OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
The preseason magazines I have looked at have either Wisky or Ohio State winning the league....I think its going to be a very wide open race this year.
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The preseason magazines I have looked at have either Wisky or Ohio State winning the league....I think its going to be a very wide open race this year.
OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
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Conference preview: Big Ten
When you're in a job like this, you start looking at schedules and stuff pretty early, trying to figure some places you might be during the upcoming season. This year, a short list included the possible No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between Florida and Kansas in Las Vegas on Nov. 25, the game Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight figures to pass Dean Smith on the list of career wins and the debut of Greg Oden at Ohio State.
And then guess what happened?
Oden, the guy who would've been the top pick in last June's NBA Draft if not for the new age limit, had wrist surgery, and now my plans are totally screwed. I'm no longer certain where I'll be when Ohio State opens against Virginia Military on Nov. 10, but I'm sure it won't be Columbus, and it's likely to be my little niece's birthday party watching a bunch of kids jump in a moon bounce, or something similar.
Watch a 7-footer dunk or a 4-footer eat cake?
For me, that's always going to be an easy decision, and that suits me well for this job. On the other hand, it probably also ensures I'm a terrible uncle.
Nobody's perfect, right?
1. Wisconsin
Reasons to be excited: Alando Tucker returns, and he's primed to be the Big Ten Player of the Year. The senior averaged 19.0 points and 5.7 rebounds last season, and that he's back -- along with 90 percent of Wisconsin's scoring -- gives Bo Ryan the talent and experience to thrive.
Alando Tucker is back for his season year as the Badgers return 90 percent of their scoring. (Getty Images) Reasons to be depressed: Though they won 19 games last season, the Badgers shot only 43.2 percent from the field and 66.4 percent from the free throw line. Both numbers ranked 10th in the Big Ten. And while I suppose such poor percentages can be overcome to be good, if Wisconsin wants to be great, it'd better figure a way to put the ball through the basket with more frequency.
How it'll all shake out: This league is probably a two-school race for the top spot, and as long as Oden isn't quite the second coming, then the edge has to go to Wisconsin. A senior leader like Tucker is a nice advantage, and that I placed the Badgers fourth in my preseason national rankings should demonstrate what I think is possible for this team.
2. Ohio State
Reasons to be excited: Perhaps you've heard, but Ohio State has the best incoming college big man since Shaquille O'Neal, Ralph Sampson, Bill Walton or Bill Russell, depending on who you ask. In all seriousness, Oden is no joke or product of hype. He's one of only two high school players I've never heard at least a handful of college coaches suggest wasn't as good as everybody else proclaimed. The other was LeBron James. Take that for what it's worth.
Reasons to be depressed: Perhaps you've heard, but Oden's wrist is still recovering from surgery and there's no clear date for a return to the court, though early January, at the latest, seems about right. Still, the longer Oden is out, the longer it'll take him to get adjusted to the college game. And while I'm sure he'll be fine, I'd like to watch him dunk on Eastern Kentucky and Youngstown State a few times before just being thrown out there in time to dunk on Indiana and Illinois.
How it'll all shake out: With Oden in the middle and a backcourt of Mike Conley, Jamar Butler and Ron Lewis, this is a team that could be scary good in February. I'm not sure it's a Final Four squad, but I am sure it could be if everything breaks -- no, make that heals -- correctly.
3. Illinois
Reasons to be excited: Three starters return from a team that nearly beat Washington in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Among them is Brian Randle, a nice defender who can play either forward spot and should be able to improve on his sophomore season averages of 8.5 points and 5.4 rebounds.
Accolades First team G - Jamar Butler, Ohio State G - Adam Haluska, Iowa F - Alando Tucker, Wisconsin F - D.J. White, Indiana C - Greg Oden, Ohio State Second team G - Kammron Taylor, Wisconsin G - Drew Neitzel, Michigan State F - Geary Claxton, Penn State F - Brian Randle, Illinois C - Courtney Sims, Michigan Player of the year
Alando Tucker, Wisconsin Newcomer of the year
Greg Oden, Ohio State Breakthrough player
Brian Randle, Illinois Coach on the hot seat
Dan Monson, Minnesota
Reasons to be depressed: Dee Brown and James Augustine are both gone, meaning the Illini will have to find leadership -- and 27.8 points per game -- elsewhere. As for the leadership thing, that's not going too well so far, considering Rich McBride was arrested last month and charged with DUI. And, I almost forgot, the future of the program, Eric Gordon, is now the future of Indiana's program, having de-committed from Illinois. That still stings, I'm told.
How it'll all shake out: The Illini are 89-16 in Bruce Weber's three seasons, and that includes a trip to the national title game. So while the recruiting remains unfortunate at best, it's pretty clear Weber is a big-time coach who can get the best from his players once the ball is tossed up. And because Weber still has good players -- specifically Randle and McBride -- there's no reason to think he won't do a good job with them and take Illinois to the NCAA Tournament for an eighth consecutive season.
