Ah yes, Big Ten basketball – the red-headed stepchild of Division 1. The conference consists of some of the top powerhouses in the sport’s past (Indiana, Purdue, Illinois), present (Michigan State, Ohio State) and possibly future (Wisconsin, Penn State). And yet, the Big Ten lacks the same respect given to the Big East, ACC or Big 12.
Ohio State has had the Big Ten on lock the last half decade, and I don’t believe this season will be any different. OSU just hasn’t lost enough talent for anyone else to jump atop the standings.
Michigan and Wisconsin both look to be strong contenders come March and don’t shy away from difficult nonconference schedules. As good as the good Big Ten teams are, there are some pretty bad ones as well. Iowa has only just this season secured a stable practice facility that its basketball team won’t have to share with anyone. Penn State has some impressive young talent, but the Nittany Lions changed coaches and seem to be in the rebuilding mode.
Anyway, without further ado, allow me to present my predictions and a thorough preview of the Big Ten 2011-12 season.
Predicted order of finish
- Ohio State
- Wisconsin
- Purdue
- Michigan State
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Northwestern
- Indiana
- Penn State
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
Preseason Awards:
Big Ten Coach of the Year: Thad Matta
Ohio State’s coach lead the Buckeyes to another consecutive Big Ten Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Big Ten Player of the Year: Keith Appling
One of Michigan State’s McDonald’s All-Americans rode the bench last year because of the overwhelming number of upperclassmen on MSU’s roster. This year is all his.
First-Team All-Conference:
Keith Appling, Michigan State
Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State
Cammeron Woodyard, Penn State
Josh Gasser, Wisconsin
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
