Davidson came close to being a Cinderella story in 2008.

Things are pretty quiet out there on the college hoops front. Which means it’s the perfect time to go shopping. If you want value, it’s boots in the summer, swimwear in the winter, and the college futures market in the offseason.

There are teams out there on the market who are going to improve on their 2007-08 campaigns. Their odds will shorten as the victories pile up, so now is the time to buy. For example, Arizona (19-15 SU, 16-15-1 ATS last year) is coming off a season where coach Lute Olson took a leave of absence and Kevin O’Neill handled things. Olson’s style is more offensive-minded and suitable for his players.

The Wildcats (45-1 to win the title) were also No. 25 in the efficiency rankings last year; that hints at better things on the horizon. Ohio State (22-1) will also contend after finishing at No. 29 in efficiency minus the talents of Greg Oden and Mike Conley.