Big Ten Conference Basketball Predictions
2008-2009 picks for hoops
Losing 6-5 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge is nothing to be ashamed about and the league's improved coaching and solid non-conference records make it one of the best leagues in America.
Big Ten Conference Predictions 2008-2009
Here is a team-by-team ranking of the best teams in the Big Ten going into conference season:
1. Purdue-
They might not quite have the most raw talent in the Big Ten but they are the most solid, complete team from top-to-bottom and this year's Big Ten season figures to be a season of parity.
Robbie Hummel might not be the conference's player of the year but he is still a 1st-team all-league pick with ease. E'twaun Moore is a tremendous trigger man and Matt Painter has overachieved as a coach thus far.
2. Wisconsin-
The Badgers have looked a bit shaky in out-of-conference play but the Big Ten is kind of a "survive-and-advance" type of conference and Wisconsin has the home court advantage and the defense to be a player until the end in the Big Ten Conference this season. Marcus Landry is the prototypical Badger and Bo Ryan might be the league's best coach.
3. Ohio State-
B.J. Mullens is still finding his way at center as a freshman but Evan Turner has unexpectedly blossomed ahead of schedule into a true college basketball star capable of carrying the Buckeyes for long stretches.
4. Michigan State-
The Spartans haven't looked great so far but they have the talent to finish in the upper half of the Big Ten and they always play better in the NCAA Tournament than in Big Ten play.
Kalin Lucas is still learning but he will be one of the league's best point guards and Delvon Roe, a talented freshman forward, is getting healthier. Goran Suton will allow the Spartans' shooters to flourish once he regains health.
5. Michigan-
The Wolverines are a dangerous, dangerous team for the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament as well as evidenced by wins over UCLA and Duke but in the rugged Big Ten their lack of rebounding will keep the Big Ten Title a bit out of reach.
Manny Harris is the best player in the Big Ten and DeShawn Sims might be a 1st Team All-Big Ten player as well. Laval Lucas-Perry will come back from his transfer situation on Dec. 20th to give UM a solid third scoring option.
6. Illinois-
The Fighting Illini have some solid players who seemingly have been around forever like Trent Meachem and Chester Fraizer; guys who haven't been able to carry on the winning tradition Bruce Weber started early in his career. But the Illini have a complete team with good size on the front-line and they play solid defense and have a nice home court advanatage, which will allow them to hang around the middle of the pack.
7. Penn State-
Good outside shooting and speed on the perimeter, lead by underrated guard Talor Battle, will lead Penn State to a solid finish. This team has been flying under the radar so far among Big Ten squads.
8. Minnesota-
Scrappy players like Blake Hoffarber and an infusion of new talent from Tubby Smith have combined to lead the Gophers to an undefeated non-conference season. They'll be solid in the Big Ten and be a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament this year.
9. Iowa-
Todd Lickliter was the perfect hire for this program and he has gotten the most out of his players thus far. But they have a talent disadvantage compared to most other teams in the Big Ten right now.
10. Northwestern-
Bill Carmody may or may not be on the hot seat depending on how much this school cares about its basketball program, which has never made the NCAA Tournament. This team is much improved but so is the rest of the league.
11. Indiana-
This is the year other Big Ten teams take out years of frustration on the Hoosiers, who returned no players of significance from last year.
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