4. Michigan
Reasons to be excited: The Wolverines have nice experience in three returning starters who are seniors. Both big man Courtney Sims (10.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season) and smaller man Dion Harris (11.1 points, 2.8 assists) are capable of being all-league performers.
Reasons to be depressed: The problem with that experience Michigan possesses is that it has consistently fizzled and only been good enough to make the NIT. In putting the Wolverines fourth, I'm asking them to do something they haven't done lately -- i.e., play to potential -- and snap an eight-year drought of NCAA Tournament appearances. And that I'm asking them to do it without Daniel Horton's 17.6 points per game could be really stupid.
How it'll all shake out: Because I like Sims and Harris -- and the league seems down as a whole -- I'm betting this is the year Tommy Amaker finally gets it done, that this is the year that six-year plan comes to fruition. If not, I'm sure the guy will make a nice TV analyst.
5. Indiana
Reasons to be excited: The reaction was so-so When Kelvin Sampson's hire was announced, but now that he's landed the top player in the state -- that Gordon kid -- the Indiana faithful couldn't be happier. The lesson? There is no problem in coaching a high-profile commitment can't change, and if Sampson ultimately beats Memphis for Derrick Rose, a ridiculously gifted point guard from Chicago, then Hoosier fans might go ahead and build a statue of the guy before he even coaches a game. And, oh yeah, D.J. White is back from an injury. He's really good, and he'll show it this season.
Reasons to be depressed: It's unclear if the Hoosiers will be ready to play Sampson's style effectively from the start. And with early games at Duke, at Kentucky and against Southern Illinois -- plus possible NIT Season Tip-off matchups with Tennessee and North Carolina -- there's a chance the losses could pile up quickly, even before the Big Ten schedule begins.
How it'll all shake out: The Hoosiers will be fine this season, and they should make the NCAA Tournament. But really, this is probably just the season before the season Sampson returns Indiana to national prominence. And by national prominence, I mean the type of program that consistently competes for national titles, you know, just like the good ol' days.
6. Michigan State
Reasons to be excited: Tom Izzo is a good coach, one of the best in the business, and that's going to be especially important this season when he's trying to make a 10th consecutive NCAA Tournament without the best talent in the business. Aiding that cause will be Drew Neitzel, suddenly a combo guard who should lead the Spartans in scoring after two years of leading them in assists.
7. Penn State
Reasons to be excited: Penn State actually has an interesting basketball team, one that made the NIT last season. With four starters back, there's reason to be optimistic, and the biggest is Geary Claxton, who averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds from the wing.
Reasons to be depressed: Size remains an issue considering all four returning starters stand 6-5 or shorter. Unless you're Bruce Pearl at Tennessee or have four really good guards like Jay Wright had at Villanova last season, it can be difficult to win at a high level without some tall dudes on the court. This is basketball, after all.
How it'll all shake out: The Nittany Lions should be better than last season, but probably still not good enough to make the NCAA Tournament. Another NIT is likely, but I'll put Penn State on the bubble and we'll see how things go after the team finishes a weak non-league schedule that will put pressure on them to tally more than a few significant Big Ten wins if the NCAA Tournament selection committee is to be impressed. At Georgia Tech on Nov. 28 is the only non-league game of note.
8. Purdue
Reasons to be excited: Matt Painter is recruiting like crazy, and the Boilermakers won't be down long. This year, things start to get better, and a big reason is that Carl Landry returns following knee surgery. He averaged 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds two seasons ago as a sophomore.
Reasons to be depressed: The book on Landry is that he's a very good offensive scorer, which is what coaches say when they're not sold on the other parts of his game. To be great, he needs to be good in all areas, and that includes passing out of double-teams and playing defense. Still, Landry is a talent, but the problem is that the Boilermakers don't have enough other talented guys to compete with the top half of the Big Ten, or least they won't until those Class of 2007 prospects enroll next year.
How it'll all shake out: The Boilermakers will be tested early, considering their opener in the Maui Invitational is against Georgia Tech. Assuming that's a loss, a probable third game would likely come against DePaul or Kentucky, so it'll take an upset for Purdue to get any more than one win before heading back to the mainland. Still, as long as confidence doesn't slip, the Boilermakers have a chance to produce one of the better improvements in the nation. And if that happens, they can make the NIT.
9. Iowa
Reasons to be excited: Adam Haluska is back for his senior year, and he should improve on the 13.9 points per game he scored last season. Coach Steve Alford also returns after talk indicated he might be changing jobs. And though Iowa fans seem to have a love-hate relationship with Alford, it's worth noting he has averaged 19.3 wins through seven years, and he got 25 last season.
