Big Ten Conference 2007-08 Preview
Big Ten, we hardly knew ye. Gone are last season’s leading scorer, rebounder, assist man and shot blocker. Gone are Greg Oden’s husky beard, Adam Haluska’s sweaty brow, Alando Tucker’s ugly free throw form and Mike Conley, Jr.’s flawless game management. Gone are Steve Alford, Tommy Amaker and Dan Monson. And gone is the 16-game schedule, in favor of an 18-game campaign.
This is your new Big Ten people, embrace it.
Fans in Minneapolis, Iowa City and Ann Arbor are doing just that, with the arrivals of Tubby Smith, Todd Lickliter and John Beilein creating new excitement and harvesting serious buzz for some sputtering programs.
Indiana faithful can’t help but be giddy about their chances as well, with D.J. White returning and Eric Gordon arriving.
You know Tom Izzo’s Spartan following is certainly ready to embrace the deepest and most experienced team in the conference.
Let’s not forget about Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin, all of whom should be optimistic about their chances in this new Big Ten.
Northwestern and Penn State? You can come along, too.
Big Ten Honor Roll
First Team
G Drew Neitzel, Michigan State
G Eric Gordon, Indiana
C Shaun Pruitt, Illinois
F D.J. White, Indiana
F Geary Claxton, Penn State
Second Team
G Jamar Butler, Ohio State
G Lawrence McKenzie, Minnesota
C Goran Suton, Michigan State
F Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
F Brian Randle, Illinois
Third Team
G Chris Kramer, Purdue
G Michael Flowers, Wisconsin
F Jamelle Cornley, Penn State
F Kevin Coble, Northwestern
F Othello Hunter, Ohio State
Player of the Year: D.J. White, Indiana
Freshman of the Year: Eric Gordon, Indiana
Defensive POY: Michael Flowers, Wisconsin
Coach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, Indiana
Most Improved: Chris Kramer, Purdue
Coach on the Hot Seat: Ed DeChellis, Penn State
Projected Order of Finish
1. Indiana Hoosiers (21-11, 10-6, 3rd Big Ten)
Coach: Kelvin Sampson (21-11, 1 year)
Key Losses: G Earl Calloway (9.6 ppg, 4.3 apg), G Roderick Wilmont (12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), G Joey Shaw
Projected Starters:
G A.J. Ratliff, 6-2/Sr. (9.3 ppg)
G Eric Gordon, 6-4/Fr.
G Jamarcus Ellis, 6-5/Jr.
C Ben Allen, 6-11/Jr.
F D.J. White, 6-9/Sr. (13.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg)
Key Games: 12/1 at Southern Illinois, 12/8 vs. Kentucky, 1/26 vs. UConn, 3/2 at Michigan State
Kelvin Sampson quieted the passionate and often overly-critical Hoosier following by instilling a newfound toughness in last year’s squad. Careful, though, because Mike Davis led the Hoosiers to the Final Four in his first year; things can turn ugly quickly. I’d wager, however, that they’ll get better before they get worse for Sampson, who returns an experienced group that will be spiked by some young, potent talents. See: Freshman Eric Gordon, one of the nation’s top recruits (one that Sampson snatched from Bruce Weber and Illinois’ grasp) joins Indiana’s backcourt. He figures to start and contribute immediately, and most project him as a one-and-done prospect.
Gordon wasn’t the only immediate contributor Indiana netted in the offseason. They signed a pair of junior college teammates, including JuCo player of the year, swingman Jamarcus Ellis. Ellis, with 300-pound beast DeAndre Thomas, led Chipola Junior College to the national title game.
Indiana also boasts something of a rarity in today’s college game: a dominant senior big man, in All-American candidate D.J. White. Intensity has never been White’s problem, so he bought into Sampson’s toughness right away. He has, however, had problems staying on the court, due to injuries and chronic foul trouble. When he’s on the court, there’s no better two-way player in the conference. After a year of seasoning in Sampson’s system, anything less than a monster season for White would be a disappointment.
It may take the Hoosiers a little time to gel, and with early tests at Southern Illinois and against Kentucky, they’ll have an accelerated learning curve. By the time conference season rolls around, though, expect to see a smoothly running operation, sending the Hoosiers deep into the NCAA Tournament.
