I've got to make this quick, but here are some of my thoughts:
-- Michigan's 80+ scoring output yesterday over Purdue may have just put them back in the race for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. John Beilein's crew has proven they can play with the best teams in the country. If Michigan gets in with, say, an 11 seed, would you want to play them...
-- Despite having injury/suspension problems all season, Iowa gave Michigan State all it could handle Wednesday. I'll be honest, I thought Iowa would get blown out of the water by the Spartans inside the Breslin Center, but Iowa played extremely tough. Playing at the point guard, Jake Kelly is proving he's got some game and is capable of running Todd Lickliter's offense. That may change when Jeff Peterson returns, though...
-- Props to Tom Crean for playing senior manager Mike Santa in the waning moments of Indiana's loss to Northwestern. Nothing has really gone the right way this season for the Hoosiers, but this is a feel-good story...
-- Finally, were Bruce Weber's comments about the Big Ten justified? Seems as if the perception towards the Big Ten not only hurt the conference's rep. in football but in basketball as well? Nice to see Weber stand up for the conference.
QUICK PICKS:
Saturday
Iowa at Northwestern (1 p.m., BTN) -- Iowa has played well the last few games despite having a few key players injured. Northwestern will look for revenge following a loss in Iowa City two weeks ago.
Ohio State at Purdue (3 p.m., ESPN) -- This may be Ohio State's last chance at a quality win before the Big Ten Tournament starts. They got back on their horse after beating Penn State, but a season-sweep over the Boilermakers would do wonders for their confidence.
Indiana at Penn State (5 p.m., BTN) -- Penn State has been pretty solid at home. Indiana has been abysmal on the road.
Sunday
Michigan at Wisconsin (1 p.m., BTN) -- Wisconsin beat Michigan way back in the season-opener but both teams have changed since then. Both teams are in search of a win.
Michigan State at Illinois (3 p.m., CBS) -- A match-up of two of the top teams in the Big Ten. Michigan State won the first meeting. Should be a good one here.
Record: 37-10
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Is Illinois A Final Four Contender?
Coming into this season, not too many people figured Illinois would be where they are. Their last real good season, or a season that fans of the Fighting Illini have come to expect, was in 2005, when they 37-2 and pegged as possibly one of the best college basketball teams ever. They lost to North Carolina in the championship game and digressed over the next two seasons, putting head coach Bruce Weber on the ultimate hot seat.
They barely made the tournament in 2006 as a 12-seed, but lost to Virginia Tech in the final seconds of their opening round game in Columbus. And 2007 is a season that Illinois fans would soon like to forget. If not for a late-season push in the Big Ten Tournament (made it to the final game as a 10-seed, lost to Wisconsin), it was a lost season. They lost non-conference home games to Miami (OH) and Tennessee State, started 3-12 in the Big Ten and didn't make any post-season tournament. Ouch.
Still, though, the 2008-09 season gave Weber and his Fighting Illini squad a chance to show the Big Ten (and the rest of the country) that the last two seasons were flukes. Right now, they sit at 22-6, a record they haven't been close to since the glory days of 2005. Much like Penn State, people began to question Illinois. "Are they a fluke?" "Are they really this good?" "Who have they beaten?"
Well, the answer is yes, they are that good. They've improved every aspect of their game, whether its passing, shooting, defense, low-post... you name it. Chester Frazier looked lost a year ago running the point, but this year, he's got one of the best assist-turnover ratios in the country. Sophomore off-guard Demetri McCamey is blossoming into a possibly a future NBA player with his aggressiveness and scoring ability, while sophomore big men Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale have given Illinois two definitive inside presences. Their bench isn't anything to get excited about, but the Fighting Illini play solid, fundamental, basketball. They've got a great track record in the month of March since 2000 and they travel extremely well.
Bottom line: when filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket later next month, don't count out Illinois. I'm not saying they are going to win it all. Can they get beat? Sure. An under-sized Penn State squad proved that. But can they make some noise before it's all over? No question.
Picks:
Tuesday
Penn State at Ohio State (6 p.m., ESPN) -- This is a must-win for the Buckeyes. They can't afford to lose four games in a row.
Wednesday
Northwestern at Indiana (5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Indiana has a shot at a win here, especially at home. They know their chances of finding more wins are remote. Outside of their win at Michigan State, Northwestern has really struggled on the road.
Iowa at Michigan State (7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Iowa is banged up and played only seven players in their win over Michigan last weekend. Michigan State is nearing full health for some of their players.
