Big Ten Preview • Teams listed in projected order of finish

1. Ohio State

Jared Sullinger is not only the league’s runaway freshman of the
year but possibly the player of the year.

2. Purdue

The Boilermakers are adjusting to life without Robbie Hummel and
starting to look pretty nasty on defense.

3. Michigan State

This might not be a Final Four contender, but Kalin Lucas will
keep Sparty in the hunt for the title.

4. Minnesota

The Gophers are strong inside, and Tubby Smith has Minnesota
climbing the national rankings.

5. Illinois

The Illini are experienced and athletic, but their shortcomings
could keep them from the top.

6. Wisconsin

Coach Bo Ryan’s system keeps the Badgers in the hunt every year,
and Jon Leuer is among the league’s best.

7. Northwestern

John Shurna might be the best shooter/scorer that fans outside
the conference have never heard about.

8. Michigan

The team’s top two scorers are gone, and the Wolverines may be
better for it, excelling defensively.

9. Indiana

With only one senior on the roster and strong recruiting, this
program is on the rise under coach Tom Crean.

10. Iowa

The Hawkeyes have been competitive under first-year coach Fran
McCaffery but seem to lack firepower.

11. Penn State

Talor Battle could finish in the top 10 among all-time Big Ten
scorers, but he’s never had enough around him.

— Stu Durando