2. Michigan State Spartans (23-12, 8-8, 7th Big Ten)
Coach: Tom Izzo (278-121, 12 years)
Key Loss: G Maurice Joseph
Projected Starters:
G Drew Neitzel, 6-0/Sr. (18.1 ppg, 4.3 apg)
G Travis Walton, 6-2/Jr. (5.5 apg)
C Goran Suton, 6-10/Jr. (9.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
F Raymar Morgan, 6-7/So. (11.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
F Marquise Gray, 6-8/Jr. (5.5 rpg)
Key Games: 11/28 vs. North Carolina State, 1/30 vs. Illinois, 2/16 at Indiana
Michigan State, without question, returns the most talent of any 2006-07 tournament team in the Big Ten. Drew Neitzel is the most experienced and seasoned guard in the conference, and Raymar Morgan conjures Jason Richardson memories. In all, the Spartans return over 90% of their points, rebounds, and assists. And they won an NCAA game last spring. East Lansing faithful undoubtedly have their sights on a fifth Final Four under the direction of Tom Izzo.
It’s not out of reach, but it is on the shoulders of Neitzel, whose 6-0 frame carries the gutsiest shoulders in the Big Ten. He hit multiple clutch shots for the Spartans last season, and is one of the best free throw shooters in the country. The iron man guard averaged nearly 36 minutes per game last year, and he wore down toward the end of the season. Not the case this year, Izzo hopes, with the addition of freshmen sparkplugs Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen.
The frontcourt features surprise breakout pivot Goran Suton, who registered five double-doubles in his sophomore campaign. Also returning are bruisers Marquise Gray, Drew Naymick and Idong Ibok. It’s unquestionably the deepest and best collection of bigs in the conference. It also fits perfectly into Tom Izzo’s preferred style: defense and rebounding. The Spartans led the league in field goal percentage defense and averaged seven more rebounds than their opponents. Look for more of the same this season.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (35-4, 15-1, 1st Big Ten)
Coach: Thad Matta (81-22, 3 years)
Key Losses: G Mike Conley, Jr. (11.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 2.2 spg), G Daequqn Cook (9.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), G Ron Lewis (12.7 ppg), C Greg Oden (15.7 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.3 bpg)
Projected Starters:
G David Lighty, 6-5/So.
G Jamar Butler, 6-2/Sr. (8.5 ppg, 3.6 apg)
G Jon Diebler, 6-6/Fr.
C Kosta Koufos, 7-0/Fr.
F Othello Hunter, 6-8/Sr.
Key Games: 11/28 vs. North Carolina, 12/22 vs. Florida, 1/22 at Illinois, 3/9 vs. Michigan State
Don’t cry for Thad Matta. Yes, he lost four starters from his national runner-up squad, but he’s not replacing Greg Oden, Mike Conley and company with complete stiffs. Senior guard Jamar Butler will lead another group of young talent, and he will be expected to step up his production. We must remember, Butler led the 2005-06 Buckeyes to a Big Ten title before the arrival of the Thad Five. Buckeye fans will need to put that term into moratorium quickly, however, and embrace the identity of the new team.
There will be some familiar faces still, including swingman David Lighty, who came on strong near the end of his freshman campaign and will be a major factor on both ends of the court. Chiseled forward Othello Hunter will also be back, presumably in a starting role. Hunter spelled Oden ably last season, and should increase his offensive production dramatically. He’s a beast on the boards and in the defensive paint, and while he won’t be mistaken for the first overall pick, he might prove to be an adequate stand-in.
When you have four starters leave, there will be holes to fill. Luckily, Matta has the young talent to fill them, starting with 7-footer Kosta Koufos. The McDonald’s All-American is nimble for his size, and can pull opposing big men out onto the perimeter. His raw talent is sure to tease NBA scouts. Another key recruit is gunner Jon Diebler, Ohio’s all-time leading prep scorer. With the departure of Ron Lewis and Daequan Cook, there are certain to be shots available, and Diebler will be more than happy to take them. The Buckeyes have several other newcomers to choose from, including 6-9 Vanderbilt transfer Kyle Madsen, and one or more of them will need to step up to vault Ohio State into the conference’s top 3.