Thursday
Minnesota at Illinois (6 p.m., BTN) -- Illinois will look to extract some revenge on the Golden Gophers after losing in Minneapolis earlier this season. Minnesota hasn't looked pretty on the road. This game would be a resume-builder for whoever wins.
Purdue at Michigan (8 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan needs this win badly. Their window to the NCAA Tournament is closing rapidly and what better than to get fortunes back on their side than by beating a ranked team at home?
Record: 33-9
They barely made the tournament in 2006 as a 12-seed, but lost to Virginia Tech in the final seconds of their opening round game in Columbus. And 2007 is a season that Illinois fans would soon like to forget. If not for a late-season push in the Big Ten Tournament (made it to the final game as a 10-seed, lost to Wisconsin), it was a lost season. They lost non-conference home games to Miami (OH) and Tennessee State, started 3-12 in the Big Ten and didn't make any post-season tournament. Ouch.
Still, though, the 2008-09 season gave Weber and his Fighting Illini squad a chance to show the Big Ten (and the rest of the country) that the last two seasons were flukes. Right now, they sit at 22-6, a record they haven't been close to since the glory days of 2005. Much like Penn State, people began to question Illinois. "Are they a fluke?" "Are they really this good?" "Who have they beaten?"
Well, the answer is yes, they are that good. They've improved every aspect of their game, whether its passing, shooting, defense, low-post... you name it. Chester Frazier looked lost a year ago running the point, but this year, he's got one of the best assist-turnover ratios in the country. Sophomore off-guard Demetri McCamey is blossoming into a possibly a future NBA player with his aggressiveness and scoring ability, while sophomore big men Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale have given Illinois two definitive inside presences. Their bench isn't anything to get excited about, but the Fighting Illini play solid, fundamental, basketball. They've got a great track record in the month of March since 2000 and they travel extremely well.Bottom line: when filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket later next month, don't count out Illinois. I'm not saying they are going to win it all. Can they get beat? Sure. An under-sized Penn State squad proved that. But can they make some noise before it's all over? No question.
Picks:
Tuesday
Penn State at Ohio State (6 p.m., ESPN) -- This is a must-win for the Buckeyes. They can't afford to lose four games in a row.
Wednesday
Northwestern at Indiana (5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Indiana has a shot at a win here, especially at home. They know their chances of finding more wins are remote. Outside of their win at Michigan State, Northwestern has really struggled on the road.
Iowa at Michigan State (7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Iowa is banged up and played only seven players in their win over Michigan last weekend. Michigan State is nearing full health for some of their players.
Thursday
Minnesota at Illinois (6 p.m., BTN) -- Illinois will look to extract some revenge on the Golden Gophers after losing in Minneapolis earlier this season. Minnesota hasn't looked pretty on the road. This game would be a resume-builder for whoever wins.
Purdue at Michigan (8 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan needs this win badly. Their window to the NCAA Tournament is closing rapidly and what better than to get fortunes back on their side than by beating a ranked team at home?
Record: 33-9
Sunday, February 22, 2009
You're Either In Or You're Out. Right Now.
Two weeks left in the regular season. One week left until March. Let the Madness begin.
This is the only time of year that you will hear the words "Big Ten" and "mess" in the same sentence. No, we're not talking about football. Every team in the Big Ten has a winning record, except for Indiana. Technically, all ten of those teams are eligible for post-season play. Who will get in? Who won't? Here's a quick run-down:
LOCKS: Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois.
MAYBE NEXT YEAR: Northwestern, Iowa, Indiana
If that's true, five teams are going to battle it out to get in the Big Dance. Who is in and who is out? (RPI and SOS courtesy of realtimeRPI.com)
Minnesota
Record: 20-7 (8-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .597
SOS: 48
Key Wins: Louisville, Illinois
Key Losses: at Northwestern
Remaining Games: at Illinois (Feb. 26), Wisconsin (March 3/4/5), Michigan (March 7/8)
Verdict: In. Minnesota isn't going to wow anybody in March. This is what you get. They were a perfect 12-0 in non-conference, with all but their win over Louisville coming against relatively "cupcake" teams. During conference play, they've been as advertised. They've won at home and lost on the road. Still, Tubby Smith and Gophers should be a safe bet.
