Season Preview: Big 10

Ah yes, the Big Ten. My country. I feel like I know this conference the best since I watch these teams the most. That doesn't mean my predictions will be any good, but still... anyway, the Big Ten has become quite a formidable conference in just a few years, and after Michigan State's big tournament run last year, the top of the conference has proven they can compete with the big boys. 1 through 11, this conference is as deep as it gets in college basketball.

The Favorites:

Purdue: Come on... you didn't honestly think I wasn't gonna pick my Boilers to win the conference, did you? I will admit we may be small, we may have some depth issues, and we may not be the most athletic team out there. But last year when Purdue peaked, we took out a tough Washington team in what was basically a road game and then put up a good fight against a very, very good UConn team. And that was without Robbie Hummel at 100%. This year, he claims he's perfectly healthy, which is a scary thought.

We all know what Hummel can do when he's healthy, but they key will be the guys around him. JuJuan Johnson took a huge step up last year (I called that one, by the way) but needs to get stronger to take his game to the next level. He will also have to shoulder a bigger load in the paint now that Nemanja Calasan is gone and Sandi Marcius is out with a broken foot. E'Twaun Moore gets a ton of national praise and was our leading scorer, but he needs to be more selective with his shots. Lewis Jackson must mature another year at the point, and Grant needs to become the shooter he was two years ago. If all of that (or most of that) can happen, I truly believe this is a Final Four team. And the Final Four's in Indy. The sky's the limit.

Michigan State: It's difficult to pick against the National runners-up, especially when they return most of their production. Kalin Lucas is back. Raymar Morgan should be 100% healthy for the entire season. Durrell Summers and Chris Allen solidify the Spartan backcourt, and they should also have a slew of wings/power forwards to choose from in Morgan, Delvon Roe, and Draymond Green. Basically, this team goes 2 deep at every position and we should expect a decent spread of minutes again this year.

By far the biggest contributor leaving is Suton. He did so much for the Spartans, whether it's rebounding, defense, shooting, leadership. Michigan State has plenty of options to replace him, but no one will likely provide the production across the board that Suton did. They also lose guard Travis Walton who provided defense and leadership. From reading about Michigan State, I feel they are at a bit of a crossroads. They can move forward and make another title run, or fall back into that clutter 2nd tier pack of teams. It will be interesting to see how this team develops as the season progresses.

Team who could surprise:

Northwestern: I have two different routes I could take here. I could tell you Ohio State has the potential to be a top 5 team (somewhat out there, but also somewhat boring) or I could call for the Wildcats to make their first tournament appearance ever. I'll go with the latter. Northwestern returns almost every major piece from a team that was probably one win away from making the tournament last year. They'll have to find a point guard to replace Craig Moore, but if they can find a guy that can handle the ball somewhat and can shoot, the Wildcats will probably be better than last year. They were the most frustrating team to prepare for in the Big Ten last season, and after wins at Purdue and at Michigan State, they have knockout power. This is the year they will get it done.

Team who could disappoint:

Illinois: While most teams in the conference improved this season, I think the Illini are going to take a slight step back. They lost Trent Meachem and Chester Frazier, along with their defense and leadership. There are a few good freshman, but they will have to immediately step up and contribute. D. J. Richardson is very highly touted and should start right away, but Brandon Paul and Tyler Griffey will have to produce right away off the bench. Illinois must become less of a jump shooting team and start getting to the basket more. They have the tools to become a good offensive team, but in a deep league defensively, I think this young team will struggle.

Picks:

1. Purdue: A healthy Hummel will make all the difference in the world.
2. Michigan State: Was this team for real, or just last year's feel good story?
3. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have the potential to be a top 5 team. Evan Turner is the best player in the conference.
4. Michigan: They have the talent to jump up a spot of two from this position... if they can find a PG.
5. Minnesota: The definition of steady, you know what you're going to get from this team. 65 points a game, slow pace, good defense.
6. Northwestern: The element of surprise is gone this year. Will teams be able to adequately prepare for their style?
7. Illinois: Demetri McCamey needs to become a more consistent scorer instead of just showing flashes of greatness.
8. Wisconsin: I feel like this pick is going to come back and get me, but somebody has to finish 8th. The losses are too great this year.
9. Indiana: The youngsters will be good down the road, but too difficult of a conference this season.
10. Penn State: Teams will start doubling Talor Battle... and then tripling if they have to.
11. Iowa: Football team will likely stay undefeated longer than the basketball team.

Tournament Teams:

Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Illinois