RTC finishes our preseason Big Ten rankings today with spots #4 through #1. The bottom tier of teams, #14 to #10, released earlier this week, and the mid-tier teams, also released earlier this week, provide depth to the conference. But it’s these four squads in the top tier that will likely be fighting to win the conference title and lock down high seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
4. Ohio State
- What they do well: A little bit of everything, is that too vague? There is nothing that sticks out as special about these Buckeyes, but they will play the solid all-around basketball of Thad Matta. Shannon Scott will push the tempo and control the offense while D’Angelo Russell could be the offensive spark that it needs this season. Overall, the Buckeyes will minimize mistakes and play good defense.
- What they don’t do well: Score during crunch time. The Buckeyes had trouble finding key buckets during the last two minutes of games last season and unless Russell becomes a true go-to guy, they will have the same issues again.
- Get to know: Mark Loving. Russell will be the highlight during the non-conference season but Loving could be the super sophomore that helps this team get off to a good start and compete for the conference crown. He has the ability to rebound and stretch the floor from the four position.
- Why they’ll finish 4th: They don’t have enough talent to leapfrog into the top three, but they should win 10 to 12 Big Ten games this year.
- Why they’ll finish higher: If Russell, Scott and Loving can each average 12 PPG or more, the Buckeyes can push themselves into a real contending spot. Loving’s contributions will very important because Matta’s team has struggled to find consistent offense over the past two seasons.
3. Michigan State
- What they do well: Play a tough brand of basketball, as cliche as it may sound. Despite losing Adreian Payne, Gary Harris and Keith Appling, they have excellent wings who will hit the boards and play tough defense. Denzel Valentine and Branden Dawson should really progress this season.
- What they don’t do well: Score with ease. Valentine and Dawson aren’t great offensively because they lack consistent jumpers. Relying on Travis Trice for the bulk of the team’s offensive production could be dicey.
- Get to know: Lourawls Nairn. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks up on your radar as one of the quickest players in the league by mid-season. He makes up for his 5’10” size with lightning quickness and Tom Izzo could play him alongside Trice to give the latter more opportunities to shoot from beyond the arc.
- Why they’ll finish 3rd: Similar to Ohio State, Michigan State lacks that consistent scoring threat to put them over the top in this league.
- Why they’ll finish higher: Consistency and defense. With timely scoring, the Spartans could finish second because they have experienced, mature players returning, unlike the team picked to finish right above them.
2. Nebraska
- What they do well: Play great on-ball defense. Because of their versatility at every position, the Cornhuskers are extremely active and don’t let the offense rest at any point during a possession. Each player persistently tries to swipe the ball and feeding the post against their hyper-quick wings is a daunting task.
- What they don’t do well: Hit the boards. Except for Walter Pitchford, the Huskers are fairly lean on the block, so they could get outrebounded regularly during the conference season.
- Get to know: Tai Webster. Terran Petteway will be the team’s main scorer but Webster holds the keys to the offense because he will be Tim Miles’ guy to ensure that the Huskers don’t play erratically.
- Why they’ll finish 2nd: Four of their starters can shoot effectively, which should help them compete every night.
- Why they’ll finish higher: If they can hold home court to win nine games, anything is possible because Wisconsin could stumble with an injury.
1. Wisconsin
- What they do well: Bring back Final Four experience. Averaging 1.13 PPP doesn’t just happen without talent: Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes should be one the best front lines in the country.
- What they don’t do well: Protect the defensive glass. Kaminsky and Dekker aren’t known for sticking around after a possession ends because they prefer to get out on the fast break.
- Get to know: Nigel Hayes. While Dekker and Kaminsky are household names by now, Hayes flew under the radar. That won’t happen this year because he will be Bo Ryan’s other big scoring threat down on the block.
- Why they’ll finish 1st: Four starters return from a Final Four team. Enough said.
- Why they’ll finish lower: Injuries. If Kaminsky or Dekker misses significant time, the Badgers could fall into a funk and lose some games that they otherwise wouldn’t have.