College Basketball 09-10: Big 10 Conference

Looks like the Big 10 may have its mojo back. None of the league’s upperclassman tested the NBA waters and returned to school. What does that mean? Lots of floor burns and black eyes because every Big 10 game will be a fight plus the race to the Big 10 title will be a war.

BEST TEAM IN THE BIG 10: MICHIGAN STATE

It’s a coin flip between Michigan State and Purdue but you have to go with the Spartans. They made it to the NCAA title game last year and despite 2 key losses still has the talent to make another final four run. Michigan State does return the reigning Big 10 player of the year in Kalin Lucas who now takes on a leadership role in the backcourt. Lucas is big time. You know Michigan State will have big bangers in the paint commanding the boards and the Spartans have that especially with incoming Freshman Derrick Nix in the mix. Nix is 6-9, 290 pounds and was Michigan’s Mr. Basketball a year ago averaging 15 rebounds per game.

BEST PLAYER IN THE BIG 10: Evan Turner – Ohio State

Talk about a workhouse, last year Turner lead the Buckeyes in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Turner did it all last year because he had to. This year with Jon Diebler, William Buford and a healthy David Lighty he may not have to wear the Superman “S” the whole time however, Turner’s definitely the Buckeyes go to guy. Turner could be collecting big checks in the NBA but decided to stay in Columbus for a Big 10 title run.

OSG’s Big 10 Prediction

Michigan State
Purdue
Ohio State
Illinois
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Penn State
Northwestern
Indiana
Iowa