The 2023-24 men's college basketball season is drawing near, and FanDuel Sportsbook has college basketball conference betting odds for several leagues.

Here is how they look for the Missouri Valley's regular-season winner:

Drake Bulldogs (+250)

The Drake Bulldogs have finished among the top three in conference standings for three consecutive seasons yet, the Bulldogs have not been able to break through, failing to win a Missouri Valley title.

According to Bart Torvik's 2023-24 season projections, Drake is returning 44.6% of their minutes, including their star player Tucker DeVries, who won the 2023 MVC Larry Bird Trophy -- awarded to the top player in the conference.

DeVries was one of mid-major's top players, averaging 18.6 points per game (PPG) and 5.7 rebounds per game (RPG). Darnell Brodie (9.1 PPG and 7.3 RPG) joins DeVries as a key returning starter. Plus, Atin Wright, who averaged 16.7 PPG with Cal State Northridge last season, was a key addition from the transfer portal.

After touting Bart Torvik's 37th-best defense last season, the Bulldogs will likely lean on their defense once again while hoping that Wright can help improve the offense, which ranked 93rd in adjusted efficiency in the 2022-23 season.

Bradley Braves (+410)

After winning their first Missouri Valley regular season title since the 1995-96 season, Bradley is looking to repeat. In fact, the Braves are looking to take it a step further after a disappointing showing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament.

Bradley was head and shoulders above the rest in the MVC, ranking 63rd in adjusted defensive efficiency and 19th in points allowed per game. The Braves roared to a 25-10 record -- their best since the 1987-88 season. However, they were upset against Drake with a 26-point loss in the MVC Tournament.

With 56.4% of their minutes returning, Bradley is still in the conference title picture. Rienk Mast -- the All-MVC First Teamer -- transferred to Nebraska, leaving a void at center. However, forward Malevy Leons, who earned All-MVC Second Team honors last season, returns after averaging 11.1 PPG and 6.0 RPG.

Northern Iowa Panthers (+500)

The Northern Iowa Panthers, who have not earned an NCAA Tournament berth since the 2015-16 season and finished 14-18 last season, have the third-shortest odds to win the MVC.

Despite the disappointing 2022-23 season, many are projecting a turnaround year for the Panthers thanks to their experience. According to Bart Torvik, UNI is returning 91.7% of their minutes.

Bowen Born and Tytan Anderson are key returning starters who earned preseason All-MVC honors. Born led the team in scoring last year at 17.9 PPG, and Anderson ranked second with 12.6 PPG paired with a team-best 8.5 RPG.

The Panthers added Jacob Hutson, who averaged only 5.9 minutes last season with Loyola Chicago, via the transfer portal. Nate Heise (12.0 PPG) and Michael Duax (10.0 PPG) are also double-digit returning scorers in the backcourt.

Northern Iowa seems to have the tools to enjoy a turnaround campaign in the upcoming season.

Others

Outside of the top three favorites, Indiana State (+650), Belmont (+750), and Murray State (+1000) are some teams to watch. Indiana State returns 36.9% of their minutes, Belmont has 43.2% of their minutes back, and Murray State returns 62.3% of their minutes.

The MVC looks to be a battle between Drake and Bradley with Northern Iowa as a sleeper pick thanks to their experienced roster.

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