BetOnline gave the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team 40-1 odds to win the 2025 NCAA National Championship.

Longhorns Basketball Outlook

The Longhorns are coming off a 21-13 (9-9 Big 12) season as they embark on their first season of competition in the SEC in 2024-25. Texas dropped a close decision to former head coach Rick Barnes and future SEC foe Tennessee, 62-58, in the NCAA Tournament last month.

Recruitment Efforts

Inside Texas’ Joe Cook reported the Longhorns will visit with Air Force forward Rytis Petraitis, originally from Arlington, Texas, over the weekend. Petraitis could provide Texas with a valuable inside presence as he averaged 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for the Falcons in 2023-24.

Key Players to Watch

Texas looks to replace some of its scoring as leading scorer Max Abmas (16.8 ppg, 4.1 apg) has exhausted his college eligibility after transferring from Oral Roberts in 2023. Dylan Disu (15.5 ppg, 5 rpg) also played his final season of college basketball in 2023-24. Petraitis could theoretically slot in to make up for that production.

Outlook for the Season

BetOnline has given Texas 40-to-1 odds of winning the 2025 Men’s Basketball national championship.

Credit and Source

Story originally appeared on Longhorns Wire

Three Thoughts on Jrue Holiday's Extension with the Celtics

A handful of immediate thoughts after the Boston Celtics and Jrue Holiday agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension:

Security for Both Sides

After paying a hefty price to acquire Holiday on the eve of training camp for the 2023-24 season, all with no guarantee that he’d stick around beyond the current season, the Celtics splurged again Wednesday to ensure he’ll be here for as long as the team is willing to pay for this title-contending core.

Brad Stevens Loves Extensions

In the two-plus seasons since his surprising elevation to president of basketball operations in 2021, Stevens has embraced extensions at every opportunity.

Flexibility and Difficult Decisions Ahead

Boston’s roster is solid enough that maneuvering above the second apron isn’t a paralyzing concern. It’s not ideal but it’s manageable if the team is deep enough to compete for titles.