Penn State
Record: 19-8 (8-6 Big Ten)
RPI: .574
SOS: 85
Key Wins: at Michigan State, at Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota
Key Losses: Rhode Island, Temple
Remaining Games: at Ohio State (Feb. 24), Indiana (Feb. 28), Illinois (March 4/5), at Iowa (March 7)
Verdict: In. The way Penn State has played this year, the way they continue to quiet doubters, it would be very difficult for the selection committee to keep Ed DeChellis' hard-working bunch out of the Big Dance. Yes, their strength-of-schedule isn't that good (last in the Big Ten), but they proven they can play with the big boys. Be weary of this final stretch, though. Penn State cannot falter in their final four games, but if they split, I think they'll be in good shape.
Ohio State
Record: 17-8 (7-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .600
SOS: 34
Key Wins: Butler, Purdue
Key Losses: West Virginia, at Northwestern
Remaining Games: Penn State (Feb. 24), at Purdue (Feb. 28), at Iowa (March 3), Northwestern (March 8)
Verdict: Out. Ohio State's early-season victories over Notre Dame and Miami (FL) don't seem to carry as much weight anymore. The Buckeyes have lost three straight and show their youth out on the floor more often than not. They need to win three of the last four games and have a good outing in the Big Ten Tournament if they want to go dancing.
Michigan
Record: 17-11 (7-8 Big Ten)
RPI: .586
SOS: 17
Key Wins: UCLA, Duke, Illinois, Minnesota
Key Losses: at Iowa, Ohio State, at Ohio State
Remaining Games: Purdue (Feb. 26), at Wisconsin (March 1), at Minnesota (March 7/8)
Verdict: Out. Michigan's dreams of making the tournament may have been washed away in their 70-60 overtime loss to Iowa Feb. 22. They've played a tough non-conference schedule and their remaining road is tough, but if they can win two of the last three, they might have hope.
Wisconsin
Record: 17-10 (8-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .609
SOS: 6
Key Wins: at Virginia Tech, Illinois, at Penn State
Key Losses: at Northwestern, at Iowa
Remaining Games: Michigan (March 1), at Minnesota (March 3/4/5), Indiana (March 7/8)
Verdict: In. They're a hot-and-cold team, but they've also played their fair share of tough opponents (Connecticut, at Marquette, Texas -- all losses). Despite their loss against Michigan State Sunday, Wisconsin is playing some of the best basketball in the conference. Their three remaining games are all winnable ones, plus their track record in the Big Ten Tournament is very good, which should be safe to earn the Badgers yet another NCAA Tournament berth.
I've got six teams getting in. That could change. What do you think?
This is the only time of year that you will hear the words "Big Ten" and "mess" in the same sentence. No, we're not talking about football. Every team in the Big Ten has a winning record, except for Indiana. Technically, all ten of those teams are eligible for post-season play. Who will get in? Who won't? Here's a quick run-down:
LOCKS: Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois.
MAYBE NEXT YEAR: Northwestern, Iowa, Indiana
If that's true, five teams are going to battle it out to get in the Big Dance. Who is in and who is out? (RPI and SOS courtesy of realtimeRPI.com)
Minnesota
Record: 20-7 (8-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .597
SOS: 48
Key Wins: Louisville, Illinois
Key Losses: at Northwestern
Remaining Games: at Illinois (Feb. 26), Wisconsin (March 3/4/5), Michigan (March 7/8)
Verdict: In. Minnesota isn't going to wow anybody in March. This is what you get. They were a perfect 12-0 in non-conference, with all but their win over Louisville coming against relatively "cupcake" teams. During conference play, they've been as advertised. They've won at home and lost on the road. Still, Tubby Smith and Gophers should be a safe bet.
Penn State
Record: 19-8 (8-6 Big Ten)
RPI: .574
SOS: 85
Key Wins: at Michigan State, at Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota
Key Losses: Rhode Island, Temple
Remaining Games: at Ohio State (Feb. 24), Indiana (Feb. 28), Illinois (March 4/5), at Iowa (March 7)
Verdict: In. The way Penn State has played this year, the way they continue to quiet doubters, it would be very difficult for the selection committee to keep Ed DeChellis' hard-working bunch out of the Big Dance. Yes, their strength-of-schedule isn't that good (last in the Big Ten), but they proven they can play with the big boys. Be weary of this final stretch, though. Penn State cannot falter in their final four games, but if they split, I think they'll be in good shape.
