Big Ten Basketball

[Transmogrified Tiger]

MSU has a brutal Big 10 schedule. They play Purdue, Penn State, Northwestern, and Minnesota once each, and open Big 10 play with @ Illinois, @ Wisconsin, Indiana, and @ OSU. IMO, MSU is the best team in the conference, but they may not win it. I'll take them in the conference tourney and to go the farthest in the NCAA's though.

 

I usually pay no attention to college hoops until about the middle of February, but I took a glance this weekend. I will not take a stand and say they will win the conference, but I think Wisconsin stands more of a chance than everyone predicted. they only play Illinois and Indiana once, both at home. that alone should save them a couple of conference losses.

 

They are young, but don't underestimate Bo. really amazing what he has done considering he gets no out of state talent to come to UW.

 

They also have an easier conference schedule relative to other contenders. They don't have to go to either Assembly Hall, and their trips to MSU and Iowa aren't until the very end of the conference schedule. Big Ten Wonk brought it up today as well. With only UW and IU of the contenders not having a loss, Wisconsin has a nice upper hand to win the conference title.

 

EDIT: This wasn't meant to demean Wisconsin in any way, they're a very good club.

[badgercub]

MSU has a brutal Big 10 schedule. They play Purdue, Penn State, Northwestern, and Minnesota once each, and open Big 10 play with @ Illinois, @ Wisconsin, Indiana, and @ OSU. IMO, MSU is the best team in the conference, but they may not win it. I'll take them in the conference tourney and to go the farthest in the NCAA's though.

 

I usually pay no attention to college hoops until about the middle of February, but I took a glance this weekend. I will not take a stand and say they will win the conference, but I think Wisconsin stands more of a chance than everyone predicted. they only play Illinois and Indiana once, both at home. that alone should save them a couple of conference losses.

 

They are young, but don't underestimate Bo. really amazing what he has done considering he gets no out of state talent to come to UW.

 

They also have an easier conference schedule relative to other contenders. They don't have to go to either Assembly Hall, and their trips to MSU and Iowa aren't until the very end of the conference schedule. Big Ten Wonk brought it up today as well. With only UW and IU of the contenders not having a loss, Wisconsin has a nice upper hand to win the conference title.

 

EDIT: This wasn't meant to demean Wisconsin in any way, they're a very good club.

 

You didn't come off as demeaning at all. Realistically the Badgers were picked to finish in the second tier of the Big Ten this year. They have 11 freshman and sophmores on the team, nobody expected them to start the way they have.

[fiver]

The forums on Peegs are saying that White re-broke (is that right?) his foot and will miss the rest of the season.

 

God, I hope this is some sort of sick cruel joke.

 

true? please no.

 

It's somewhat true. Nothing about re-breaking his foot. Completely different injury, but yeah he's gonna be out for a while, I doubt we see him back this year.

 

http://iuhoosiers.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010906aaa.html

 

I suppose this means that Ben Allen MUST step up and become a bit more physical. Otherwise, IU could get hurt on the boards and on defense by teams that have depth in the paint. Sean Kline cannot be the answer IMO. Are all of my favorite teams cursed?

[rawaction]

The forums on Peegs are saying that White re-broke (is that right?) his foot and will miss the rest of the season.

 

God, I hope this is some sort of sick cruel joke.

 

true? please no.

 

It's somewhat true. Nothing about re-breaking his foot. Completely different injury, but yeah he's gonna be out for a while, I doubt we see him back this year.

 

http://iuhoosiers.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010906aaa.html

 

I suppose this means that Ben Allen MUST step up and become a bit more physical. Otherwise, IU could get hurt on the boards and on defense by teams that have depth in the paint. Sean Kline cannot be the answer IMO. Are all of my favorite teams cursed?

 

Kline could provide some tough D in the paint, but he can't elevate. He'll take a little pressure off of Killer against guys like Davis, Augustine, Dials, Sims, etc. I don't see Allen being able to get more physical.