Reasons to be depressed: Those 25 wins came with a starting lineup featuring Greg Brunner, Erek Hansen and Jeff Horner, a trio that averaged 34.4 points and 17.3 rebounds per game. Now, they're all gone, and arguably the best incoming recruit, Tyler Smith, was arrested for shoplifting last month. That's no way to start a career.
How it'll all shake out: It's difficult to envision Iowa being very good with all those key losses, and a dropoff is unavoidable. If the newcomers adjust well, then the Hawkeyes are an NIT team. If not, then they're not, and that love-hate relationship with Alford with shift slightly more toward hate.
10. Minnesota
Reasons to be excited: If you're one of those Minnesota fans who want coach Dan Monson to relocate, start celebrating, you heartless souls. Barring a miracle, the losses are going to stack, so you'll likely get your wish in early March.
Reasons to be depressed: All five starters are gone, which is the reason the losses will stack. Consequently, the Gophers are a Big Ten team, but they just don't have a Big Ten roster.
How it'll all shake out: This will be bad, and it'll get ugly, and Monson will yearn for stress-free days playing golf or hiking or doing whatever it is he enjoys doing. There were reports Minnesota was ready to make a coaching change after last season. After this season, it's hard to imagine the school not doing it unless Lawrence Westbrook and Bryce Webster emerge as the best freshmen in the history of the Big Ten, and, frankly, that isn't going to be the case.
11. Northwestern
Reasons to be excited: Senior Tim Doyle is back after averaging 8.0 points per game last season. He'll be joined by freshman Kevin Coble, who is a good prospect relative to Northwestern's basketball standards.
Reasons to be depressed: The Wildcats didn't have many talented players to begin with, but now the few pretty good ones are gone. Three starters and 35.0 points per game are missing from last season's team that finished 14-15, meaning Northwestern is pretty much guaranteed to extend its drought of NCAA Tournament appearances by another year.
How it'll all shake out: That we live in a world where George Mason has been to the Final Four but Northwestern has never even played in the NCAA Tournament seems crazy. Zero-for-history, and it should keep going for who knows how long.
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Michigan State's Izzo OK with underdog tag
By Mark Gokavi
Staff Writer
Monday, October 30, 2006
CHICAGO ? Tom Izzo likes the underdog role, but only once in a while.
The Michigan State men's basketball coach won the 2000 NCAA title, has been to four Final Fours, won four straight Big Ten titles and routinely sends players to the NBA.
He understands Ohio State downplaying its selection as the team to beat. Last year's Spartans hoped for a Final Four return but were "only" 22-12. He also said high rankings hold the key to future success.
"If you really want to have a good program ? if you want to have a good team, that's bad ? but if you want to a good program . . . the only way they respect your program is you get picked up there all the time," Izzo said Sunday at Big Ten media day. "Otherwise, they're not going to respect it. I don't want a lot of this not being picked high. But once, twice every eight or nine years, that'd be OK."
As for OSU and Wisconsin getting the favorite's tag, that's OK, too.
"At least in October and November, Wisconsin and Ohio State can have it," Izzo said. "But I think they have it because they deserve it."
Youth vs. experience
Illinois coach Bruce Weber sounds like he's taking Wisconsin over Ohio State to win the league. Why? The Badgers have about a dozen returners while the Buckeyes have the "Thad Five" but just one starter back.
"Who won last year? Ohio State won. Why? They had older guys," Weber said. "I think (Jamar) Butler became a big-time player as the season went on, but those older guys that had been through the league, been through the wars, they understood it."
Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson leans the other way.
"I'd rather have talent than inexperience sometimes," Sampson said. "Don't ever discount talent. Talent doesn't necessarily win you the game. Talent with toughness. Talent with some resolve. Talent with a competitiveness about you. That's what you want."
Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said other coaches enjoy the Buckeyes-Badgers talk: "There's other coaches over there just smiling. How about the years we snuck up on people? You kind of sit over in the corner and smirk."
Oden's buzz
Some coaches pointed to Lew Alcindor. For others, it was Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing or Shaquille O'Neal.
Asked to rank the freshman hype about Ohio State 7-footer Greg Oden, Iowa coach Steve Alford picked a smaller guy. "For me, it would be Damon Bailey," Alford said of his Indiana days. "I was playing at that time and he was only in eighth grade and I was hearing the buzz about that."
OSU's Jamar Butler has only seen Oden at full speed on film. Butler's take? "I'd say from watching tape, you can expect a lot of dunks and a lot of blocked shots."
OSU women picked first
Ohio State's two-time defending conference champions were picked to stay at the top. Coach Jim Foster's team (29-3, 15-1) was picked first, followed by Purdue and Michigan State.
Ohio State center Jessica Davenport, honored the past two seasons as player of the year, was picked to repeat.
Other local ties
In addition to OSU's Daequan Cook of Dayton Dunbar and Matt Terwilliger of Troy, here are some other Big 10 players with local ties.
