Crean has one of the best recruiting classes in the country next year. I think they will DEFINITELY give him a chance to see how that class turns out.

I see Western Illinois almost knocked off a ranked Michigan squad last night. I think it is going to be a
bit of a down year for the Big Ten.

I'll step out and say that if DJ Richardson has actually remembered how to shoot the ball and, as a result, he returns to the defensive player that he was before his head got all messed up, that Illinois will be better than people might anticipate. There is a lot of talent on that team.

Leonard has to be strong in the middle and not be foul-prone, though. They are still thin in the middle, as always.

I watched the game last night, they are pretty stacked in the middle actually. They lack good ball handlers on the perimeter. Tons of TO's and no assists.

I didn't realize that game was on TV. I believe that. Maniscalco is probably their only ball-handler. Paul is wild with the ball (unless he's improved). Richardson works better without the ball. I thought they talked about trying to groom Head into being a PG but I know he's been out (suspended).

I don't know how stacked they can be down low. Griffey is one of their classic tall/outside guys. Leonard should be solid but the other guys are young or unskilled or both. I don't think you can count on them.

Interior players showed a lot of physicality that has been lacking in recent years.

Great. Let's see if Weber can get something out of Paul, Richardson, and Head like he did with a certain trio a few years ago.

I wouldn't count out Abrams or Bertrand from contributing this year, either.

I mean, on paper, they should be good. But, after last year, when, on paper, they should have been very good, I just can't say that it is going to happen. But, it is going to happen. Big Ten Title!!!

Northwestern actually just beat a decent Tulsa team too!

Think they can make the tourney this year?

I can see them beating Penn State (twice), Iowa (twice), Nebraska (once), Michigan (once), Illinois (once), Purdue (once), Indiana (once), and Minnesota (once) for a 9-7 record.

That's 10.

They should be 12-1 going into Big Ten play. Assuming 20 wins gets a Big Ten team in, they need to go 8-8. Definitely do-able. I can see them beating Penn State (twice), Iowa (twice), Nebraska (once), Michigan (once), Illinois (once), Purdue (once), Indiana (once), and Minnesota (once) for a 9-7 record.

Well, when you put it like that...

no...

Sorry Mud, I just can't see them doing all of that, I know that the conference is sub-par this season, but that looks like a heavy assumption that they can do all that, are they that much improved over last years team?

I heard Spiegel said Iowa, I just don't see it right now, may have to go 4-0 in regular season which is possible and 2 wins in Big 10 Tournament.