The UConn Huskies are heading into the 2024 Maui Invitational as the odds-on favorite with +225 odds at BetMGM. Having claimed the prestigious title twice before in 2005 and 2010, the Huskies look poised to add a third early-season tournament trophy to their collection.
UConn’s dominance last season is a big reason for their top billing. The team finished the 2023-24 season with a staggering 37-3 record, including an 18-2 mark in the Big East, and clinched their second consecutive national championship. Coach Dan Hurley (292-163 overall, 141-58 at UConn), who turned down a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to remain with UConn, has built a powerhouse program that continues to dominate on the national stage. The Huskies ended last season ranked #1 on KenPom.com and hovered around that top spot all season long for both offensive, defensive and total efficiency.
While UConn is losing four of their five starters from last season’s national championship squad, sharpshooter Alex Karaban returns to lead the way. Karaban, who averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 38% from three-point range last season, could have easily declared for the NBA Draft (and did some Draft workouts) but chose to remain in Storrs. Joining him are key contributors Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, and Solomon Ball, each of whom played significant roles off the bench last season.
The Huskies are also adding a talented group of newcomers, including three top-80 freshmen and two impactful transfers. Aidan Mahaney, a sharp-shooting guard from Saint Mary’s, and Tarris Reed, a strong center from Michigan, will likely make immediate impacts. Additionally, the late addition of Liam McNeeley (6’7 forward), a top-20 recruit, bolsters UConn’s already deep roster, along with fellow freshmen Ahmad Nowell (6’0 combo guard) and Isaiah Abraham (6’7 forward).
Despite the turnover in the starting lineup, UConn’s consistency and Hurley’s proven system make them a formidable contender. The Huskies didn’t lose a single neutral site or home game last season, and their track record in Maui speaks for itself. While other teams like North Carolina (+375), Auburn (+400), and Iowa State (+400) present challenges, betting on UConn to win the 2024 Maui Invitational is ultimately a bet on Hurley’s continued success.
That’s proven to be the best bet in college hoops over the last couple years. By the way, the Huskies are +900 to complete the three-peat and win their third straight National Championship.
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