? Iowa's Seth Gorney (Vandalia Butler) played with the Big Ten traveling team and could finally get real playing time. "For two years, he's kind of waited his turn," Alford said. "Some guys wait their turn and hope they keep waiting. They talk about wanting to play but when it's really their time, they don't. I think Seth has waited his turn and now he's really ready for it."
? Big Ten preseason first-teamer Geary Claxton of Penn State said he's gotten closer to Brandon Hassell (Valley View) than he could ever expect: "We're like distant cousins on my mom's side," Claxton said. "We just found that out my freshman year. It's weird."
? Ex-Dayton player Trent Meacham will be an early substitution at either guard spot for Illinois. "He's very solid," Weber said. "He's a great kid. I think he's a great complementary player."
Contact this reporter at [email protected] or at (937) 225-6951.
Big Ten men's basketball preseason voting
Top 3 teams
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Illinois
All-conference team
D.J. White, Indiana, junior guard
Adam Haluska, Iowa, senior guard
Greg Oden, Ohio State, freshman center
Geary Claxton, Penn State, junior guard/forward
Alando Tucker*, Wisconsin, junior forward
* ? Preseason player of the year
Michigan State's Izzo OK with underdog tag
By Mark Gokavi
Staff Writer
Monday, October 30, 2006
CHICAGO ? Tom Izzo likes the underdog role, but only once in a while.
The Michigan State men's basketball coach won the 2000 NCAA title, has been to four Final Fours, won four straight Big Ten titles and routinely sends players to the NBA.
He understands Ohio State downplaying its selection as the team to beat. Last year's Spartans hoped for a Final Four return but were "only" 22-12. He also said high rankings hold the key to future success.
"If you really want to have a good program ? if you want to have a good team, that's bad ? but if you want to a good program . . . the only way they respect your program is you get picked up there all the time," Izzo said Sunday at Big Ten media day. "Otherwise, they're not going to respect it. I don't want a lot of this not being picked high. But once, twice every eight or nine years, that'd be OK."
As for OSU and Wisconsin getting the favorite's tag, that's OK, too.
"At least in October and November, Wisconsin and Ohio State can have it," Izzo said. "But I think they have it because they deserve it."
Youth vs. experience
Illinois coach Bruce Weber sounds like he's taking Wisconsin over Ohio State to win the league. Why? The Badgers have about a dozen returners while the Buckeyes have the "Thad Five" but just one starter back.
"Who won last year? Ohio State won. Why? They had older guys," Weber said. "I think (Jamar) Butler became a big-time player as the season went on, but those older guys that had been through the league, been through the wars, they understood it."
Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson leans the other way.
"I'd rather have talent than inexperience sometimes," Sampson said. "Don't ever discount talent. Talent doesn't necessarily win you the game. Talent with toughness. Talent with some resolve. Talent with a competitiveness about you. That's what you want."
Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said other coaches enjoy the Buckeyes-Badgers talk: "There's other coaches over there just smiling. How about the years we snuck up on people? You kind of sit over in the corner and smirk."
Oden's buzz
Some coaches pointed to Lew Alcindor. For others, it was Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing or Shaquille O'Neal.
Asked to rank the freshman hype about Ohio State 7-footer Greg Oden, Iowa coach Steve Alford picked a smaller guy. "For me, it would be Damon Bailey," Alford said of his Indiana days. "I was playing at that time and he was only in eighth grade and I was hearing the buzz about that."
OSU's Jamar Butler has only seen Oden at full speed on film. Butler's take? "I'd say from watching tape, you can expect a lot of dunks and a lot of blocked shots."
OSU women picked first
Ohio State's two-time defending conference champions were picked to stay at the top. Coach Jim Foster's team (29-3, 15-1) was picked first, followed by Purdue and Michigan State.
Ohio State center Jessica Davenport, honored the past two seasons as player of the year, was picked to repeat.
Other local ties
In addition to OSU's Daequan Cook of Dayton Dunbar and Matt Terwilliger of Troy, here are some other Big 10 players with local ties.
? Iowa's Seth Gorney (Vandalia Butler) played with the Big Ten traveling team and could finally get real playing time. "For two years, he's kind of waited his turn," Alford said. "Some guys wait their turn and hope they keep waiting. They talk about wanting to play but when it's really their time, they don't. I think Seth has waited his turn and now he's really ready for it."
? Big Ten preseason first-teamer Geary Claxton of Penn State said he's gotten closer to Brandon Hassell (Valley View) than he could ever expect: "We're like distant cousins on my mom's side," Claxton said. "We just found that out my freshman year. It's weird."
? Ex-Dayton player Trent Meacham will be an early substitution at either guard spot for Illinois. "He's very solid," Weber said. "He's a great kid. I think he's a great complementary player."
Contact this reporter at [email protected] or at (937) 225-6951.