[CP_414]

The forums on Peegs are saying that White re-broke (is that right?) his foot and will miss the rest of the season.

 

God, I hope this is some sort of sick cruel joke.

 

true? please no.

 

It's somewhat true. Nothing about re-breaking his foot. Completely different injury, but yeah he's gonna be out for a while, I doubt we see him back this year.

 

http://iuhoosiers.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010906aaa.html

 

I suppose this means that Ben Allen MUST step up and become a bit more physical. Otherwise, IU could get hurt on the boards and on defense by teams that have depth in the paint. Sean Kline cannot be the answer IMO. Are all of my favorite teams cursed?

 

Kline could provide some tough D in the paint, but he can't elevate. He'll take a little pressure off of Killer against guys like Davis, Augustine, Dials, Sims, etc. I don't see Allen being able to get more physical.

 

I think Allen is going to be the guy who has to step up. It would be great if Kline could pull a Jarred Odle, but I don't see that happening. Big game tomorrow night at MSU. It was going to be tough with DJ, really tough without him. I'm hopefull that he can come back and give us 10-15 minutes a game in time for the BTT. I still like our chances in the Big Ten with Killer, Vaden, Ratliff, Strickland, Allen, Kline, Monroe, and Calloway in the heavily used rotation.

 

Is James Hardy playing basketball this year? I don't expect much from him, but he could give IU 5-7 good minutes off the bench.

 

Can someone injure Cem Dinch so we can get him a medical redshirt?

 

Also Darrell Aruther skipped an official visit to Kansas and speculation is that IU is his top choice, with hometown Baylor still in the mix. White, Aruther, and Allen could be a fearsome trio of big men next season.

[soapy]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

[rawaction]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

 

Big men tend to have foot problems. I think DJ will be OK. I actually think this works in the team's favor. Look for Strickland to become as aggressive as he was at the beginning of the season.

 

As for tonight, I love the matchups on the outside. Wilmont and Vaden vs. Ager and Brown should be classics. The 2 best defenders in the conference not named Dee Brown, against maybe the top 2 offensive wing players in the BigTen. Don't know what we are gonna do with Davis, other than Killer getting him in foul trouble. But I like the way IU matches up against MSU. Of course, the homecourt and desperation advantage are gonna make it tough for IU to escape with a win.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

 

Big men tend to have foot problems. I think DJ will be OK. I actually think this works in the team's favor. Look for Strickland to become as aggressive as he was at the beginning of the season.

 

As for tonight, I love the matchups on the outside. Wilmont and Vaden vs. Ager and Brown should be classics. The 2 best defenders in the conference not named Dee Brown, against maybe the top 2 offensive wing players in the BigTen. Don't know what we are gonna do with Davis, other than Killer getting him in foul trouble. But I like the way IU matches up against MSU. Of course, the homecourt and desperation advantage are gonna make it tough for IU to escape with a win.

 

I would like it very much for MSU to just come out guns a blazin'. Ager needs to make some shots, Davis needs to be a presence offensively(which means calling sets that put him closer than 20 feet to the basket), and Trannon/Gray need to continue to help out. Please win Spartans, preferably by a lot.

[rawaction]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

 

Big men tend to have foot problems. I think DJ will be OK. I actually think this works in the team's favor. Look for Strickland to become as aggressive as he was at the beginning of the season.

 

As for tonight, I love the matchups on the outside. Wilmont and Vaden vs. Ager and Brown should be classics. The 2 best defenders in the conference not named Dee Brown, against maybe the top 2 offensive wing players in the BigTen. Don't know what we are gonna do with Davis, other than Killer getting him in foul trouble. But I like the way IU matches up against MSU. Of course, the homecourt and desperation advantage are gonna make it tough for IU to escape with a win.

