Courtside Players Club NCAAB 1-5 Units (11/15/24)

NCAAB

2 Pick (6 Units)

7:00PM EST: Alabama -2 (3 Units).

Losing Zach Edey to the NBA and then his 7'4 replacement Daniel Jacobson for the Season due to injury should really be felt here. Alabama's been a solid rebounding team under HC Nate Oats, and they'll be strong in that category again with the addition of Clifford Omoruyi via the portal. He's one of the best rebounders and rim protectors in the Country. It's his presence down low and lack of one for Purdue that gives Bama the edge for us. In 2 games without Jacobson, Purdue was outrebounded 32-30 by Northern Kentucky and then tied Yale with 30 rebounds apiece. They do still have some length and are sure to improve as the new pieces Gel, but this is a major bump in talent and athleticism. Tough to see them righting that ship here. Alabama also returns 3 starters from last year's team compared to Purdue's 2. They don't have to replace the back-to-back College Basketball Player of the Year either. This early in the season we'll take Bama before Matt Painter has his Boilermakers firing on all cylinders.

8:00PM EST: Maryland -2.5 (3 Units).

Maryland was one of the best defensive teams in the Country last year, finishing 14th in Defensive Rating per KenPom. That trend will continue this season as they're currently ranked 5th. This will be Marquette's first actual challenge and first road game. They beat Central Michigan by just 8 points at Home their last time out. Marquette lost their 2 best offensive players from last year's team to the NBA. Tyler Kolek being one of the best creators and Center Oso Ighodaro who has incredible athleticism for someone that's 7 Foot Tall. They do return some key pieces and still have some offensive firepower, but it'll take some time to put it all together. Their first true test coming on the road against one of the best defensive teams in the Country is a tough spot. Maryland's HC Kevin Willard spent 12 years at Seton Hall in the Big East. He's faced Shaka Smart a couple of times so there's some familiarity.