Big Ten men's basketball preseason voting
Top 3 teams
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Illinois
All-conference team
D.J. White, Indiana, junior guard
Adam Haluska, Iowa, senior guard
Greg Oden, Ohio State, freshman center
Geary Claxton, Penn State, junior guard/forward
Alando Tucker*, Wisconsin, junior forward
* ? Preseason player of the year
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Buckeyes, Badgers picked 1-2
By Stacy Clardie
The Journal Gazette
Oden
CHICAGO ? Bo Ryan just wanted time to enjoy everything.
His Wisconsin team was selected No. 2 behind Ohio State in the Big Ten preseason media poll, and he wasn?t ready to break down the rest of the conference just yet.
?Can I just enjoy this for 20 minutes?? said Ryan, sitting at a table in a conference room at the Marriott O?Hare full of Big Ten men?s and women?s basketball coaches the conference?s media day Sunday. ?There?s some coaches in here that are just smiling. All they?re talking about is a couple schools and, ?Oh, are we going to surprise some people.? Well, I was in that spot the last five years, sitting here going ?I think our guys can be pretty good.? ?
He wouldn?t say whether his team should have been No. 1, but that?s what Ohio State coach Thad Matta implied when he said he was ?very surprised? his team was chosen at the top.
Matta, certainly, was being a bit modest. He may only have one returning starter from last season?s Big Ten championship team that went 26-6, but it is one of the best point guards in the league in Jamar Butler. Matta also has the best incoming freshmen class in the nation.
All four of those players were in state championship games last season at their high schools, and three won state titles. That includes Lawrence North products Greg Oden and Mike Conley.
Purdue coach Matt Painter called Oden, a 7-footer, the best player in the country. Oden was chosen as a member of the preseason All-Big Ten team, the first time since at least 1993-94 season that?s happened. And he likely won?t even play a game until January while recovering from surgery on his right wrist.
No matter, though.
The talent is there, even if it may take awhile to adjust to the newcomers.
?I think this is going to be a challenging year because (Matta) does have a lot of freshmen and a lot of new players who really don?t know,? Buckeyes senior guard Ron Lewis said. ?That?s one thing he?s been trying to do is challenge us in practice, see how people react to different things in different situations. It?s going to be great for our team.
?It?s going to be a sight to see what we can do in the Big Ten and during the regular season.?
While Ohio State may be relying on some inexperienced players, Wisconsin has four returning starters. The Badgers have been to eight consecutive NCAA Tournaments, and Ryan surely was happy to get some recognition, even if it is only the preseason.
He knows he has some talented players.
Forward Alando Tucker was selected as the conference?s preseason Player of the Year. He won the Big Ten scoring title last season by averaging 20 points per game, and he?s already scored 1,501 points in his career.
But the Badgers also have starting forwards Brian Butch, Jason Chappell and guard Kammron Taylor back. Marcus Landry, the brother of Purdue?s Carl Landry, also returns after missing the second half of the season because of academics.
?We have a lot of experience returning, a lot of rebounding, scoring, assists ? I think it?s like 90 percent in every category coming back,? Taylor said. ?That?s a good thing. When you look at it, a couple years ago, Illinois brought all their starters back and you saw what they did (a trip to the championship game). I can?t compare us to them, but experience always is a good thing when you have upperclassmen leading the way and showing the young guys along.?
After the top two, the talk by coaches at Big Ten media day was just how competitive the rest of the conference should be.
Illinois was picked third in the media poll, which only ranks the top three. The Illini return three starters from last season in which it went 11-5 in the Big Ten.
But what about Indiana? D.J. White, a first-team All-Big Ten preseason pick, is healthy. Add in talented guards A.J. Ratliff and Roderick Wilmont and a new coach in Kelvin Sampson, who has Final Four experience.
?A lot of things happen when the season starts,? White said. ?A lot of teams break down, a lot of teams get better. A lot of teams surprise a lot of people.
?I want to be one of those teams that surprise a lot of people and make a run at the Big Ten championship.?
What about Michigan State?
Or even Penn State, which Michigan State coach Tom Izzo called a sleeper?
What about Purdue? Seniors Landry and David Teague are healthy after knee surgeries, and there?s depth in the backcourt, especially at point guard with Huntington North graduate Chris Kramer, freshman classmate Keaton Grant and transfer Tarrance Crump. That should translate into more exciting basketball from an up-tempo standpoint, and perhaps, a big boost from a three-win conference season a year ago.
?Everybody said the Big Ten is down this year, but I don?t think so,? Teague said. ?I think it?s open. I think it?s going to be very competitive. After Wisconsin and Ohio State, those third, fourth, fifth slots are open. A lot of teams have some fresh faces coming in and a lot of teams have some guys coming back trying to put their stamp on the conference.
?I?m sure looking forward to it.?
Buckeyes, Badgers picked 1-2
By Stacy Clardie
The Journal Gazette
Oden
CHICAGO ? Bo Ryan just wanted time to enjoy everything.
