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big ten basketball preview

99 in 99: #4 Ohio State Buckeyes

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The Ewing Theory will be put to the test this season in Columbus.  The Ohio State Buckeyes lose National Player of the Year, “His Royal Smoothness” Evan Turner but could actually be a better team without him as Thad Matta returns his other four starters and ushers in a highly touted class of freshmen. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference college … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #4 Ohio State Buckeyes

99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

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Without question, this is the most talent the Illinois Fighting Illini has put on the floor since their 2004-2005 Champaign Campaign.  There is a good mix of size, athleticism, and guard play; veterans and newcomers.  The question will be whether or not this group can put it all together and live up to the high expectations entering this season.  The first step begins tonight … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

99 in 99: #18 Wisconsin Badgers

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Lesson #1: never, ever under-estimate how good of a coach Bo Ryan is.  Regardless of how many players the Wisconsin Badgers lose in any given season, Ryan always has UW near the top of the Big Ten standings.  Expect more of the same this year. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference college basketball programs and top 27 mid-majors.  Click here if you … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #18 Wisconsin Badgers

99 in 99: #19 Purdue Boilermakers

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With news of Robbie Hummel’s second torn ACL in an eight-month period, the Purdue Boilermakers dropped from second in my rankings to 19th.  Is that too drastic on my part?  When you consider the strength at the top of the Big Ten with teams like Michigan State, Ohio State, Illinois, and Wisconsin; I do not think so. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #19 Purdue Boilermakers

99 in 99: #50 Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Tubby Time has not accelerated the success of the Minnesota Gophers’ basketball program like originally anticipated.  Last year was supposed to be the breakout out year but two highly regarded newcomers never saw a minute on the court while the team’s starting point guard was ineligible for most of conference play.  With a loaded Big Ten this season, I cannot imagine this being … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #50 Minnesota Golden Gophers

99 in 99: #53 Northwestern Wildcats

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For the first time in Northwestern basketball history, the team made a post-season tournament appearance for the second straight year.  Unfortunately, it was the NIT meaning that first ever NCAA Tournament berth is still evading the Wildcats.  Will this finally be the year the ‘Cats go dancing? The Sports Bank’s 99 team college basketball preview in 99 days ranks the 72 … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #53 Northwestern Wildcats

99 in 99: #83 Indiana Hoosiers

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The resurrection of Indiana basketball is in its third season under Tom Crean.  Bumps in the road were to be expected and that is exactly what has happened for the Hoosiers as the program has experienced their worst two seasons in school history. The Sports Bank's 99 team college basketball previews in 99 days takes us to Hoosierland.  Indiana is the fourth Big Ten to be … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #83 Indiana Hoosiers

2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 2 of 4

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By: David Kay The middle of Big Ten was filled with mediocrity last season as demonstrated by the fact that eight teams finished with conference records between 11-7 and 8-10.  Some of that can be chalked up to opponents beating up on each other on a nightly basis and there being no real “gimme” (except for Indiana.)  Some of that can also be chalked up to young teams still … [Read more...] about 2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 2 of 4