Predictions
I will get more in-depth on these over the next month but I want to get my predictions out before most of the teams begin play.
1. Purdue Boilermakers (15-3)
Believe me, this pick was not an easy one to make. The Boilers shared the title last season and
they return a fantastic nucleus. Robbie Hummel is healthy and all indications are that his back is 100%. E'Twaun Moore is their best scorer and Jajuan Johnson can be a force inside. I can sense a real sense of urgency from Purdue fans. They know their is a distinct possibility that this group won't be together after this season. Hummel, Moore and Johnson could all leave early (I expect two of the three to go if things go well this year) and Chris Kramer and Keaton Grant are seniors. Matt Painter has done a brilliant job with this program.2. Michigan State Spartans (13-5)
Kalin Lucas is the best point guard in the conference, perhaps in the country. I recognize how
important that position is. I also know the Spartans are very well coached and they have a lot of talent at every position. The only problem I have with them is that they have two key players who appear to be very injury prone. Raymar Morgan is never 100% (currently has an ankle sprain) and Delvon Roe had a leg injury last year (currently battling a concussion). Michigan State will miss the all-around game of Goran Suton and I don't see these injury problems going away. They will contend for the title but come up short. 3. Michigan Wolverines (12-6)
The Wolverines return the top five scorers from a 21-win team. Deshawn Sims and Manny
Harris are probably the best one-two punch in the league and they both could compete for POY. Throw in another year of experience under coach John Beilein's system and Michigan is in for a very good year. 4. Ohio State Buckeyes (12-6)
Evan Turner had an excellent season on an average team last season. Thad Matta now has his first experienced team in quite a while. It will be interesting to see how he does as a coach, not just a recruiter. Turner will be aided by the return of John Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale and a healthy David Lighty. 5. Illinois Fighting Illini (11-7)
Gag me. I cannot stand Bruce Weber. He is a whiny punk whose voice drives me up the wall. However, he will have a pretty good team. Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis are
both very talented but need to be more consistent. D.J. Richardson may be the best freshman in the Big Ten. The big question is who replaces Chester Frazier as a leader and defensive stopper on the perimeter. Western Kentucky cut them up in the NCAA tournament when Frazier couldn't go. 6. Wisconsin Badgers (9-9)
There is not much reason to believe the Badgers will finish this high. However, I stopped doubting Bo Ryan a long time ago. He has never missed the tournament at Wisconsin. They lost Marcus Landry and Joe Krabbenhoft. Jon Leuer may be the most talented big white guy he has had and Jason Bohannon is a terrific shooter. The system doesn't fail.7. Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-10)
Most experts have the Golden Gophers higher than seventh. However, I don't like the news that has been streaming out of Minneapolis. Freshman Royce White (expected to compete for
Freshman of the Year) has been arrested for theft, and transfer Trevor Mbakwe is suspended until December and is awaiting trial on assault charges. I don't know why Tubby Smith is recruiting these questionable characters, his teams have never been like that. I think the Gophers will have some struggles. 8. Northwestern Wildcats (7-11)
The Wildcats return four of their five starters and have a couple of people that look ready to step in to the fifth spot (centers Rowley and Mirkovich). Kevin Coble is a very good player with sneaky athleticism and a deadly jumper. Michael Thompson needs to take the next step as a point guard. If he can do that and they can get adequate play inside, the Wildcats may surprise some people.9. Indiana Hoosiers (6-12)
The Hoosiers are going to be much better than they were last season. However, IU fans need to
temper their expectations. The league has improved with them and they will have a hard time even getting the six wins I have predicted. I love the newcomers, Creek, Watford and Rivers will all start. Hulls, Elston, Capobianco and Muniru will all contribute. Most of the teams in the conference will be taking a step back after this season while IU will be ready to take a step forward. 10. Penn State Nittany Lions (5-13)
I know this seems very low for a team that won the NIT last year. However, they lost two of their top three scorers (Stanley Pringle and Jamelle Cornley). Cornley was their leader on and off the floor and I don't think they can replace him. Talor Battle is a good player but he won't be able to carry this team in this year's Big Ten by himself. 11. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-17)
The Hawkeyes are going to be bad, very bad. Todd Lickliter has struggled to implement his style
in Iowa City. They lost two of their top three scorers and several players transferred out of the program. The only bright spot I see is Matt Gatens but he can't win you many games by himself. Iowa will be less competitive this season than IU was last year.First Team
G-Kalin Lucas
G-Manny Harris
G-Evan Turner
F-Robbie Hummel
F-Jajuan Johnson
Player of the Year- Robbie Hummel
Coach of the Year- Matt Painter
Freshman of the Year- Maurice Creek
Indiana tips off the 2009-2010 season tomorrow at 8 against Howard. I will preview the game and take a look at this weekend's college football action in my next post. Until then, be vigilant and God Bless America.
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