His Wisconsin team was selected No. 2 behind Ohio State in the Big Ten preseason media poll, and he wasn?t ready to break down the rest of the conference just yet.
?Can I just enjoy this for 20 minutes?? said Ryan, sitting at a table in a conference room at the Marriott O?Hare full of Big Ten men?s and women?s basketball coaches the conference?s media day Sunday. ?There?s some coaches in here that are just smiling. All they?re talking about is a couple schools and, ?Oh, are we going to surprise some people.? Well, I was in that spot the last five years, sitting here going ?I think our guys can be pretty good.? ?
He wouldn?t say whether his team should have been No. 1, but that?s what Ohio State coach Thad Matta implied when he said he was ?very surprised? his team was chosen at the top.
Matta, certainly, was being a bit modest. He may only have one returning starter from last season?s Big Ten championship team that went 26-6, but it is one of the best point guards in the league in Jamar Butler. Matta also has the best incoming freshmen class in the nation.
All four of those players were in state championship games last season at their high schools, and three won state titles. That includes Lawrence North products Greg Oden and Mike Conley.
Purdue coach Matt Painter called Oden, a 7-footer, the best player in the country. Oden was chosen as a member of the preseason All-Big Ten team, the first time since at least 1993-94 season that?s happened. And he likely won?t even play a game until January while recovering from surgery on his right wrist.
No matter, though.
The talent is there, even if it may take awhile to adjust to the newcomers.
?I think this is going to be a challenging year because (Matta) does have a lot of freshmen and a lot of new players who really don?t know,? Buckeyes senior guard Ron Lewis said. ?That?s one thing he?s been trying to do is challenge us in practice, see how people react to different things in different situations. It?s going to be great for our team.
?It?s going to be a sight to see what we can do in the Big Ten and during the regular season.?
While Ohio State may be relying on some inexperienced players, Wisconsin has four returning starters. The Badgers have been to eight consecutive NCAA Tournaments, and Ryan surely was happy to get some recognition, even if it is only the preseason.
He knows he has some talented players.
Forward Alando Tucker was selected as the conference?s preseason Player of the Year. He won the Big Ten scoring title last season by averaging 20 points per game, and he?s already scored 1,501 points in his career.
But the Badgers also have starting forwards Brian Butch, Jason Chappell and guard Kammron Taylor back. Marcus Landry, the brother of Purdue?s Carl Landry, also returns after missing the second half of the season because of academics.
?We have a lot of experience returning, a lot of rebounding, scoring, assists ? I think it?s like 90 percent in every category coming back,? Taylor said. ?That?s a good thing. When you look at it, a couple years ago, Illinois brought all their starters back and you saw what they did (a trip to the championship game). I can?t compare us to them, but experience always is a good thing when you have upperclassmen leading the way and showing the young guys along.?
After the top two, the talk by coaches at Big Ten media day was just how competitive the rest of the conference should be.
Illinois was picked third in the media poll, which only ranks the top three. The Illini return three starters from last season in which it went 11-5 in the Big Ten.
But what about Indiana? D.J. White, a first-team All-Big Ten preseason pick, is healthy. Add in talented guards A.J. Ratliff and Roderick Wilmont and a new coach in Kelvin Sampson, who has Final Four experience.
?A lot of things happen when the season starts,? White said. ?A lot of teams break down, a lot of teams get better. A lot of teams surprise a lot of people.
?I want to be one of those teams that surprise a lot of people and make a run at the Big Ten championship.?
What about Michigan State?
Or even Penn State, which Michigan State coach Tom Izzo called a sleeper?
What about Purdue? Seniors Landry and David Teague are healthy after knee surgeries, and there?s depth in the backcourt, especially at point guard with Huntington North graduate Chris Kramer, freshman classmate Keaton Grant and transfer Tarrance Crump. That should translate into more exciting basketball from an up-tempo standpoint, and perhaps, a big boost from a three-win conference season a year ago.
?Everybody said the Big Ten is down this year, but I don?t think so,? Teague said. ?I think it?s open. I think it?s going to be very competitive. After Wisconsin and Ohio State, those third, fourth, fifth slots are open. A lot of teams have some fresh faces coming in and a lot of teams have some guys coming back trying to put their stamp on the conference.
?I?m sure looking forward to it.?
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Big Ten wary of Boilermakers' potential
By JEFF WASHBURN
[email protected]
CHICAGO -- Tom Izzo's opinions generally are respected when the subject matter is Big Ten Conference men's basketball.
When the Michigan State coach began talking about Purdue's potential for improvement on Sunday morning during the Big Ten's annual Media Day at the Marriott-O'Hare, his logic made perfect sense.
While Big Ten media members selected Ohio State to repeat as conference champions, there is a buzz about the Boilermakers, who finished last (9-19, 3-13) in 2005-06.
That buzz centers on the return of fifth-year seniors Carl Landry and David Teague, each of whom missed almost all of last season because of knee injuries.
