What players can boost their Wooden Award odds this week

February is nearing its end, and that means March Madness is around the corner. College basketball’s regular season is coming to a close, and the nation’s top talent are grappling for a spot among the finalists for 2020’s Wooden Award, which is given to the most outstanding player. DraftKings Sportsbook has odds available for who will take home the trophy, and we’ve got a look at some candidates who could improve their chances this week.

Obi Toppin, Dayton (+100)

Opponents: Feb 18 @ VCU, Feb 22 vs. Duquesne

Dayton’s Obi Toppin is the odds-on favorite to win the Wooden Award. The 6’9” forward is a dynamic scoring threat and is averaging 19.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest on 63% shooting. His performance has helped the Flyers secure a No. 5 ranking, and the team will look to extend it’s 14-game winning streak against Atlantic 10 rival VCU. Toppin posted 24 points and nine rebounds against the Rams the last time he faced them, and another strong showing could make him that much harder to remove from the top spot.

Luka Garza, Iowa (+115)

Opponents: Feb 20 vs. No. 25 Ohio State

This Hawkeyes big man clocks in at number two at DraftKings Sportsbook. Garza scores at an elite level, ranking fourth in the country in points per game (23.7) while shooting 43.8% from deep. He also hits the boards hard and averages 9.7 rebounds per game. No. 20 Iowa is third in the Big Ten and will face a No. 25 Ohio State team that sits atop the standings. Beating a tough ranked opponent that’s been better in conference play this year would be huge for Garza.

Markus Howard, Marquette (+500)

Opponents: Feb 18 vs. No. 15 Creighton

Howard can fill it up like no other and leads the NCAA with 27.3 points per game. The Golden Eagles will face No. 15 Creighton after losing to No. 12 Villanova by one in their last outing. Putting up big numbers against the Bluejays not long after they topped No. 16 Seton Hall could be huge — especially since Howard only scored 18 points in a 17-point loss to Creighton earlier this season. He has the sixth best odds now and could jump into the top five with a win.

Devon Dotson, Kansas (+550)

Opponents: Feb 17 vs. Iowa State, Feb 22 at No. 1 Baylor

Dotson had his second highest scoring game of the season on Monday, pouring in 29 points in a 91-71 thumping of Iowa State. He added 3 assists and 3 rebounds and is currently averaging 18.4 points, 4.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds on the season. He gets a huge opportunity to boost his odds this weekend when the Jayhawks travel to face No. 1 Baylor.

Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois (+2000)

Opponents: Feb 18 vs. No. 9 Penn State

Dosunmu is one of the best athletes in college basketball. He overwhelms opposing guards on both ends of the court with his 6’5” frame and blazing speed. Illinois will get a top 10 team in Penn State at home. The Nittany Lions are going strong and have rattled off seven straight wins. If Dosunmu shows up in his team’s biggest win of the year, he could benefit from some upward mobility.

Udoka Azubuike, Kansas (+5000)

Opponents: Feb 17 vs. Iowa State, Feb 22 at No. 1 Baylor

Azubuike had an up-and-down performance on Monday, scoring 13 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, with two assists and two blocks, but also turning the ball over six times. He gets a chance to grab the spotlight against No. 1 Baylor this weekend, but it’s unlikely he will pass Devon Dotson in the odds anytime soon.

Anthony Edwards, Georgia (+10000)

Opponents: Feb 19 vs. No. 13 Auburn, Feb 22 vs. Vanderbilt

Edwards might be the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but he’s pretty far from the Wooden Award conversation. He tied a season low with six points in a loss to Texas A&M in his last game but is averaging 19 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. When he gets hot he’s difficult to contain, but he hasn’t reached he’s season average in three games. Auburn is fresh off a loss to Missouri, but still holds a No. 13 ranking. The Bulldogs are a game back from .500 and haven’t beaten a top 25 team this year. Edwards could solidify his spot in the draft and make some progress toward the middle of the pack in the Wooden Award race.

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