By Paul M. Banks 1. Michigan State (19-4, 9-1) As bad as the Kalin Lucas injury looked, it's not that bad. The green & white nation can all breathe in a collective sigh of relief. However, right when it seemed like State was going to floor it and put everyone back in their rearview mirror, a funny thing happened- a conference race began. 2. Wisconsin (17-5, … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 2-4
All Big Ten basketball team
Big Ten Power Rankings 1-14
By Paul M. Banks 1. Michigan State (14-3, 4-0) They're starting near "March season form" now, as they're getting out into the open court more. Even though a couple of their last opponents have a style that doesn't exactly lend the pace of the game to such things. A big reason is junior wing Durrell Summers. Who described what the key to the Spartans' running game has … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 1-14
Big 10 All-Injured Team
By Paul M. Banks Injuries are just part of sports; the natural order of things, the way it is. But during the 2009-2010 college basketball season, the injury bug has seemed to infested the Big Ten a little more than usual. In fact, you could make a pretty good starting five out or Big Ten stars that have missed a couple months or will miss a couple months this season. … [Read more...] about Big 10 All-Injured Team
All-Big Ten All-2000s Team
By Paul M. Banks The 2000s was a great decade for a few programs in the Big Ten. Indiana, Ohio State and Illinois all had a national runner-up season. In 2005, the Illini tied the record for the most single season victories. Wisconsin and Ohio State treated us to an epic #1 vs. #2 game during one of their two 2007 meetings. And Michigan St. started the decade off with a … [Read more...] about All-Big Ten All-2000s Team
Big Ten Power Rankings ACC Challenge Edition
By Paul M. Banks Feast Week saw numerous opponents feasting on the conference. The Big Ten's top and middle proved to be nothing more than a soft underbelly during the multitude of holiday tournaments. But at least Purdue and Northwestern won their invitationals. The conference has a quick turnaround to win back respectability. The ACC Challenge is here, and this is THE year … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings ACC Challenge Edition
Jim Jackson’s Fearless Big Ten Forecast
For Part one click here By Paul M. Banks At Big Ten Media Day, Ohio State alum Jim Jackson was just like the rest of us journalists, he participated in the college hoops version of speed dating that is Media Day, as he went from table to table interviewing players and coaches. At the same time, the season NBA veteran and current Big Ten Network analyst was utterly NOT … [Read more...] about Jim Jackson’s Fearless Big Ten Forecast
Big Ten Power Rankings 11-20
By Paul M. Banks For this week I’m including the insights of a very special guest for my Power Rankings. I recently had an exclusive with Ohio State legend Jim Jackson, the only man every to win the Big Ten Player of the Year Award twice, and current Big Ten Network analyst. I’ll be using some of the best information nuggets he gave when rating the conference 1. Michigan … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 11-20
Jim Jackson on the Big Ten’s Strengths & Weaknesses
By Paul M. Banks At Big Ten Media Day, Ohio State alum Jim Jackson was just like the rest of us journalists, he participated in the college hoops version of speed dating that is Media Day, as he went from table to table interviewing players and coaches. At the same time, the NBA veteran of 14 seasons, 1992 #4 overall draft pick and current Big Ten Network analyst was … [Read more...] about Jim Jackson on the Big Ten’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Big Ten Power Rankings 11/12
By Paul M. Banks Forget about what the Big Ten lacks in football, in hoops they're the best or second best conference by pretty much all hoops experts. #16 Ohio State has already opened the season with a rip-roaring victory over Alcorn St. and by the end of the next couple of days, pretty much every team will have tipped off. Let's get it started in here! 1. Michigan … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 11/12
2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 4 of 4
By: David Kay One of the main reasons the Big Ten will be one of the most competitive conferences in the country this season is because of all the returning talent. All five members of last year’s All-Big Ten first team were sophomores as were four players chosen to the second and third teams. Realistically, six Big Ten ballers have a legitimate chance of winning the … [Read more...] about 2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 4 of 4