future of the program.
Coaching Changes Elsewhere
In other news, Rob Summers has been appointed as the new men’s basketball coach at Cleveland State, as announced by the school. Summers previously served as an assistant coach there from 2019 to 2022, involved during the team’s most recent NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021.