"Those two are good players," said Izzo, now in his 12th season as the Spartans' head coach. "I love Landry, because he is so tough. I would trade for him. He had an incredible junior year, and his injury really hurt them last year. Teague's shooting and size are special.
"Purdue and Penn State could make the biggest jumps in our league that have been made in years. Matt Painter is a good coach who has had great mentors in Gene Keady and Bruce Weber. He took some lumps last year. They're going to be good. Purdue deserves to be back up in the upper echelon."
Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Alando Tucker, the Wisconsin forward who averaged 19 points and 5.7 rebounds a game last season, likes Purdue's chances of challenging for a first-division finish.
"Having played against Landry and Teague and knowing what they bring to the table, Purdue will be a threat every night," Tucker said. "Right now, they are a team nobody is really talking about as a contender, but by the middle of the season, they are going to open a lot of eyes.
"Losing two key players is critical for a program, especially guys of their caliber. When you lose that, you are asking players who haven't been in those positions to do a lot. With the return of those two, Purdue will be a program to watch."
Michigan fifth-year senior guard/forward Lester Abram said Purdue's lack of experience doomed the Boilermakers in Painter's first season as head coach.
"(Landry and Teague) have played a lot of basketball for Purdue and know what to do," Abram said. "They will be leaders.
"With those two back, that's automatic improvement. It helps to have older guys, plus guys that have been around and already know the system and have been in Big Ten games."
Penn State senior guard Ben Luber, whose team was 6-10 in the Big Ten last season, predicts fans will notice the passion when Landry and Teague return to action.
"They will have the drive to play again," Luber said. "They are very good players and competitors. That team is talented, and they have a great young coach. They will be tough to play."
Illinois forward Brian Randle says Weber has reminded his team that this will be a different collection of Boilermakers.
"Having those two back at full strength makes Purdue a more powerful team," Randle said. "Both are great players who have been around. They know how to produce.
"Regardless of where they are ranked, they easily could be near the top, just given their experience and skill level. When you have guys like that, it makes everybody else go that much harder and feel that much better about themselves. It's kind of a domino effect."
Big Ten wary of Boilermakers' potential
By JEFF WASHBURN
[email protected]
CHICAGO -- Tom Izzo's opinions generally are respected when the subject matter is Big Ten Conference men's basketball.
When the Michigan State coach began talking about Purdue's potential for improvement on Sunday morning during the Big Ten's annual Media Day at the Marriott-O'Hare, his logic made perfect sense.
While Big Ten media members selected Ohio State to repeat as conference champions, there is a buzz about the Boilermakers, who finished last (9-19, 3-13) in 2005-06.
That buzz centers on the return of fifth-year seniors Carl Landry and David Teague, each of whom missed almost all of last season because of knee injuries.
"Those two are good players," said Izzo, now in his 12th season as the Spartans' head coach. "I love Landry, because he is so tough. I would trade for him. He had an incredible junior year, and his injury really hurt them last year. Teague's shooting and size are special.
"Purdue and Penn State could make the biggest jumps in our league that have been made in years. Matt Painter is a good coach who has had great mentors in Gene Keady and Bruce Weber. He took some lumps last year. They're going to be good. Purdue deserves to be back up in the upper echelon."
Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Alando Tucker, the Wisconsin forward who averaged 19 points and 5.7 rebounds a game last season, likes Purdue's chances of challenging for a first-division finish.
"Having played against Landry and Teague and knowing what they bring to the table, Purdue will be a threat every night," Tucker said. "Right now, they are a team nobody is really talking about as a contender, but by the middle of the season, they are going to open a lot of eyes.
"Losing two key players is critical for a program, especially guys of their caliber. When you lose that, you are asking players who haven't been in those positions to do a lot. With the return of those two, Purdue will be a program to watch."
Michigan fifth-year senior guard/forward Lester Abram said Purdue's lack of experience doomed the Boilermakers in Painter's first season as head coach.
"(Landry and Teague) have played a lot of basketball for Purdue and know what to do," Abram said. "They will be leaders.
"With those two back, that's automatic improvement. It helps to have older guys, plus guys that have been around and already know the system and have been in Big Ten games."
Penn State senior guard Ben Luber, whose team was 6-10 in the Big Ten last season, predicts fans will notice the passion when Landry and Teague return to action.
"They will have the drive to play again," Luber said. "They are very good players and competitors. That team is talented, and they have a great young coach. They will be tough to play."
Illinois forward Brian Randle says Weber has reminded his team that this will be a different collection of Boilermakers.
"Having those two back at full strength makes Purdue a more powerful team," Randle said. "Both are great players who have been around. They know how to produce.
"Regardless of where they are ranked, they easily could be near the top, just given their experience and skill level. When you have guys like that, it makes everybody else go that much harder and feel that much better about themselves. It's kind of a domino effect."
