Are you ready for Big 10 basketball?
The conference that had two teams in last year’s Final Four looks primed to do it again this season. Here is our official Big Ten Conference preview.
Big 10 Champion: Maryland Terrapins
The Terrapins are finally back, thanks to a full rebuilding job by Mark Turgeon. They’re led by an all-american point guard, but the most important pieces are the one that he’ll have around him. Jake Laymen, Diamond Stone, Rob Carter, and Rasheed Sulaimon give the Terps the talent and depth to win this conference, while also competing for a national title.
Big 10 Runner-up: Michigan State Spartans
The Final Four Spartans may have lost some important pieces from a year ago, but Tom Izzo has shown the ability to win with absolutely everyone. They’ve also got an influx of eligible transfers and freshmen that should take some pressure off do-it-everything Denzel Valentine.
Big 10 Dark horse: Purdue Boilermakers
Matt Painter has Purdue loaded once again, with the most talent in town since the Robbie Hummel days. They have the best frontline in the conference, so everyone is interested to see how their backcourt performs.
Big 10 Player of the Year: Melo Trimble, Maryland
This should not surprise anyone. There was an argument to be made that he was the single most important player to any Big 10 team a year ago. He’ll put up silly numbers while leading the conference’s best team.
Big 10 Rookie of the Year: Diamond Stone, Maryland
Caution: Wide Load. Stone could be the featured post for the Terps and help take pressure off of Trimble and Laymen.
Big 10 Coach of the Year: Mark Turgeon, Maryland
What a turn around. People were talking about how quickly Turgeon could be run out of town just under two years ago. Now, he’s got a title contender.