4. Illinois Fighting Illini (23-12, 9-7, 6th Big Ten)
Coach: Bruce Weber (112-28, 4 years)
Key Losses: F Warren Carter (13.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg), G Rich McBride (9.6 ppg)
Projected Starters:
G Chester Frazier, 6-2/Jr. (4.5 apg)
G Calvin Brock, 6-5/Jr.
G Trent Meacham, 6-2/Jr.
C Shaun Pruitt, 6-10/Sr. (11.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg)
F Brian Randle, 6-8/Sr.
Key Games: 11/28 at Maryland, 12/8 vs. Arizona, 1/10 at Wisconsin, 2/7 vs. Indiana
You can bet the folks in Champaign are ready for a new season to begin. Last year’s story was one of injuries, suspensions and yes, a mysterious car accident that led sophomore guard Jamar Smith to presume teammate Brian Carlwell had died. He didn’t, but Smith, who pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI, will sit out this year, leaving a hole in the Illini backcourt doubled by the departure of sniper Rich McBride. Also gone is athletic forward Warren Carter, who surprised many as the Illini’s leading scorer last year.
Who does Bruce Weber turn to for stability and leadership? For the second straight year I’ll check the box next to senior forward Brian Randle’s name. Randle had an injury-plagued junior effort and left much to be desired. He has the talent to be an inside-outside threat, but struggled to find any consistency last year. If they want to return to the NCAA Tournament this year, that kind of effort won’t fly.
Illinois does have a signature style they can hang their hats on: a tenacious perimeter-driven defense that allowed opponents to shoot only 38% in the final quarter of the season. The problem was, and is, that the Illini barely scored enough to win the grind-it-out games they embraced. (See: 54-52 opening round NCAA loss to Virginia Tech). Junior guards Chester Frazier, Calvin Brock and Trent Meacham must increase their offensive production to make up for the losses of Smith, McBride and Carter. Illinois has eight newcomers on the roster, and if they can find meaningful contributions from a couple of them, they’ll be in good shape to make another tournament run.
5. Purdue Boilermakers (22-12, 9-7, 5th Big Ten)
Coach: Matt Painter (31-31, 2 years)
Key Losses: F Carl Landry (18.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg), G Chris Lutz, G David Teague (14.3 ppg)
Projected Starters:
G E’Twaun Moore, 6-3/Fr.
G Chris Kramer, 6-3/So. (7.2 ppg)
G Tarrance Crump, 6-1/Sr.
F/C JaJuan Johnson, 6-10/Fr.
F Gordon Watt, 6-6/Jr.
Key Games: 11/27 at Clemson, 12/15 vs. Louisville, 1/8 at Michigan State, 2/19 at Indiana
Just when Boilermaker fans were getting re-accustomed to seeing Carl Landry and David Teague back on the court, they leave again. Throw in the surprising transfer of sharpshooter Chris Lutz, and it would seem that Matt Painter has another rebuilding year ahead of him.
Not so fast.
Sophomore guard Chris Kramer is on the fast track to Big Ten stardom and will be one of the conference’s best two-way players. They also return guards Tarrance Crump, the team’s lone contributing senior, Keaton Grant and Marcus Green. Gordon Watt, who started 33 games at forward alongside Landry, is also back, and will need to anchor a very thin frontline.
But the returning players aren’t what should excite the Purdue faithful. Painter landed one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, nabbing three Indiana blue-chippers and a host of potential contributors.
It starts with 6-3 guard E’Twaun Moore, who led his high school team to a large school championship, defeating rival recruit Eric Gordon’s team in the process. Painter may ask Moore to play a little point, but look for Moore to be very aggressive seeking out his offensive game. He’ll have an instant impact. Bigs JaJuan Johnson, Scott Martin and Robbie Hummel also figure to see early action, with one of them probably emerging as a full-time starter. Purdue also nabbed Nemanja Calasan, an exciting 6-9 bruiser from Midland Junior College.
It’s a bright future, but the Big Ten is not forgiving, and there may be an adjustment period for these young bodies.
Painter gave Purdue a taste of the NCAA Tournament last year, even winning one game, and loyal fans are sure to demand similar results in the future. Whether those results come this season or later remains to be seen, but there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the direction of the program. Postseason play, NCAA Tourney or otherwise, seems likely, and a ten-win conference season should be reachable.
