IU Basketball is back in full swing. Tom Crean was granted patience by the university and it has payed off. First Team All-American Cody Zeller leads a talented Hoosier team. Zeller went for 15.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg a year ago. Mr. big shot Christian Watford is back and has first team Big Ten potential. A solid recruting class adds to an already talented team. The stud of the class is Yogi Ferrell who will make an impact in the backcourt for the Hoosiers. The return of Maurice Creek is flying under the radar. The team defense should improve. IU is my pick to win the National Championship!
#2 Michigan
Trey Burke decided to stay at Michigan and that makes the Wolverines a national title contender. Tim Hardway Jr. is ready for another big year after scoring a little over 14 ppg last season. A nice recruiting class will bode will for the Wolverines. Glenn Robinson, Mitch McGary, and Spike Albrecht will contribute early.
#3 Michigan State
Keith Appling emerged at point guard. The frontcourt is loaded with Payne, Dawson and Nix. Freshman shooting guard Gary Harris is a prized recruit and will make an impact for Izzo from day one. The Spartans do lose team leader Draymond Green, who fills the leadership role?
#4 Ohio State
I may be crazy for having the Buckeyes this low, but only time will tell. The Buckeyes lose Buford and Sullinger who combined for 32 ppg last season. Yes, Craft is a great player, but he's not a dangerous offensive threat. Deshaun Thomas rose to the occasion in the NCAA Tournament, but now hes the target of every teams game plan. Who emerges as a scorer?
#5 Wisconsin
The team relied on Jordan Taylor a lot last season. He's gone who steps up for the Badgers? Freshman Sam Dekker could emerge as the guy. Dekker is the fourth leading scorer in Wisconsin HS basketball. Ryan Evans can score and hit the boards look for him to average close to a double-double this season.
#6 Minnesota
#7 Northwestern
#8 Iowa
#9 Illinois
#10 Purude
#11 Penn State
#12 Nebraska
First Team All Big Ten 2012-2013
G Trey Burke. Michigan G Tim Frazier, Penn State G Brandon Paul, Illinois F Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State C Cody Zeller, Indiana