Ohio State
Record: 17-8 (7-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .600
SOS: 34
Key Wins: Butler, Purdue
Key Losses: West Virginia, at Northwestern
Remaining Games: Penn State (Feb. 24), at Purdue (Feb. 28), at Iowa (March 3), Northwestern (March 8)
Verdict: Out. Ohio State's early-season victories over Notre Dame and Miami (FL) don't seem to carry as much weight anymore. The Buckeyes have lost three straight and show their youth out on the floor more often than not. They need to win three of the last four games and have a good outing in the Big Ten Tournament if they want to go dancing.
Michigan
Record: 17-11 (7-8 Big Ten)
RPI: .586
SOS: 17
Key Wins: UCLA, Duke, Illinois, Minnesota
Key Losses: at Iowa, Ohio State, at Ohio State
Remaining Games: Purdue (Feb. 26), at Wisconsin (March 1), at Minnesota (March 7/8)
Verdict: Out. Michigan's dreams of making the tournament may have been washed away in their 70-60 overtime loss to Iowa Feb. 22. They've played a tough non-conference schedule and their remaining road is tough, but if they can win two of the last three, they might have hope.
Wisconsin
Record: 17-10 (8-7 Big Ten)
RPI: .609
SOS: 6
Key Wins: at Virginia Tech, Illinois, at Penn State
Key Losses: at Northwestern, at Iowa
Remaining Games: Michigan (March 1), at Minnesota (March 3/4/5), Indiana (March 7/8)
Verdict: In. They're a hot-and-cold team, but they've also played their fair share of tough opponents (Connecticut, at Marquette, Texas -- all losses). Despite their loss against Michigan State Sunday, Wisconsin is playing some of the best basketball in the conference. Their three remaining games are all winnable ones, plus their track record in the Big Ten Tournament is very good, which should be safe to earn the Badgers yet another NCAA Tournament berth.
I've got six teams getting in. That could change. What do you think?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Do Or Die Time
Ok, so I didn't get off to the start I wanted to Tuesday with Michigan State. I really felt they would put up a better showing in West Lafayette than they did, and when you're record is 6-0 on the road, what's not to like? The Spartans are oozing with athleticism, but unlike other Tom Izzo squads, this team doesn't have a go-to guy. Raymar Morgan isn't the answer. Kalin Lucas could be, but he's still just a sophomore. They are deep, they are fast, but they need to play with more consistency if they are going to be a serious contender next month.
Purdue, on the other hand, is playing the kind of basketball we thought they would play all season. That 0-2 start to conference play (yeah, remember that?) doesn't look so bad anymore. I've really been impressed with JaJuan Johnson and his improvement. Like so many other bigs in the conference, Johnson has taken a step forward in his maturation process on the floor and is becoming a low-post force. This is the time when you want to hit your stride, and Matt Painter has the Boilermakers doing that.
Now, Wednesday was plain ugly. All you have to do is look at the box score of the Illinois-Penn State game to find that out. Both teams couldn't shoot, couldn't defend, but somehow, Penn State managed to eek out a win in Assembly Hall, where they have won three straight rather quietly. Two of their three wins against ranked opponents are on the road (Illinois, Michigan State). Illinois, meanwhile, had some sort of mental lapse Wednesday. They should be able to beat Penn State on your home floor, especially considering the size/skill differencial in the post. I was just about to say, too, that Illinois could be a dangerous team in the NCAA Tournament. Now, I'm not so sure.
And Thad Matta has got to be steamed after losing to Northwestern. All I had to do was look at his face after Craig Moore split four defenders and throw up a back-to-the-basket prayer lay-up that went in to find that out. It made Sportscenters' Top 10 plays for Wednesday, by the way (#5). That's a small detour for Ohio State, but I still think they've got what it takes to get in.
Good wins for Wisconsin and Michigan, who keep their tournament hopes alive. I'll produce something next week about Who's In and Who's Out, so be on the look out for that. Real quickly, here are my picks for this weekend:
Saturday
Indiana at Purdue (1 p.m., BTN) -- This is the only meeting of the season between the two, and it comes irregularly in late February. Purdue should handle their rivals to the south.
Sunday
Illinois at Ohio State (12 p.m., CBS) -- Both these teams should play with a little fire after their losses Wednesday. I expect to see Ohio State take it at home and bolster their resume.
Wisconsin at Michigan State (2 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan State has been surprisingly vulnerable at home this season. This is a "contrast in styles" kind of game. Can Wisconsin's air-tight defense keep their red-hot streak alive against a fast Michigan State team? I don't think so.