6. Wisconsin Badgers (30-6, 13-3, 2nd Big Ten)
Coach: Bo Ryan (142-55, 6 years)
Key Losses: F Jason Chappell, G Kammron Taylor (13.3 ppg), F Alando Tucker (19.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Projected Starters:
G Trevon Hughes, 6-1/So.
G Michael Flowers, 6-2/Sr.
C Brian Butch, 6-11/Sr. (8.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg)
F Joe Krabbenhoft, 6-7/Jr.
F Marcus Landry, 6-7/Jr.
Key Games: 11/27 at Duke, 12/8 vs. Marquette, 12/29 at Texas, 2/23 or 2/24 at Ohio State
Alando Tucker is possibly the most irreplaceable player from last year’s crop of departures, and it’s unlikely the Badgers will try to replace him. Instead, they’ll utilize a balanced attack, led by several experienced players, the savvy coaching of Bo Ryan and the best home-court advantage in the Big Ten. Outside-inside forward Brian Butch and stingy guard Michael Flowers are capable leaders, and both will be counted on to step up offensively. Flowers will certainly set the tempo defensively, and is a shoo-in for the all-defensive team. Butch has yet to live up to his potential in Madison, but I can see him registering several 20-point games before the season is over.
Butch won’t be running alone in the paint, as Bo Ryan is blessed with two junior forwards any team in the conference would love to have. Nobody is tougher than Joe Krabbenhoft or Marcus Landry, and each has shown potential to be important offensive options. Krabbenhoft is the team’s best rebounder and a tenacious defender, and Landry made several clutch shots in big games last season. The other starting spot tentatively belongs to sophomore Trevon Hughes, unless the Badgers feel comfortable abandoning the point guard position altogether.
Sophomore shooter Jason Bohannon will have a larger role off the bench and will stretch the defense well beyond the 3-point line. Big men Greg Stiemsma and Kevin Gullickson will be asked to do nothing more than play some defense and grab some rebounds, which they can do admirably. They’ll be joined on the frontline by freshman Keaton Nankivil and Jon Leuer. Nankivil has a decent touch inside, and the 6-10 Leuer can step outside and drain deep balls.
Wisconsin will win games at home, that’s for certain, and they’ve been to nine consecutive NCAA Tournaments. I’d pencil them in for a tenth.
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-22, 3-13, 9th Big Ten)
Coach: Tubby Smith (1st year)
Key Losses: G Limar Wilson, C Bryce Webster
Projected Starters:
G Jamal Abu-Shamala, 6-5/Jr.
G Lawrence McKenzie, 6-2/Sr. (14.9 ppg)
G Al Nolen, 6-1/Fr.
C Spencer Tollackson, 6-9/Sr. (12 ppg)
F Dan Coleman, 6-9/Sr. (14.2 ppg, 6 rpg)
Key Games: 11/27 at Florida State, 12/30 at UNLV, 2/3 vs. Wisconsin, 2/27 at Purdue
Seriously? Tubby Smith? You’re kidding, right?
That conversation took place all over Gopher land when the elite coach signed on in March. The program, with only one NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years, wouldn’t seem very lucrative to a coach with a national title on his resume. Nevertheless, indisputable video evidence confirms that Smith indeed is the new Gophers coach, and his arrival immediately elevated the community’s interest level above lukewarm, where it hovered for the majority of Dan Monson’s tenure.
Smith will have some pieces to build around in seniors Lawrence McKenzie, Dan Coleman and Spencer Tollackson. All three averaged in double figures last season and figure to do so again this year. McKenzie is the most gifted of the three offensively, and Gopher fans expect to see a more diverse offensive repertoire under Smith. Tollackson is the team’s emotional leader, but has had trouble staying on the court, with injuries, foul trouble, and general fatigue plaguing him. Coleman is the enigma – flashes of brilliance are too often backed up by periods of invisibility.
The trio of seniors shouldn’t be Smith’s biggest problem. It’s the rest of the roster we need to worry about. Minnesota has struggled to find a point guard, and neither sophomore option, Kevin Payton or Lawrence Westbrook, seems to be the answer. Freshman Al Nolen may be asked to step in sooner rather than later. Wing Brandon Smith is athletic, but struggles on offense. Jamal Abu-Shamala and newcomer Blake Hoffarber are the exact opposite. Depth will be an issue, especially if Tubby is serious about picking up the tempo. It boils down to this: how many additional wins is Tubby Smith worth? I say at least a half dozen, which would give the Gophers an even conference record.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions (11-19, 2-14, 11th Big Ten)
Coach: Ed DeChellis (42-76, 4 years)
Key Losses: C Milos Bogetic, G David Jackson, G Ben Luber
Projected Starters:
G Danny Morrissey, 6-3/Jr. (9.6 ppg)
G Mike Walker, 6-2/Sr.
