With conference play almost ready to start it’s time to take a closer look at the Big Ten (plus 2). If non-conference play is any indication of how competitive league play will be, then the fans of the Big Ten are in for quite a treat. Half of the conference is currently ranked in the Top 20 and the ones looking to crack the rankings are very good. Michigan (2) Trey Burke (17.4 ppg) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (15.8 ppg) lead this Wolverines squad that is currently ranked 2nd in the nation. This tandem forms one of the top backcourts in the country. Michigan will miss the sharpshooting of Zack Nowak and Evan Smotrycz but incoming freshman Glen Robinson III should help ease their departures. If Michigan can improve its’ rebounding from last season they will contend for a conference championship. Early indications show they could contend for much more. Indiana (5) Indiana was many experts pre-season #1 and rightfully so. They are off to a great start with their only loss coming to a solid Butler team. They return four starters including one of the nations best players in Cody Zeller. Zeller averages over 16 points and 8 boards a game while shooting over 62% from the floor and 70% from the line. He is surrounded by talent. Christian Watford (12.8 ppg) is capable of lighting it up on any night and Victor Oladipo (13.5 ppg) is one of the most athletic players in the country. If the Hoosiers can improve upon the average defense that they played last year then the sky is the limit. Ohio State (10) The Buckeyes return three starters from last years Final Four team. DeShaun Thomas (20 ppg) has been on fire early in the season. Returning starters Lenzelle Smith is averaging 11 points per contest and point guard Aaron Craft is as solid a floor general as you will find. The team will miss Jared Sullinger and William Buford. However, their recruiting class from last season was one of the nation’s best. If they develop as expected then this team will most certainly be making some noise come March. Minnesota (11) Everybody is back for this Golden Gophers balanced attack. Four players are averaging double figures and if Trevor Mbakwe (8.8 ppg) shows he is back healthy after tearing his ACL last season, then Minnesota has the chance to be special. They still need to cut down on last years turnovers but there is no doubt this Gopher team is for real. Illinois (12) The Illini find themselves currently ranked #12 in the country and are lead by senior guard Brandon Paul (19.2 ppg). He is joined in the backcourt by classmate DJ Richardson (19.2) who is second on the team in scoring. If the Illini can develop a point guard then they are going to be a tough out come tourney time. Tracy Abrams has taken on the point guard role in the early going and has been very solid. Michigan State (19) One thing you can count on with Michigan State is come tourney time Tom Izzo will have them ready to play. They will need to replace Big Ten Player of the Year in Draymond Green who was an absolute beast for the Spartans. They will rely heavily on returning starter Keith Appling (14.9 ppg) and McDonald’s All-American Gary Harris (12.4 ppg). You can never look past Sparty come tourney time. Northwestern The Wildcats are looking for their first invite to the Big Dance. This roster has the talent to make it and is off to a nice 9-4 start. Iowa The Hawkeyes like to run and are exciting to watch. They still need to toughen up on the defensive end but are a solid squad. Wisconsin The Badgers return four starters but Jordan Taylor will be tough to replace. You can expect Bo Ryan will make the right calls for his team to be in the thick of things. This team has proven in years past that it knows how to win. Nebraska The Cornhuskers only return one starter and have many holes to fill. Penn State Still a year or two away from serious contention. Purdue Lost a lot from last years squad. See above.
 

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