2009-10 Big Ten Conference PreviewBy:

By: Josh Cochran and Joel Steiner

Surprising as it may sound, the Big Ten might be the best conference in the country this year. Seven Big Ten squads made the NCAA Tournament in 2009, including national runner-up, Michigan State. Two other Big Ten schools made the NIT, including the champion, Penn State. This year, the conference returns its entire First Team and 11 of 15 all-conference selections. Michigan State and Purdue are legitimate Final Four contenders, while Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio State have Sweet Sixteen aspirations. The following is our preview of each team, in predicted order of finish, and our all-conference draft prospects:

Michigan State Spartans

2008-09 Overall Record: 31-7

08-09 Conference Record: 15-3 (1st)

Postseason Finish: National Runner-up – Lost to North Carolina 89-72

Outlook: After a solid regular season, including a Big Ten championship, the Spartans surprised many by making a run to the National Championship Game. Unfortunately they ran into a North Carolina team that destroyed them for the second time in the same season. Expectations are running high in East Lansing once again as the Spartans return five of their top seven players. Coach Tom Izzo’s team will be led by 2009 Big Ten Player of the Year, Kalin Lucas (PG/Jr.). Lucas is one of the best point guards in college basketball and is the type of floor general that can lead a team to a deep tournament run. A key component to Michigan State’s season will be 6’7" Raymar Morgan (SF/Jr.) who was limited during the 2008-09 season due to illness. When healthy he causes mismatch problems for opponents due to his size and perimeter play. While Lucas, Morgan and Durrell Summers provide a strong backcourt, the Spartans need production from their young front court. Can Delvon Roe or one of the freshmen fill the shoes of Goran Sutan? Despite these questions, we still like Michigan State to repeat as Big Ten regular season champs.

Key Departures: Goran Sutan (10.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Travis Walton (5.1 ppg, 3.3 apg)

Newcomers: Garrick Sherman, Derrick Nix

Top Returnees: Kalin Lucas (14.7 ppg, 4.6 apg), Raymar Morgan (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Durrell Summers (8.6 ppg), Chris Allen (8.4 ppg), Delvon Roe (5.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/17 Gonzaga, 11/27 Florida (at Atlantic City), 12/1 at North Carolina, 12/22 at Texas

Purdue Boilermakers

2008-09 Overall Record: 27-10

08-09 Conference Record: 11-7 (Regular Season 2nd, Big Ten Tournament Champs)

Postseason Finish: Sweet Sixteen – Lost to UCONN 60-72

Outlook: Last season many national pundits predicted Purdue to win the Big Ten and possibly be a surprise Final Four team. Star player Robbie Hummel’s back injury did not allow him to play at 100% most of the season and it showed as Purdue did not live up to expectations. They were able to put a nice postseason together with a Big Ten Tournament Championship and a Sweet Sixteen run. The good news for the Boilermakers is they return all of their key players from last year and a return to the Sweet Sixteen is a strong possibility. To improve on last year Lewis Jackson must give them more consistent point guard play and Jajuan Johnson must take his game to the next level. Don’t expect any of the newcomers to make a large contribution, as this is a roster that knows the Final Four is less than two hours away in Indianapolis and making it there is the goal.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: Stevie Loveless, Kelsey Barlow, Dru Anthrop, Kyle Coleman, DJ Byrd, Patrick Babe, Sandi Marcius

Top Returnees: Robbie Hummel (12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg), E’Twaun Moore (10.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg), Jajuan Johnson (13.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: Wake Forest 12/1, West Virginia 1/1

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2008-09 Overall Record: 22-11

08-09 Conference Record: 9-9 (T-7th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 1st Round – Lost to Texas 76-62

