BREAKING NEWS : College basketball Player of the Year odds: Cooper Flagg favored to win Wooden Award

As the college basketball season heats up, the race for the prestigious Wooden Award, given annually to the best player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball, is well underway. In the 2024-2025 season, one player has emerged as the heavy favorite: Cooper Flagg, the freshman sensation out of Montverde Academy and the top-ranked recruit in the class of 2024. Flagg’s odds to win the Wooden Award have skyrocketed, with many experts believing he has all the tools to dominate the college game this season.

Flagg, a versatile 6-foot-9 forward, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats due to his combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. His exceptional ability on both ends of the floor—whether it’s his shot-blocking prowess, perimeter defense, or offensive skill set—has made him a potential one-and-done player in college basketball. The highly anticipated debut of Flagg for Duke University under the tutelage of head coach Jon Scheyer has only added fuel to the hype surrounding his potential to claim the Wooden Award.

Behind Flagg, a group of elite college basketball players is vying for the coveted title, but Flagg’s unique blend of skills and the attention he’s receiving from scouts and media have made him the clear frontrunner. His odds to win the Wooden Award stand at an impressive +150, with many predicting he’ll be a household name before the season is over.

However, Flagg is not without competition. Several standout players from other major programs also figure prominently in the Wooden Award race, and they’re expected to make their own cases throughout the season.

Among the top challengers is Zach Edey, the reigning National Player of the Year and a towering presence in the middle for Purdue. Edey, standing at 7-foot-4, has dominated the college basketball landscape with his overwhelming size and scoring ability in the paint. After leading Purdue to a number-one seed in the NCAA Tournament last season, Edey’s chance at a second consecutive Wooden Award is realistic, particularly if he can replicate his dominant performances and keep Purdue in the hunt for a top spot in the standings. Edey’s odds to win the Wooden Award are set at +350, making him the second favorite after Flagg.

Another major contender is Oscar Tshiebwe from Kentucky, the 2022 Wooden Award winner who has consistently been one of the best players in the nation. Tshiebwe, a powerful and relentless rebounder, continues to impress with his work ethic and leadership. The Wildcats will rely heavily on his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence as they aim for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. His odds to win the Wooden Award are currently +500.

A few other players to keep an eye on include Drew Timme from Gonzaga, who has been a consistent force for the Bulldogs over the past few seasons, and Jalen Wilson of Kansas, who is primed to take on an even bigger role after leading the Jayhawks to a national championship in 2023. Both Timme and Wilson have odds in the +750 range and could see their stock rise as the season progresses.

In addition to these veteran stars, a few under-the-radar players could make noise in the Wooden Award race. Players like Caleb Love, who transferred to Arizona after a successful stint at North Carolina, and Cam Whitmore, a talented wing at Villanova, are both potential breakout candidates who could play their way into contention.

The landscape of college basketball is always dynamic, and this season is no exception. While Cooper Flagg is the clear favorite, the race for the Wooden Award will be tightly contested. With a combination of returning talent and fresh, exciting newcomers, the 2024-2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Fans across the country will be watching closely as these outstanding players continue to make their mark on the college basketball stage.