 

I would like it very much for MSU to just come out guns a blazin'. Ager needs to make some shots, Davis needs to be a presence offensively(which means calling sets that put him closer than 20 feet to the basket), and Trannon/Gray need to continue to help out. Please win Spartans, preferably by a lot.

 

Yeah, the Trannon/Gray combo is what I'm worried about. I think Davis will have a big game unless we can get him in foul trouble. IU just has to stop one of Brown/Ager. Of course, Davis will put Vaden at the 4 all night and Ager or Brown (whoever Wilmont isn't guarding) will go for 30.

[fiver]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

 

 

 

Big men tend to have foot problems. I think DJ will be OK. I actually think this works in the team's favor. Look for Strickland to become as aggressive as he was at the beginning of the season.

 

As for tonight, I love the matchups on the outside. Wilmont and Vaden vs. Ager and Brown should be classics. The 2 best defenders in the conference not named Dee Brown, against maybe the top 2 offensive wing players in the BigTen. Don't know what we are gonna do with Davis, other than Killer getting him in foul trouble. But I like the way IU matches up against MSU. Of course, the homecourt and desperation advantage are gonna make it tough for IU to escape with a win.

 

I would like it very much for MSU to just come out guns a blazin'. Ager needs to make some shots, Davis needs to be a presence offensively(which means calling sets that put him closer than 20 feet to the basket), and Trannon/Gray need to continue to help out. Please win Spartans, preferably by a lot.

 

Yeah, the Trannon/Gray combo is what I'm worried about. I think Davis will have a big game unless we can get him in foul trouble. IU just has to stop one of Brown/Ager. Of course, Davis will put Vaden at the 4 all night and Ager or Brown (whoever Wilmont isn't guarding) will go for 30.

 

I just got home in time to see that this game got a bit out of hand for IU. What's been the biggest weakness tonight?

[CP_414]

It sounds like Hardy is done with Basketball. From what I read, he only really practiced once, but couldn't really get it going because of the injuries he was carrying over from football. Maybe he'll change his mind now that White it out, but I doubt it. He's missed too much time IMO.

 

I really hate the idea of Kline getting more court time. Unfortunately, that's what has to happen at this point. I'm sure Allen will get plenty too, but I can't really see him bodying (word?) up with some of the big men in the Big Ten.

 

So, is it time to start worrying that White is going to be the next Grant Hill?

 

 

Big men tend to have foot problems. I think DJ will be OK. I actually think this works in the team's favor. Look for Strickland to become as aggressive as he was at the beginning of the season.

 

As for tonight, I love the matchups on the outside. Wilmont and Vaden vs. Ager and Brown should be classics. The 2 best defenders in the conference not named Dee Brown, against maybe the top 2 offensive wing players in the BigTen. Don't know what we are gonna do with Davis, other than Killer getting him in foul trouble. But I like the way IU matches up against MSU. Of course, the homecourt and desperation advantage are gonna make it tough for IU to escape with a win.

 

I would like it very much for MSU to just come out guns a blazin'. Ager needs to make some shots, Davis needs to be a presence offensively(which means calling sets that put him closer than 20 feet to the basket), and Trannon/Gray need to continue to help out. Please win Spartans, preferably by a lot.

 

Yeah, the Trannon/Gray combo is what I'm worried about. I think Davis will have a big game unless we can get him in foul trouble. IU just has to stop one of Brown/Ager. Of course, Davis will put Vaden at the 4 all night and Ager or Brown (whoever Wilmont isn't guarding) will go for 30.

 

I just got home in time to see that this game got a bit out of hand for IU. What's been the biggest weakness tonight?

No Defense at all. MSU isn't missing at all. We can't buy a call, but thats how it is on the road in the Big Ten. Nice game from Marco and Vaden, not much else tonight.

[SeldomSeen]

No Defense at all. MSU isn't missing at all. We can't buy a call, but thats how it is on the road in the Big Ten. Nice game from Marco and Vaden, not much else tonight.

 

Very disappointing. Mike Davis teams have typically been pretty good at that end of the floor. They also got murdered on the boards.