Outlook: After jumping out to a 16-1 start with significant wins over Louisville, Ohio State and Wisconsin, Minnesota dropped 8 out of its last 13 games. However, the Gophers made their way into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005. Coach Tubby Smith returns all five starters and most of his key role players from a balanced 2008-09 squad. New additions Royce White (NBADraft.net Freshman Ranking #39) and Rodney Williams (NBADraft.net #22) are two of the most talented newcomers to the Big Ten and they should contribute this year. While the Gophers are largely void of surefire NBA talent, they return a veteran bunch that will be very competitive in the challenging 2009-10 Big Ten. Tubby’s team will be anchored on the defensive end of the court, but they need to find a go-to guy on the offensive end if they want to reach an elite level. The Gophers could be a surprise contender for the Big Ten title, and we expect them to be a Sweet 16 caliber team this year.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: Justin Cobbs, Royce White, Rodney Williams, Trevor Mbakwe, Bryant Allen

Top Returnees: Lawrence Westbrook (12.6 ppg), Damian Johnson (9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Al Nolen (6.5 ppg, 4.3 apg), Blake Hoffarber (6.4 ppg), Ralph Sampson III (6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/26 Butler (at Anaheim), 11/27 76 Classic (at Anaheim), 12/2 at Miami

Ohio State Buckeyes

2008-09 Overall Record: 22-11

08-09 Conference Record: 10-8 (T-4th, Big Ten Tournament Runner-Up)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 1st Round – Lost to Siena 72-74

Outlook: For the first time in three years Thad Matta does not have a sure fire 1st Round 7-Footer on the roster. He does have potential lottery picks Evan Turner and William Buford to lead the Buckeyes back the NCAA Tournament. "Glue Guy" David Lighty will make the team better defensively but low post scoring will again be the Achilles heel. The lack of a true point guard and depth on the front line will keep the Buckeyes from becoming an elite team and challenging for the Big Ten Championship.

Key Departures: BJ Mullens (8.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Zisis Sarikopoulos (Transfer)

Top Returnees: Evan Turner (17.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg), William Buford (11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), David Lighty (Injured, only played 7 games)

Games to Watch: North Carolina 11/19, Syracuse or Cal 11/20, Florida State 12/2, Butler 12/12, West Virginia, 1/23

Michigan Wolverines

2008-09 Overall Record: 21-14

08-09 Conference Record: 9-9 (T-7th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 2nd Round – Lost to Oklahoma 73-63

Outlook: Coach John Beilein led the Wolverines to a major turnaround in the 2008-09 season, following a 10-22 record in his first year as head coach. Michigan played one of the most difficult schedules in the country and they picked up impressive wins versus UCLA, Duke and Purdue. Continuing our 2009-10 Big Ten theme, the Wolverines return nearly all of their key players including all-conference selections, Manny Harris and DeShawn Simms. Coach Beilein’s team is talented on the perimeter, which is suited well for his 5-out motion offense. According to KenPom.com, 39.4% of Michigan’s points came from three-pointers, which ranked 8th in the country. However, their three-point field goal percentage ranked a subpar, 195th in the country. Due to personnel and style of play Michigan will likely continue to struggle on the interior, where it was one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big Ten last year. Michigan must become more efficient from the perimeter and hope that Zack Novak and Ben Cronin can provide an interior presence if they plan to challenge for a conference title. We expect Michigan to return to the Big Dance and possibly make a Sweet 16 run.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: Blake McLimans, Darius Morris, Matt Vogrich

Top Returnees: Manny Harris (16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.4 apg), DeShawn Simms (15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/26 – 11/29 Old Spice Classic (at Orlando), 12/19 at Kansas, 1/17 UConn

Illinois Fighting Illini

2008-09 Overall Record: 24-10

08-09 Conference Record: 11-7 (T-2nd)

Postseason Finish: NCAA First Round – Lost to Western Kentucky 76-72

Outlook: Illinois surprised many with its 24 wins and second place finish in the Big Ten last year. Coach Bruce Weber’s team was 4th in the nation in defensive efficiency, allowing a miniscule 86.5 points per 100 possessions. Unfortunately, the Illini offense was not as proficient ranking 98th in the country in terms of efficiency. Coach Weber returns a solid frontline with juniors, Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale. Davis was easily the most improved player in the Big Ten last year, placing his name on the radar of many NBA scouts. The Illini did lose two important components from last year’s team, particularly defensive stalwart, Chester Frazier. The success of the 2009-10 Illini will depend on the continued improvement of Mike Davis and the level of contribution by Bruce Weber’s best recruiting class to date. We’re not completely sold on Illinois and we expect them to finish a bit lower in the conference this year. However, Bruce Weber’s squad should still find its way in the NCAA tournament in March.