Michigan at Iowa (4 p.m., BTN) -- Michigan got a much-needed win Thursday against Minnesota and travel to visit an Iowa team that is plagued with injuries. Cyrus Tate and Jeff Peterson are doubtful to play, but the Hawkeyes will be looking to avenge a big loss in Ann Arbor earlier this year. Michigan can't slip up here; if they do, their bubble might be burst.
Northwestern at Minnesota (6 p.m., BTN) -- If the tournament started today, I think Minnesota would be in, but another win couldn't hurt. This should be an interesting one, but I'm going with Minnesota, who hasn't lost much at home this season.
Record: 30-7
Purdue, on the other hand, is playing the kind of basketball we thought they would play all season. That 0-2 start to conference play (yeah, remember that?) doesn't look so bad anymore. I've really been impressed with JaJuan Johnson and his improvement. Like so many other bigs in the conference, Johnson has taken a step forward in his maturation process on the floor and is becoming a low-post force. This is the time when you want to hit your stride, and Matt Painter has the Boilermakers doing that.
Now, Wednesday was plain ugly. All you have to do is look at the box score of the Illinois-Penn State game to find that out. Both teams couldn't shoot, couldn't defend, but somehow, Penn State managed to eek out a win in Assembly Hall, where they have won three straight rather quietly. Two of their three wins against ranked opponents are on the road (Illinois, Michigan State). Illinois, meanwhile, had some sort of mental lapse Wednesday. They should be able to beat Penn State on your home floor, especially considering the size/skill differencial in the post. I was just about to say, too, that Illinois could be a dangerous team in the NCAA Tournament. Now, I'm not so sure.
And Thad Matta has got to be steamed after losing to Northwestern. All I had to do was look at his face after Craig Moore split four defenders and throw up a back-to-the-basket prayer lay-up that went in to find that out. It made Sportscenters' Top 10 plays for Wednesday, by the way (#5). That's a small detour for Ohio State, but I still think they've got what it takes to get in.
Good wins for Wisconsin and Michigan, who keep their tournament hopes alive. I'll produce something next week about Who's In and Who's Out, so be on the look out for that. Real quickly, here are my picks for this weekend:
Saturday
Indiana at Purdue (1 p.m., BTN) -- This is the only meeting of the season between the two, and it comes irregularly in late February. Purdue should handle their rivals to the south.
Sunday
Illinois at Ohio State (12 p.m., CBS) -- Both these teams should play with a little fire after their losses Wednesday. I expect to see Ohio State take it at home and bolster their resume.
Wisconsin at Michigan State (2 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan State has been surprisingly vulnerable at home this season. This is a "contrast in styles" kind of game. Can Wisconsin's air-tight defense keep their red-hot streak alive against a fast Michigan State team? I don't think so.
Michigan at Iowa (4 p.m., BTN) -- Michigan got a much-needed win Thursday against Minnesota and travel to visit an Iowa team that is plagued with injuries. Cyrus Tate and Jeff Peterson are doubtful to play, but the Hawkeyes will be looking to avenge a big loss in Ann Arbor earlier this year. Michigan can't slip up here; if they do, their bubble might be burst.
Northwestern at Minnesota (6 p.m., BTN) -- If the tournament started today, I think Minnesota would be in, but another win couldn't hurt. This should be an interesting one, but I'm going with Minnesota, who hasn't lost much at home this season.
Record: 30-7
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Big One Tuesday
I'm a little under the weather right now, listening to The Lonely Island's new album for like the third time. Hopefully neither of which will affect me in making this week's picks:
Tuesday
Michigan State at Purdue: This is the kind of match-up Big Ten fans have been waiting to see all season. The two best teams in the conference go at each other in West Lafayette and almost at full strength. Michigan State forward Raymar Morgan seems poised to return to action tonight after missing the last two weeks with pneumonia while Purdue forward Robbie Hummel continues to make his way back after playing in last Saturday's win at Iowa. If both teams are 100%, or as close to that as you can get, this should be a dandy. Michigan State is a little deeper and has been perfect on the road in the Big Ten this season (6-0). I'm going with the Spartans in a close road victory.
Wednesday
Penn State at Illinois: The only thing lacking on Penn State's NCAA Tournament resume (besides a weak strength of schedule) would be a quality win. They've already got one in their back pocket (at Michigan State), but winning at Illinois would quiet some doubters. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen. Penn State cannot guard Illinois' low-post scoreres in Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis, though a Talor Battle-Chester Frazier match-up will be fun to watch. Illinois wins.