[rawaction]

What did MSU shoot in the 2nd half? Like 70%.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Thank you for not sending my hopes for you spiraling into despair, MSU.

[Jon]

Bye bye remaining dignity, bye bye student support (both sections were packed tonight for some reason), and bye bye long shot at the NIT.

 

Crap that was awful.

[Mark_R]

Bye bye remaining dignity, bye bye student support (both sections were packed tonight for some reason), and bye bye long shot at the NIT.

 

Crap that was awful.

 

How bad is NU if they lose AT HOME to a god awful Penn State team!?

[SouthSideRyan]

They did beat a decent Minnesota team on the road though. Weird.

 

If it helps at all Jon, Penn St. has only lost to borderline tourney and above teams. Then again you're their best win by far.

[soapy]

No Defense at all. MSU isn't missing at all. We can't buy a call, but thats how it is on the road in the Big Ten. Nice game from Marco and Vaden, not much else tonight.

 

Very disappointing. Mike Davis teams have typically been pretty good at that end of the floor. They also got murdered on the boards.

 

MSU drove the ball into the lane at will. Once they figured out they could do that, the game was over.

 

Despite his offensive prowess, Killingsworth had only ONE rebound all night. That's unacceptable IMO.

 

I'm again dissapointed that Strickland couldn't step up in a big game. He made a few nice plays here and there, but nothing to get excited about. Killingsworth and Vaden are the only people who look like they really want to make a play.

[fiver]

No Defense at all. MSU isn't missing at all. We can't buy a call, but thats how it is on the road in the Big Ten. Nice game from Marco and Vaden, not much else tonight.

 

Very disappointing. Mike Davis teams have typically been pretty good at that end of the floor. They also got murdered on the boards.

 

I fear that will be the case against ALL teams with any depth in the paint. Killingsworth is but one man....one and a half tops.

[badgercub]

Wisconsin, surprisingly leading the conference at 3-0 looks to extend their unbeaten streak to 4 in the conference for the first time since the 1960's I believe. With how the schedule sets up, and Bo Ryan's record of 33-1 in Big Ten Games at home, does anyone see the Badgers as a real threat to win the conference? If they can take care of Illinois and Ohio St. at home, they just might be able to pull it off.

[hawkeyecub]

The Badgers are definitely a real threat to win the conference. In fact I would probably consider them the favorite at this point.

They don't lose at home, they don't have a real difficult road schedule, and Bo is one of the most underrated coaches in the country.

[Flames24Rulz]

1:01 left in the Iowa-PSU game and PSU leads 73-72. Game is on WCIU if anyone wants to see the last minute.

[Flames24Rulz]

Iowa wins 80-76 :x

[Sweep The Leg Johnny]

The Badgers are definitely a real threat to win the conference. In fact I would probably consider them the favorite at this point.

They don't lose at home, they don't have a real difficult road schedule, and Bo is one of the most underrated coaches in the country.

 

By default, I think Badgers are the clear favorite right now. They're 4-0 and have a favorable schedule. However - I think its still a bit too early to be discussing favorites. They still need to win big games on the road, and this upcoming OSU game will be telling. If Krabbenhoft, Landry & Stiemsma continue to develop over the Big Ten season, this young Badger team can be REALLY good.

[snoodmonger]

The Badgers are definitely a real threat to win the conference. In fact I would probably consider them the favorite at this point.

They don't lose at home, they don't have a real difficult road schedule, and Bo is one of the most underrated coaches in the country.

 

By default, I think Badgers are the clear favorite right now. They're 4-0 and have a favorable schedule. However - I think its still a bit too early to be discussing favorites. They still need to win big games on the road, and this upcoming OSU game will be telling. If Krabbenhoft, Landry & Stiemsma continue to develop over the Big Ten season, this young Badger team can be REALLY good.

 

Nice handle, Sweeptheleg. Are you a NWstern student?