The Tar Heels' 76-69 loss to Kentucky was disappointing for the school; they were the No. 2 seed in the region, while the Wildcats were the No. 4. And this year expectations are going to be even higher.

That's because North Carolina's roster from last year returns intact, plus they've added a couple of top recruits to the lineup.

Headlining the list of returnees is forward Harrison Barnes, who averaged 15.7 points per game last season and decided to hold off on entering the NBA Draft for another shot at an NCAA Tournament title.

Also returning are center Tyler Zeller (15.7 points per game) and forward John Henson (11.7 points, 10.1 rebounds per game). They'll be joined by the top-recruited pair of forward James McAdoo and guard P.J. Hairston.

That adds up to the Tar Heels being pegged as the 3/1 favorite at Bodog to win next year's NCAA Tournament, which puts them just ahead of Kentucky (11/2).

Rival Duke sits at 8/1 to cut down the nets at next year's Big Dance, with both Louisville and Ohio State at 17/2, and Syracuse at 12/1. Florida and Texas round out the top tier of contenders at 18/1 to win the tournament, with Kansas at 20/1.

Get all your college basketball odds at Bodog.