Big Ten Power Rankings
1. Indiana
The Hoosiers may be the best player in the nation, not just the Big Ten. They have a dominant scorer in transition in Cody Zeller and maybe the best defender in the country in speedy Victor Oladipo. Though they need more consistent point guard play from Yogi Ferrell in order to keep their spot above Michigan and surging Michigan State.
2. Michigan
Michigan is 9-4 inside the Big Ten but they still need to prove they can win big games. Coming off a 23 point loss to Michigan State we need more consistency from sometimes erratic point guard Trey Burke and a more dominant low post presence than Jordan Morgan. But, if they find those things they could still have a shot at knocking off Indiana.
3. Michigan State
Earlier in the season Michigan State did not look like a realistic contender. But, right now the Spartans are playing like a Final Four team. They have found consistent scoring threats in Keith Appling and Gary Harris. Gigantic center Derrick Nix could help the Spartans beat teams down inside. The game against Indiana this Tuesday could go a long way in proving just how good this team could be.
4. Ohio State
The talent is there for the Buckeyes. Aaron Craft is one of the best overall players in the conference and Deshaun Thomas can score everytime he touches the ball. Though, they haven't quite been able to translate this into too much success inside the nation's toughest conference. If they can figure out how to close out games they could still finish the season strong.
5. Wisconsin
Big Ten play is usually not kind to most teams. But, it has been great for the Badgers who seem to be playing better despite tougher games. Led by a stingy defense and a scrappy roster the Badgers have climbed to 3rd inside the conference. With Jared Berggren playing like a beast down low Wisconsin should keep on playing the way they are.
6. Illinois
At one point John Groce's Fighting Illini were undefeated and in the Top Ten but they have struggled mightily inside the Big Ten. Though maybe wins against Indiana and Purdue can propel Illinois back to the way they were playing earlier this year.
7. Iowa
Nobody is really paying attention to the Hawkeyes but they aren't out of the race to the tournament yet. They have a dangerous scoring threat in junior Roy Devyn Marble and play unselfish basketball, as they are 19th in the nation in assists per game. The talent is there to make a run they just need their upperclassmen to be smart.
8. Minnesota
The hype is over for Minnesota and the only hope now is that they somehow manage to start building momentum for a postseason run. When on their game Andre and Austin Hollins can form one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten but they have played terrible through much of the Big Ten schedule. The Gophers need a big win or else their season could be drawing to a close if it hasn't already.
9. Northwestern
The Wildcats aren't a postseason team by any measure but they could still end the season strong thanks to great guard play from Dave Sobolewski and Reggie Hearn as they look forward to next year.
10. Purdue
Coming off a beatdown from Indiana the Boilermakers are trying to look toward next year were they will get star center A.J. Hammons back.
11. Nebraska
Tim Miles' squad has fought hard this season but even with Dylan Talley scoring in bunches the Cornhuskers just don't have enough talent to contend in the Big Ten right now.
12. Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 0-13 inside the Big Ten and looking at their schedule they not win a conference game this whole season.
The Hoosiers may be the best player in the nation, not just the Big Ten. They have a dominant scorer in transition in Cody Zeller and maybe the best defender in the country in speedy Victor Oladipo. Though they need more consistent point guard play from Yogi Ferrell in order to keep their spot above Michigan and surging Michigan State.
2. Michigan
Michigan is 9-4 inside the Big Ten but they still need to prove they can win big games. Coming off a 23 point loss to Michigan State we need more consistency from sometimes erratic point guard Trey Burke and a more dominant low post presence than Jordan Morgan. But, if they find those things they could still have a shot at knocking off Indiana.
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| The Spartans are on fire |
Earlier in the season Michigan State did not look like a realistic contender. But, right now the Spartans are playing like a Final Four team. They have found consistent scoring threats in Keith Appling and Gary Harris. Gigantic center Derrick Nix could help the Spartans beat teams down inside. The game against Indiana this Tuesday could go a long way in proving just how good this team could be.
4. Ohio State
The talent is there for the Buckeyes. Aaron Craft is one of the best overall players in the conference and Deshaun Thomas can score everytime he touches the ball. Though, they haven't quite been able to translate this into too much success inside the nation's toughest conference. If they can figure out how to close out games they could still finish the season strong.
5. Wisconsin
Big Ten play is usually not kind to most teams. But, it has been great for the Badgers who seem to be playing better despite tougher games. Led by a stingy defense and a scrappy roster the Badgers have climbed to 3rd inside the conference. With Jared Berggren playing like a beast down low Wisconsin should keep on playing the way they are.
6. Illinois
At one point John Groce's Fighting Illini were undefeated and in the Top Ten but they have struggled mightily inside the Big Ten. Though maybe wins against Indiana and Purdue can propel Illinois back to the way they were playing earlier this year.
7. Iowa
Nobody is really paying attention to the Hawkeyes but they aren't out of the race to the tournament yet. They have a dangerous scoring threat in junior Roy Devyn Marble and play unselfish basketball, as they are 19th in the nation in assists per game. The talent is there to make a run they just need their upperclassmen to be smart.
8. Minnesota
The hype is over for Minnesota and the only hope now is that they somehow manage to start building momentum for a postseason run. When on their game Andre and Austin Hollins can form one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten but they have played terrible through much of the Big Ten schedule. The Gophers need a big win or else their season could be drawing to a close if it hasn't already.
9. Northwestern
The Wildcats aren't a postseason team by any measure but they could still end the season strong thanks to great guard play from Dave Sobolewski and Reggie Hearn as they look forward to next year.
10. Purdue
Coming off a beatdown from Indiana the Boilermakers are trying to look toward next year were they will get star center A.J. Hammons back.
11. Nebraska
Tim Miles' squad has fought hard this season but even with Dylan Talley scoring in bunches the Cornhuskers just don't have enough talent to contend in the Big Ten right now.
12. Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 0-13 inside the Big Ten and looking at their schedule they not win a conference game this whole season.
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