Key Departures: Trent Meachem (10.2 ppg), Chester Frazier (5.7 ppg, 5.3 apg)

Newcomers: Joseph Bertrand, Tyler Griffey, Brandon Paul, D.J. Richardson

Top Returnees: Mike Davis (11.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Demetri McCamey (11.5 ppg, 4.6 apg), Mike Tisdale (10.2 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/2 at Clemson, Missouri (at St. Louis), 1/2 Gonzaga (at Chicago)

Northwestern Wildcats

2008-09 Overall Record: 17-14

08-09 Conference Record: 8-10 (9th)

Postseason Finish: NIT 1st Round – Lost to Tulsa 68-59

Outlook: Since 1939 the Northwestern Wildcats have never had an opportunity to play for the Bronze and Walnut. Don’t be surprised if this is the year Northwestern finally hears its name called Selection Sunday. The Wildcats are led by Kevin Coble, who is a legit pro prospect. Coble makes Bill Carmondy’s Princeton Style offense go with support from outside shooters Michael Thompson and John Shurna. The development of post players, 7-footer Kevin Rowley and Luka Mirkovic, are the keys to a winning Big Ten campaign. Expect the Wildcats to be in the Bubble discussion Selection Sunday if they are able to play above .500 in the Big Ten.

Key Departures: Crag Moore (14.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg)

Newcomers: Drew Crawford, Reggie Hearn, Alex Marcotullio,

Top Returnees: Kevin Coble (15.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Michael Thompson (9.9 ppg, 3.7 apg), John Shurna (7.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg)

Games to Watch: Butler 11/18, Notre Dame 11/27, NC State 12/1

Wisconsin Badgers

2008-09 Overall Record: 20-13

08-09 Conference Record: 10-8 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 2nd Round – Lost to Xaiver 60-49

Outlook: The 2009-2010 Wisconsin basketball schedule is challenge especially when you have to replace your leading scorer and an important glue-guy. Bo Ryan will continue to utilize the "Swing Offense" and the Big Ten should expect to see the same type of tough team Wisconsin typically puts on the court. Sharpshooter Jason Bohannon will continue to stretch defenses, while Hughes will be the go-to-guy. Additionally, we expect Jon Leuer to pick up his production. Newcomer Mike Bruesewitz may command minutes right away if he can fit into Ryan’s system. Look for Wisconsin to be in the bubble discussion much of the season but don’t be surprised if Wisconsin finds itself in the NIT.

Key Departures: Marcus Landry (12.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg) , Joe Krabbenhoft (8.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Mike Bruesewitz, Dan Fahey,

Top Returnees: Trevon Hughes (12.1 ppg, 2.8 apg), Jason Bohannon (10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Jon Leuer (8.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg)

Games to Watch: Maui Invitational Arizona, then possibly Gonzaga, Cincinnati or Maryland 11/23-11/25, Duke 12/2, Marquette 12/12

Penn State Nittany Lions

2008-09 Overall Record: 27-11

08-09 Conference Record: 10-8 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NIT Champions

Outlook: Following a very surprising 2008-09 season, including the NIT Championship, Penn State has some major holes to fill. Jamelle Cornley and Stanley Pringle, both all-conference selections, were lost to graduation. Therefore, All-Big Ten first teamer, Talor Battle, will carry a bigger load on his shoulders this year. Battle received high praise following his performance with Team USA at the World University Games this summer and we expect him to have another standout season. The Nittany Lions need Andrew Jones, Jeff Brooks, Chris Babb and a talented freshman class to step up and fill the void left by Stanley Pringle and Jamelle Cornley. Coach DeChellis is trying to bring consistency to a program that hasn’t been to the NCAA Tournament since 2001. Last season sparked hope and excitement in Happy Valley, but we expect the Nittany Lions to take a step back this year. An NCAA berth appears to be a long shot given the competition in the Big Ten, but Talor Battle is sure to keep fans entertained in the upcoming season.

