Sports betting basketball handicappers are shifting their focus from the professional to college ranks this season, as the former is currently entrenched in a lockout. With so many college players returning to school for another year due to the NBA lockout, fans and handicappers alike have plenty to choose from when it comes to picking the best stars. Here are a few MLB betting college basketball impact players heading into the 2011 – 12 seasons.

Kent Bazemore Old Dominion Monarchs – Last season, the Old Dominion Monarchs were considered by many to be one of the best defensive minded teams in the entire NCAA. One of the main reasons for the team’s success was relative unknown Kent Bazemore, a junior who elevated his game to help Old Dominion reach the March Madness tournament. At six feet five inches tall, Bazemore is one of the smaller players in the NCAA. Nevertheless, if Bazemore can duplicate his two and half steals per game and 30 blocks on the season from a year ago, Old Dominion will once again play in the March Madness tournament.

John Henson North Carolina Tar Heels – As part of the big three in North Carolina, the six foot 10 inch tall John Henson is the defensive catalyst of the team’s success. Last season, Henson was the ACC defensive player of the year, as he helped guide the Tar Heels to an extended run in the March Madness tournament. This year, along with Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes, Henson will have an opportunity to repeat as the ACC’s defensive player of the year, while working on his offensive game.

Aaron Craft Ohio State Buckeyes – When you play on a team that includes arguably the best freshmen in the game in Jarred Sullinger, it was easy for fans and experts alike to not even notice Aaron Craft last season. While many will argue that Sullinger was the reason for the team’s success, it was actually Craft’s vision and defensive prowess that allowed OSU to maintain their strong play.

With the uncertainty of the sports betting NBA lockout, most basketball handicappers are beginning to make the jump from the professional game to the college ranks for the 2011 – 12 seasons. Due to the NBA lockout, many college basketball stars expected to be done after their freshmen years, opted to stay in school for another year, in hopes of winning an MLB betting National title. Here is a look at two of the top sophomores heading into this season.

Harrison Barnes F North Carolina Tar Heels – After stiffing the Duke Blue Devils to ply his trade with North Carolina last season, Harrison Barnes was expected by many to be the top player in the 2011 NBA draft. Instead, after getting off to a slow start at UNC, Barnes was able to elevate his game to a whole new level during the March Madness tournament. While his stock dropped considerably due to his slow start, it didn’t deter Barnes from helping the Tar Heels make a huge run at the 2011 National title.

With that in mind and the uncertainty of the NBA’s future, Barnes decided to stay in school for his sophomore season. Along with John Henson and Tyler Zeller, Barnes helps form one of the most intimidating front courts in the entire NCAA. Look for the big man to get off to a strong start before moving on to a lottery pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

Jarred Sullinger F Ohio State Buckeyes – Similar to Harrison Barnes of the ACC, Jarred Sullinger was an absolute beast down the stretch in the Big 10. Despite losing out on Big 10 player of the year honors last season, Sullinger was far and away the best player on a deep OSU team in 2010 – 11. Entering the 2011- 12 seasons, Sullinger has one goal in mind, and that is to win a National Title.