By Paul M. Banks 1. Purdue (12-0, 1-0) Now that conference play has started for what seems like the earliest point in history, it's time to decide who the conference favorite is, and it's pretty obvious as the Boilers are off to their best start since the Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson era 2. Michigan State (9-3) They are a tad overrated. Even in this specific power … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 12-30
Big ten basketball
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 10 Power Rankings 12-17
By Paul M. Banks 1. Purdue (9-0) Their nucleus has an excellent mix of NBA level athletes, college talent that excels in their system, and tough hard-working role players. In other words, they have the blue print in place that you need to go far in March in today's college game. 2. Michigan State (8-2) So this a typical (H to tha) Izzo team? That redeems themselves … [Read more...] about Big 10 Power Rankings 12-17
Big Ten Power Rankings 12-10
By Paul M. Banks 1. Purdue (8-0) Matt Painter has to be considered one of the top young coaches in the game today. Making the Gene Keady coaching tree looking even stronger. Here he is in his own words. 2. Michigan State (7-2) What a uninspiring, ho-hum preconference season so far. The nice win over Gonzaga is cancelled out by their flat and unexciting wins over … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings 12-10
Golden Gopher Basketball’s All-Decade Team
By Mike Gallagher When a decade includes a season in which your team possessed the Big Ten player of the year, Big Ten coach of the year, Big Ten defensive player of the year, and 31 wins, you’d think you would at least have a NCAA tournament appearance to show for that year. That is true in any case except for scandal-ridden squads, such as the Golden Gopher basketball … [Read more...] about Golden Gopher Basketball’s All-Decade 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