Key Departures: Jamelle Cornley (14.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Stanley Pringle (12.8 ppg),

Newcomers: Sasa Borovnjak, Bill Edwards, Tim Frazier, Jermaine Marshall

Top Returnees: Talor Battle (16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg), Andrew Jones (6.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/30 at Virginia, 12/5 at Temple, 12/12 Virginia Tech

Indiana Hoosiers

2008-09 Overall Record: 6-25

08-09 Conference Record: 1-17

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Year one of the Tom Crean era did not produce a lot of wins but he was able to put together a top 15 recruiting class. Year 2 will probably not yield a NCAA Tournament berth but a NIT berth would be a nice accomplishment. Look for newcomers Maurice Creek, Jermaih Rivers and ChristianWatford to contribute immediately but in Crean’s system guards like Creek seem to flourish. Pritchard gives the Hoosiers a nice inside presence with his hard work but lack of depth in the Indiana frontcourt will land the Hoosiers at the bottom of the Big Ten.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: Bobby Capobianco, Maurice Creek, Derek Elston, Jordan Hulls, Bawa Muniru, Christian Watford, Jermiah Rivers (Transfer)

Top Returnees: Devan Dumes (12.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Verdel Jones III (11.0 ppg, 3.6 apg), Tom Pritchrd (9.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg)

Games to Watch: Ole Miss 11/19, Maryland 12/1, Pittsburgh 12/8, Kentucky 12/12

Iowa Hawkeyes

2008-09 Overall Record: 15-17

08-09 Conference Record: 5-13 (10th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Todd Lickliter enters his third season at Iowa looking to move the program in the right direction following two disappointing seasons, off-court issues and the transfer of four players. Leading scorers Jake Kelly and Jeff Peterson transferred to Indiana State and Arkansas, respectively. Despite returning four starters, the Hawkeyes are a young team with only one senior, two juniors, four sophomores and five freshmen. The 2009-10 edition will be led by all-Big Ten Freshman, Matt Gatens. Also expected to lead the team after battling with off-court issues and illness, is sophomore Anthony Tucker. Coach Lickliter’s bunch plays at a pace among the slowest in the country and will take a high percentage of three-point attempts. The Hawkeyes will be challenged on the interior as their top post players are freshman Brennan Cougill and JUCO transfer Devon Archie. Expectations are low in Iowa City and we think Coach Lickliter’s third season will be another step back, resulting in a last place Big Ten finish.

Key Departures: Jake Kelly (11.6 ppg) transfer, Jeff Peterson (10.6 ppg, 4.2 apg), Cyrus Tate (7.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Newcomers: Brennan Cougill, Eric May, Devon Archie, Nick Neari, Cully Payne, John Lickliter

Top Returnees: Matt Gatens (10.8 ppg), Anthony Tucker (10.4 ppg),

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/23 Texas (at Kansas City), 12/1 Virginia Tech

NBADraft.net’s All-Big Ten Prospect Team:

William Buford (G – 6’5"), Sophomore, Ohio State

Evan Turner (G – 6’6"), Junior, Ohio State

JaJuan Johnson (F – 6’10" ), Junior, Purdue

Manny Harris (G – 6’5"), Junior, Michigan

Kalin Lucas (G – 6’0"), Junior, Michigan State

Mike Davis (F – 6’9"), Junior, Illinois

Robbie Hummel (F – 6’7"), Junior, Purdue

E’twaun Moore (G – 6’3"), Senior, Purdue

Kevin Coble (F – 6’8"), Senior, Northwestern

Delvon Roe (F – 6’8"), Sophomore, Michigan State

Big Ten All-Freshmen Team:

Minnesota: Royce White/Rodney Williams
PSU: Tim Frazier
Michigan: Darius Morris
Illinois: Brandon Paul/DJ Richardson
Indiana: Maurice Creek/Christian Watford