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It's unanimous for Gearlds
CHICAGO -- The Big Ten Conference held its annual media day Sunday. Although the league race doesn't officially begin until Dec. 28, it's never too early to look at the rankings and preseason honors.
THE RANKINGS
No surprise that Ohio State was the unanimous choice to win the Big Ten regular season championship by the coaches and a 22-member media panel. The Buckeyes will be seeking their third straight title.
Purdue was selected second, despite a limited roster and the transition to new coach Sharon Versyp. The coaches and the media agree on the top seven teams, a rarity.
Third through seventh are Michigan State, Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Minnesota was tabbed eighth by the coaches, ninth by the media.
"It's all about March," Spartans coach Joanne P. McCallie said of the preseason polls. "I think every program should be evaluated on how they do in March. We have always been about March and that is where we are going to stay."
Indiana was picked eighth by the media, 10th by the coaches.
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Again, no surprise that Ohio State center Jessica Davenport was selected the league's preseason player of the year. If Davenport wins the honor, the 6-foot-5 Columbus, Ohio, native will become the first player in Big Ten history to win the award three straight seasons.
Davenport, along with Purdue's Katie Gearlds, were the only unanimous selections to the All-Big Ten team.
Surprisingly, the coaches and media agreed. Joining Davenport and Gearlds on the team are Iowa sophomore center Megan Skouby, Penn State senior forward Amanda Brown and Wisconsin junior guard Jolene Anderson.
NEWCOMERS
Versyp will begin her first season with the Boilermakers but is not a Big Ten rookie. She was at Indiana for one season.
The Hoosiers hired Felisha Legette-Jack, who spent four seasons at Hofstra.
IN CASE YOU FORGOT
Minnesota has a different look after five players, who were expected to contribute this season, opted not to return.
Jamie Broback, who led the Golden Gophers in scoring and rebounding, along with Liz Podominick, Natasha Williams, Brittney Davis and Lauren Lacy decided against playing for coach Pam Borton.
All total, Minnesota lost 11 players from last year's team.
DID YOU REALIZE?
Three conference programs have had eight different head coaches, including Purdue.
Despite 273 all-time conference victories -- second to Iowa's 277 -- and seven regular season titles, the Boilermakers have changed coaches as many times as Indiana and Minnesota. The Hoosiers and the Gophers have combined to win one Big Ten championship.
GETTING STARTED
The Boilermakers will be the first conference team to play a regular season game. Purdue hosts Belmont in the preseason WNIT on Nov. 9.
It's unanimous for Gearlds
CHICAGO -- The Big Ten Conference held its annual media day Sunday. Although the league race doesn't officially begin until Dec. 28, it's never too early to look at the rankings and preseason honors.
THE RANKINGS
No surprise that Ohio State was the unanimous choice to win the Big Ten regular season championship by the coaches and a 22-member media panel. The Buckeyes will be seeking their third straight title.
Purdue was selected second, despite a limited roster and the transition to new coach Sharon Versyp. The coaches and the media agree on the top seven teams, a rarity.
Third through seventh are Michigan State, Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Minnesota was tabbed eighth by the coaches, ninth by the media.
"It's all about March," Spartans coach Joanne P. McCallie said of the preseason polls. "I think every program should be evaluated on how they do in March. We have always been about March and that is where we are going to stay."
Indiana was picked eighth by the media, 10th by the coaches.
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Again, no surprise that Ohio State center Jessica Davenport was selected the league's preseason player of the year. If Davenport wins the honor, the 6-foot-5 Columbus, Ohio, native will become the first player in Big Ten history to win the award three straight seasons.
Davenport, along with Purdue's Katie Gearlds, were the only unanimous selections to the All-Big Ten team.
Surprisingly, the coaches and media agreed. Joining Davenport and Gearlds on the team are Iowa sophomore center Megan Skouby, Penn State senior forward Amanda Brown and Wisconsin junior guard Jolene Anderson.
NEWCOMERS
Versyp will begin her first season with the Boilermakers but is not a Big Ten rookie. She was at Indiana for one season.
The Hoosiers hired Felisha Legette-Jack, who spent four seasons at Hofstra.
IN CASE YOU FORGOT
Minnesota has a different look after five players, who were expected to contribute this season, opted not to return.
Jamie Broback, who led the Golden Gophers in scoring and rebounding, along with Liz Podominick, Natasha Williams, Brittney Davis and Lauren Lacy decided against playing for coach Pam Borton.
All total, Minnesota lost 11 players from last year's team.
DID YOU REALIZE?
Three conference programs have had eight different head coaches, including Purdue.
Despite 273 all-time conference victories -- second to Iowa's 277 -- and seven regular season titles, the Boilermakers have changed coaches as many times as Indiana and Minnesota. The Hoosiers and the Gophers have combined to win one Big Ten championship.
GETTING STARTED
The Boilermakers will be the first conference team to play a regular season game. Purdue hosts Belmont in the preseason WNIT on Nov. 9.
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