This year the Big Ten was the dominant force of the nation. Indiana was the best team in the Big Ten although Ohio State won the tournament. (I don’t mean to brag but did I call that or did I call that?) In the NCAA Tournament Indiana is a one seed, Ohio State is a two seed, Michigan State is a three seed, Michigan is a four seed, and Wisconsin is a five seed. There is no doubt that the Big Ten has great potential for this year’s tournament.
However well any team has done in the regular season, it doesn’t matter! This is what matters, the NCAA Tournament.
The fact that the Big East is better represented than the Big Ten is very surprising. I definitely think a Big Ten team will come up with the NCAA Title this year.
In my regular season review I will essentially create a regular season power ranking for the top 5 teams in the Big Ten.
BIG TEN POWER RANKING:
5. Illinois
Illinois gets the fifth spot over Wisconsin only because they did better with a worse roster. No offense to Illinois but they don’t have a really stand out lineup. Wisconsin have names like: Brust, Evans, Bruesewitz, and Jackson while Illinois only have Brandon Paul. Along with the roster Illinois have had some very impressive wins against: Butler, Gonzaga, Indiana, Ohio State, and Minnesota. I predict Illinois to make it to the round of 32 losing to Miami (FL).
4. Michigan
I would have put Michigan up higher but they lost 3 of their final six games. Michigan lack major components on defense however are a lethal weapon on offense. Michigan currently has a modern Fab Five now being called the Freshmen Five, referring to their five impressive freshmen in: LeVert, McGary, Robinson III, Stauskas, and Albrecht. I believe that if Hardaway Jr. and Burke return next year Michigan will be extremely good. I have Michigan going the the Sweet 16 losing to Kansas.
3. Michigan State
Michigan State have been somewhat disappointing this year finishing third in the Big Ten. However Michigan State are still successful and were able to make a late season surge and climb in the rankings and secure a three seed in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State lacked skill in the Guards department however making up for it in the impressive mobility of Forwards Nix and Payne. I have Michigan State upsetting Duke in the Sweet 16 but then losing to Louisville in the Elite 8.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State stunned the Big Ten community by Winning the Big Ten Tournament and clinching a two seed in the NCAA Tournament. Aaron Craft in my mind has earned Big Ten Player of the Year Award with an impressive 66 steals this season. Ohio State have proven themselves worthy this year with impressive wins consisting of: Michigan, Indiana, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. I have Ohio State losing to Louisville in the Final Four. However I know many people have them winning the entire tournament.
1. Indiana
Indiana obviously ranks best in the Big Ten even though they fell to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament. Indiana are such an offensive threat that they really don’t even have to play defensive. Although though they don’t need defense they still have a pretty good one with the dynamic and always dangerous Victor Oladipo. Indiana also have two players in Player of the Year contention with Zeller and Oladipo putting up amazing numbers. I have Indiana defeating louisville in the National Championship.
If you have any input to my selections feel free to post in the comments below. Or even share your bracket selections with us.
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