The global sports betting market is estimated to reach over $180 billion by 2030, with basketball being one of the top sports. The NBA draws major international betting interest, especially from countries in Europe and Asia. The most common and popular bets offered by local and offshore sports betting platforms are typically the point spread, moneyline, and over/under totals for each game. However, offshore sportsbooks offer a wide variety of options to appeal to different types of bettors and betting strategies.
College basketball is extremely popular and influential in the United States. For basketball enthusiasts, watching a talented college player evolve into an NBA legend is nothing short of thrilling. The NBA is not just a league of exceptional talent but also one of the most bet-on sports leagues in the world, especially when it comes to stars who made their mark early on.
The Undisputed GOAT: Michael Jordan
No conversation about basketball greatness is complete without Michael Jordan. His Airness began his ascent to legendary status at the University of North Carolina. As a freshman, Jordan hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game, foreshadowing the clutch performances that would define his career.
At UNC, Jordan was a two-time All-American and the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1984. His transition to the NBA was nothing short of spectacular. With six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and a cultural impact that transcended basketball, Jordan set the bar for excellence in professional sports.
The King: LeBron James
While LeBron James didn’t play college basketball, his impact on both the college and pro games cannot be ignored. James’ decision to skip college and enter the NBA directly from high school in 2003 sparked debates about the NBA’s age limit and the value of college basketball for top prospects. Despite bypassing college, LeBron James has become one of the most successful and influential players in NBA history. His four championships, four MVP awards, and numerous records have solidified his place among the all-time greats.
Fun fact about LeBron James: he attracts a large number of bets from multiple sportsbooks. For example, his son Bronny James has attracted nearly one in four of the bets placed on the Rookie of the Year market at ESPN BET, likely due in part to the LeBron connection.
The Sky Hook Master: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Before he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (a record only recently broken by LeBron James), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated college basketball at UCLA. Under the tutelage of legendary coach John Wooden, Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969.
His college career was so dominant that the NCAA banned dunking in 1967, largely due to his ability to overpower opponents. In the NBA, Abdul-Jabbar’s sky hook became one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball history, helping him secure six NBA championships and a record six MVP awards.
Magic and Bird: The Rivalry That Saved the NBA
The story of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird is intertwined from their college days to their NBA careers. Their rivalry began in the 1979 NCAA championship game, where Johnson’s Michigan State defeated Bird’s Indiana State.
Magic Johnson brought his “Showtime” style from Michigan State to the Los Angeles Lakers. His unique combination of size, vision, and passing ability revolutionized the point guard position. Johnson’s five NBA championships and three MVP awards only tell part of the story of his impact on the game.
Larry Bird, the “Hick from French Lick,” transformed the Boston Celtics with his sharpshooting, court vision, and unparalleled basketball IQ. Despite losing to Magic in college, Bird matched him with three NBA MVP awards and led the Celtics to three championships.
The Big Fundamental: Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan’s path to NBA greatness began at Wake Forest University. Despite being a top NBA prospect after his junior year, Duncan chose to complete his degree, showcasing the commitment to excellence that would define his career.
In the NBA, Duncan’s fundamentally sound game earned him the nickname “The Big Fundamental.” His five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and two MVP awards cemented his status as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
The Diesel: Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was a force of nature at Louisiana State University, averaging 21.6 points and 13.5 rebounds per game over three seasons. His physical dominance was evident even at the college level, earning him the AP Player of the Year award in 1991.
O’Neal had an outstanding rookie year in 1992-93, averaging 23.4 points (8th in the NBA), 13.9 rebounds (2nd), and 3.53 blocks per game. This level of performance likely made him a popular betting option, especially for player props. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1993, which suggests he was a favorite for this award throughout the season
In the NBA, Shaq’s combination of size, strength, and agility made him nearly unstoppable. He won four NBA championships (three with the Lakers and one with the Heat) and an MVP award while also becoming one of the most marketable and charismatic players in league history.