C Brandon Hassell, 6-11/Sr.
G/F Geary Claxton, 6-5/Sr. (16.3 ppg, 8 rpg)
F Jamelle Cornley, 6-5/Jr. (13.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
Key Games: 11/22 vs. South Carolina, 12/1 at St. Joseph’s, 1/29 vs. Ohio State, 3/5 at Wisconsin
The Nittany Lions let me down last year. Thus, you will not find them in the top half of the Big Ten in any of my previews until they prove me wrong. It’s hard to imagine them worse than eighth with this talent, though. Senior forward Geary Claxton has been one of the Big Ten’s best double-double men for the last two seasons, but how on earth does a guy around the hoop so much shoot 43 percent from the field? That’s what he shot last season, and he still managed over 16 points an outing. His running mate, junior Jamelle Cornley, gives Ed DeChellis the most formidable forward combo in the conference. Offensively, that is.
Incidentally, the only way to describe PSU’s defense is, well, offensive. They allowed conference opponents to shoot 49 percent from the field, including 40 percent on three-pointers. In fact, opponents netted an average of nine three-pointers per game against PSU, with VMI draining 19 in one game. And in 16 conference games, they registered a total of 18 blocks, or 37 less than Greg Oden. This entire capsule could be made up of shockingly awful defensive statistics. I’ll leave you with just those.
With that said, the team should have more depth this season than it did last. Bigs Brandon Hassell and Joonas Suotamo will be bolstered by freshmen Andrew Jones and D.J. Jackson. Guards Danny Morrissey and Mike Walker combined for nearly 16 points and over four assists per game last season, and transfers Stanley Pringle and Schyler King filled it up at the junior college level. But for sure, it’s a show-me-first approach that must be taken with this crew.
9. Michigan Wolverines (22-13, 8-8, 8th Big Ten)
Coach: John Beilein (1st year)
Key Losses: F Lester Abram (9.1 ppg), G Dion Harris (13.4 ppg), F Brent Petway (5.9 rpg), C Courtney Sims (11.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
Projected Starters:
G Jerret Smith, 6-3/Jr.
G Manny Harris, 6-5/Fr.
C Ekpe Udoh, 6-10/So.
F Ron Coleman, 6-6/Sr.
F DeShawn Sims, 6-8/So.
Key Games: 11/15 at Georgetown, 12/8 at Duke, 12/22 vs. UCLA, 1/8 vs. Indiana
New coach John Beilein will be asked to do the exact opposite of what the departed Tommy Amaker did: win with less talent than the other guys. Amaker had the talent, but never was able to translate that into a deep (or even semi-deep) tournament run. The core of Amaker’s talent is gone, and this roster will be largely unfamiliar to even the most die-hard Big Ten fans. Beilein should also implement a style that’s largely unseen in the conference: a shoot-at-any-time-from-anywhere offense. Looking at this roster, count me as skeptical.
The strength of the team should be the frontcourt, featuring talented sophomores DeShawn Sims and Ekpe Udoh. Sims struggled from the field last year but will have a much larger role in the offense this season. Udoh was a force defensively, and could be the top shot-blocker in the conference. Ron Coleman is the team’s lone scholarship senior and will be counted on for leadership and consistent double-digit production. Of the three, only Coleman is semi-dangerous from deep, netting 27 3-pointers last year.
In fact, the Wolverine perimeter players aren’t proven sharpshooters either. Uh oh. Jerret Smith is the only returning guard who saw conference action, and he made 10 3-pointers in 16 conference games last season. Beilein, via his green light, will at least give him the opportunity to improve on those numbers. Michigan will welcome a pair of exciting guards to help Smith, with Michigan’s Mr. Basketball, Manny Harris, and 5-11 speedster Kelvin Grady joining the mix. It will certainly be a trial by fire for both of them.
Temper your expectations.
