College Basketball: Big 10 Predictions

There are some really good teams in the Big 10 this season but none seem to be of Final Four caliber. Purdue, Michigan State and Wisconsin looked poised to have great seasons and make deep tournament runs.

Best Team In The Big 10: Michigan State Spartans

I know the chic' pick in the Big 10 is Purdue and the Boilermakers have a nice team. I like a team that has been there and done that with a coach that knows what it takes to win the league. Tom Izzo is the best coach in the Big 10 and has assembled a Spartan team that may not be up there with the Mateen Cleeves - Mo Pete crew just yet but will be getting there. Kalin Lucas is one of the best point guards in the country and expect Lucas to become more of a vocal leader. His talent is unquestioned The key to Michigan State is dominating on the boards and creating an up tempo game. If the Spartans do that they will win their first Big 10 title in 8 years. Izzo is keeping a low profile with this team through to not elevate expectations.

Best Player In The Big 10: Robbie Hummel - Purdue

Hummel can shoot and handle the ball. He hit 44% of his 3 pointers last season to lead the Big 10 in conference games. Hummel's numbers were solid averaging 11.4 points per game, 6.1 rebounds and earned Big 10 Freshman of the Year honors. He will have a sensational sophomore season.

Team That Could Surprise: Minnesota Golden Golphers

Disregard how Tubby Smith left Kentucky. He is a great college basketball coach and Minnesota should be very thankful Smith ended up in Minneapolis. This year will be a challenge since the Golphers lost their top 3 scorers from 07-08. All Tubby Smith did was recruit some players that might even be an upgrade. Their is optimism among the Gopher nation that the basketball team is going in the right direction and their will be more to do on campus than watch hockey this winter.

Who Will Go Dancing: Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State

Who Plays For Number 66: Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan.

Big 10 Notes: Indiana fans, the Hoosiers will be lucky to win one Big 10 game with only one scholarship player returning. Take your lumps this year and don't get down on Tom Creen. He won big at Marquette and will get the players to come to Indiana. What 5 -star recruit wouldn't want to play for the coach that made the reputation of Dwayne Wade. Indiana will be Indiana again. Bruce Weber britches are getting a little warm at Illinois. Last year the Illini didn't go to the NCAA Tournament. Weber has 6 highly ranked recruits coming in the next 2 years. A Top 6 finish in the Big 10 this year will help fan confidence.

Big 10 Predictions:

1. Michigan State

2. Purdue

3. Wisconsin

4. Ohio State

5. Minnesota

6. Illinois

7. Penn State

8. Michigan

9. Iowa

10. Northwestern

11. Indiana

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