The Big Ten Is a Monster

With 18 teams, the Big Ten is the deepest basketball conference in America. Here's how it shakes out.

Title Contenders

Purdue Boilermakers

Still the team to beat. The post presence is dominant, and the backcourt has developed into a legitimate threat from three. Big Ten title favorites until proven otherwise.

Michigan State Spartans

Tom Izzo reloaded through the portal and has a top-5 recruiting class meshing with experienced upperclassmen. This might be Izzo's best defensive team in years.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The combination of elite guard play and improved frontcourt depth makes Illinois dangerous in March. The non-conference schedule will tell us a lot early.

The Next Tier

Indiana Hoosiers

The Assembly Hall advantage is real, and the roster has tournament experience. Dark horse Final Four contender.

Wisconsin Badgers

They'll defend, rebound, and make you play their pace. Never count out Wisconsin in a single-elimination tournament.

UCLA Bruins

Still adjusting to Big Ten play. The talent is there, but the grind of 18 conference games is a different animal than the Pac-12 was.

Oregon Ducks

Another Pac-12 transplant finding their footing. The roster is deep, and the coaching staff has schemed well in Big Ten play.

Sleepers to Watch

• Iowa — If the three-point shooting clicks, watch out
• Maryland — Young but incredibly talented. Could be scary by February
• Ohio State — The rebuild is ahead of schedule

Players to Watch

1. PG, Michigan State — The best pure point guard in college basketball
2. C, Purdue — Dominant inside, developing a mid-range game
3. G, Illinois — Electric scorer who can take over games
4. F, Indiana — The most improved player in the conference

Predicted Final Standings

| Tier | Teams | |------|-------| | 14+ wins | Purdue, Michigan State | | 12-13 wins | Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin | | 10-11 wins | UCLA, Oregon, Iowa | | 8-9 wins | Maryland, Ohio State, Michigan | | 6-7 wins | Penn State, Rutgers, Nebraska | | Under 6 | Minnesota, Northwestern, USC, Washington |

The Big Ten should get 8-10 NCAA Tournament bids. It's that deep.