Folks, the season is finally here! With three ranked teams in the top-10 of the national polls, the Big Ten is ready to once again make its case as the deepest conference in college basketball. Over the next five months, our team of Big Ten writers – Jonathan Batuello, Brendan Brody, Deepak Jayanti, Max Jakubowski and Alex Moscoso — will provide our insights about the conference we love. To prepare you for the season, we’ve outlined all the posts we’ve written about each of the 12 teams in the league, listed below (sorry, Minnesota, we owe you one).
Overall League Coverage
- RTC All-Big Ten First and Second teams.
- Who is the Big Ten’s best three-point shooter? We take a closer look at the analytics.
- RTC Big Ten Freshman of the Year: Noah Vonleh.
- RTC Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year candidates.
- The league features several good sophomores this year, but not everybody is ready to make the leap.
- None of the Big Ten coaches are on the “hot seat” this season, but each coach’s situation is discussed in a two-part series: Part I and Part II.
- The non-conference schedule is analyzed in a two-part series: Part I and Part II.
- Jim Delany‘s comments at Big Ten media day could indicate where conference re-alignment is headed over the next few years.
- We discuss the key injuries hounding the Big Ten teams.
- Your Big Ten Twitter must-follow list.
Michigan State
- One of the main concerns for the Spartans could be crunch-time scoring. The consistency of senior guard Keith Appling will be a pivotal factor in their run toward the Final Four.
- Gary Harris could have left for the NBA after one season at East Lansing. He is back to lead the Spartans to a Final Four, but we examine his case for the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Michigan
- The Wolverines won’t be able to replace Trey Burke successfully if they can’t improve their free-throw rate.
- Nik Stauskas could be a pivotal part of the Michigan offense, but what can we realistically expect from his game this season?
- We know that Glenn Robinson III can score with the best of them, but will he be efficient with his shots?
- One of the lasting memories of the National Championship game was Spike Albrecht‘s explosion from beyond the arc. Can he sustain a consistent role in the Wolverines’ rotation?
Indiana
- Will Sheehey could turn into a star as a senior after being an effective bench player over the past two seasons.
- Yogi Ferrell took a backseat to experienced players such as Jordan Hulls last season, but he will take his next step up as a sophomore.
Ohio State
- It’ll be tough to fill Deshaun Thomas’ offensive void, but LaQuinton Ross certainly has the firepower to average 15 PPG as junior.
- Ohio State is more than just Aaron Craft and LaQuinton Ross. The Buckeyes could potentially have a surprising star this season in Sam Thompson.
- Amir Williams holds the key to the Buckeyes getting out into transition with their talented guards and athletic wings filling the lanes.
Purdue
- The Boilermakers could have issues on the offensive end if they don’t address their lack of long-range shooting.
- Without a true threat from the long-range, Matt Painter will need A.J.Hammons to a force in the paint.
Iowa
- The Hawkeyes have been getting an “underrated” buzz during the offseason. They have the talent to make the NCAA Tournament, and Aaron White will play a significant role in their return.
- The Hawkeyes have trended up under Fran McCaffery, but is this the year that they finally break through and reach their goals as a legitimate Big Ten basketball program?
Illinois. Tracy Abrams was turnover prone as a sophomore. Without Brandon Paul and D.J.Richardson, he will need to step up as the lead guard if Illinois hopes to make a run at the postseason.
Wisconsin. Can Frank Kaminsky step up for the Badgers in the paint?
Penn State. Who is the best backcourt in the Big Ten? The answer could surprise you: Penn State’s Tim Frazier and D.J.Newbill will be in the running.
Nebraska. The Huskers will not make the postseason this year, we know that. However, the return on their investment in basketball could pay off over the next few years.
Northwestern. There is new sheriff in Evanston: head coach Chris Collins. He will need Drew Crawford‘s help to remain competitive at home against Big Ten competition.