NCAA Basketball – Big Ten Preview
I love Big Ten basketball. While incredibly weakened this year, due to major losses at Ohio St, Wisconsin & Purdue amongst others, I do still believe the Big 10 will have a significant number of teams in the tourney come March.
Ohio State is clearly the best Big Ten team and, for mine, third best in the nation. The highly sought after Jared Sullinger returns, as does point guard Aaron Craft and William Buford. In addition to this, Ohio State have a very solid overall team, capable of producing good results defensively as well as offensively.
Sullinger is the star of the Buckeyes and has, seemingly, improved his physical appearance from last season. A national player of the year candidate, Sullinger will look to lead the Buckeyes to not only a Big Ten championship, but also deep into the NCAA tourney.
The team most likely to challenge the Buckeyes for the Big Ten, though will fall short, is Wisconsin. Wisconsin ALWAYS wins at home. That is a guarantee. While they have had significant losses, in many ways they are better placed to advance come March. Jordan Taylor is an All-American first team candidate while Gasser & Bruesewitz provide composure, effort and reliability to assist the Badgers deep into the post-season.
From here it is a touch blurry. In order, however, I have ranked the teams in the following order:
Michigan – A team so inconsistent I am afraid to bet them, or bet against them.
Michigan State – Get the feeling they may “underachieve” again
Minnesota – HUGE Trevor Mbakwe fan – this guy is the real deal! Pity he plays with such unintelligent basketballers (yes, I’m talking to you Ralph Sampson the four-hundred and third)
Purdue – Robbie Hummel SHOULD come close in first team All-American duties. An absolute star
Iowa
Nebraska
Northwestern
Illinois
Indiana
Penn State – Definitely far below the rest of the competition
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