10. Iowa Hawkeyes (17-14, 9-7, 4th Big Ten)
Coach: Todd Lickliter (1st year)
Key Losses: G Adam Haluska (20.5 ppg), G/F Tyler Smith (14.9 ppg)
Projected Starters:
G Tony Freeman, 6-1/Jr. (7.5 ppg)
G Justin Johnson, 6-6/Sr.
C Seth Gorney, 7-0/Sr.
F Cyrus Tate, 6-8/Jr.
F Kurt Looby, 6-10/Sr.
Key Games: 12/5 at Northern Iowa, 12/8 at Iowa State, 1/16 vs. Purdue, 2/9 at Minnesota
Todd Lickliter is the third and final new face on the sidelines this season in the Big Ten. Lickliter takes over for Steve Alford, who delivered one NCAA Tournament win in his eight seasons at the helm. Lickliter led his Butler squad to twice that amount last season alone. But while the Horizon League is a nice conference, it’s no Big Ten.
Iowa’s problem is this: the team has a stable of very nice role players – rebounders, shot-blockers, table-setters. They simply have no semblance of a go-to player. The most likely candidate will probably be junior guard Tony Freeman, the team’s leading returning scorer and assist man. He must improve on his 40 percent shooting from the field to make defenses respect his game, though. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by senior Justin Johnson, who actually was worse from the field than Freeman. Incoming freshman Jeff Peterson will be a nice addition, giving the Hawkeyes a much-needed true point guard presence.
Up front, Iowa possesses three of the longest reaches in the conference in junior Cyrus Tate and seniors Seth Gorney and Kurt Looby. They won’t scare anyone offensively, but are capable of collecting multiple put-backs and garbage points. They should give Lickliter a solid presence on the glass on both sides of the court.
Someone will need to step up to replace the scoring they lost from the graduating Adam Haluska and the transferring Tyler Smith. That’s over 35 points a game, and it’s very difficult to see how the Hawkeyes can possibly replace that.
11. Northwestern Wildcats (13-18, 2-14, 10th Big Ten)
Coach: Bill Carmody (98-110, 7 years)
Key Losses: F Tim Doyle (11.5 ppg, 5.1 apg), C Vince Scott
Projected Starters:
G Jason Okrzesik, 6-1/Sr.
G Craig Moore, 6-4/Jr. (8.1 ppg)
G Sterling Williams, 6-4/Jr.
F Mike Capocci, 6-6/Fr.
F Jeff Ryan, 6-7/So.
Key Games: 11/15 vs. Stanford, 11/27 at Virginia, 1/27 at Illinois, 3/04 vs. Iowa
If Big Ten season previews were hoedown songs, I believe the band leader would now say “second verse, same as the first.” Yes, Northwestern, we’ve been here before. And before that. We’ll probably be here again.
There never really is much on the hardwood to get excited about in Evanston, and with the recent news of the indefinite loss of star Kevin Coble, things look even bleaker. Coble is taking a leave of absence to spend time with his ailing mother, and coach Bill Carmody is uncertain how long he’ll be out of action. Not good.
Coble’s absence pushes someone into an unfamiliar starting role, and we’ll peg freshman Mike Capocci as the guy. He’ll probably be joined by sophomore Jeff Ryan, who averaged nearly 22 minutes per game last season. They form unquestionably the smallest frontcourt in the conference. Indeed, Northwestern does not have a player on the roster taller than 6-8 (and that’s Coble). They are going to get pummeled on the boards.
The guards should help stabilize the offense, with starters Craig Moore and Sterling Williams returning. Moore has shown the ability to make shots, hitting 59 three-pointers last season, but shot only 37 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep. As a team, Carmody’s crew shot 31.5 percent from beyond the arc. With three-point shooting a main component of the offense, that’s ominous.
Conference Outlook
Three fine coaches will look to jump-start three struggling programs looking to return to the NCAA Tournament. In a wide-open conference, the spots may be there. There are fewer scheduling quirks thanks to the 18-game schedule, but who knows how strong a 10-8 conference record will look. It’s difficult to imagine anyone challenging Indiana and Michigan State for the top two year-end spots, but the next half dozen spots seem up for grabs. At the end of the year, expect to see 5-6 teams in the dance once again, with the Hoosiers and Spartans contending for top-2 seeds with Final Four potential.