Ohio State at Northwestern: Northwestern has completely fallen apart the last few weeks and are slipping further away from that elusive post-season berth. Ohio State took a minor step back last Saturday at Wisconsin, but they've got more talent than Northwestern. Ohio State rolls.
Thursday
Minnesota at Michigan: For the second game in a row, Minnesota will run into a team desperately needing a win. Michigan is hanging on to their NCAA Tournament hopes by a thread, but they can boost their chances by beating Minnesota at home, which I think they will. The Golden Gophers have more depth, but Michigan has more star power. Michigan takes it.
Wisconsin at Indiana: Wisconsin has been hot-and-cold all season long and right now, they are hot. If they want to get back into the mix for an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, they need to keep their eye on the prize and not take Indiana lightly. They'll take care of the Hoosiers in Bloomington.
Season Record: 28-4
Tuesday
Michigan State at Purdue: This is the kind of match-up Big Ten fans have been waiting to see all season. The two best teams in the conference go at each other in West Lafayette and almost at full strength. Michigan State forward Raymar Morgan seems poised to return to action tonight after missing the last two weeks with pneumonia while Purdue forward Robbie Hummel continues to make his way back after playing in last Saturday's win at Iowa. If both teams are 100%, or as close to that as you can get, this should be a dandy. Michigan State is a little deeper and has been perfect on the road in the Big Ten this season (6-0). I'm going with the Spartans in a close road victory.
Wednesday
Penn State at Illinois: The only thing lacking on Penn State's NCAA Tournament resume (besides a weak strength of schedule) would be a quality win. They've already got one in their back pocket (at Michigan State), but winning at Illinois would quiet some doubters. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen. Penn State cannot guard Illinois' low-post scoreres in Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis, though a Talor Battle-Chester Frazier match-up will be fun to watch. Illinois wins.
Ohio State at Northwestern: Northwestern has completely fallen apart the last few weeks and are slipping further away from that elusive post-season berth. Ohio State took a minor step back last Saturday at Wisconsin, but they've got more talent than Northwestern. Ohio State rolls.
Thursday
Minnesota at Michigan: For the second game in a row, Minnesota will run into a team desperately needing a win. Michigan is hanging on to their NCAA Tournament hopes by a thread, but they can boost their chances by beating Minnesota at home, which I think they will. The Golden Gophers have more depth, but Michigan has more star power. Michigan takes it.
Wisconsin at Indiana: Wisconsin has been hot-and-cold all season long and right now, they are hot. If they want to get back into the mix for an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, they need to keep their eye on the prize and not take Indiana lightly. They'll take care of the Hoosiers in Bloomington.
Season Record: 28-4
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Who's Your Big Ten MVP?
After this weekend's games, my record in predicting Big Ten games since late January is 28-4. Not bad. Here, I'm asking for your help in picking the Big Ten's Player of the Year.
Though there are three weeks left in the regular season, it essentially comes down to three players: Penn State's Talor Battle, Ohio State's Evan Turner and Michigan's Manny Harris. Before taking a look at each player, here's a look at the past winners of the award:
2008: D.J. White, Indiana
2007: Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
2006: Terrence Dials, Ohio State
2005: Dee Brown, Illinois
2004: Devin Harris, Wisconsin
2003: Brian Cook, Illinois
That's some pretty good company. Now, each player's stat line (coming into Sunday's games):
Battle: 17.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 70 3-pt FGs made, 36.8 minutes-per-game
Turner: 17.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 77% FT, 35.6 minutes-per-game
Harris: 17.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 85% FT, 32.7 minutes-per-game
INTERESTING NOTES: Penn State has never had a player win the conference's award. Battle would be the first if he received it... If Harris won, he would be the first Michigan player since Glen Rice in 1989 to win it (he shared the award with Indiana's Jay Edwards)... Roy Tarpley (1985) and Gary Grant (1988) are the last Michigan players to win the award outright... All three of my candidates are sophomores. The last sophomore to win the award was Indiana's Jared Jeffries in 2002... Seven of the last nine winners have gone on to play in the NBA... Battle, Turner and Harris are 1-2-3 in the Big Ten in scoring, respectively.
So, who is your Player of the Year? Comment below...
Though there are three weeks left in the regular season, it essentially comes down to three players: Penn State's Talor Battle, Ohio State's Evan Turner and Michigan's Manny Harris. Before taking a look at each player, here's a look at the past winners of the award:
2008: D.J. White, Indiana
2007: Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
2006: Terrence Dials, Ohio State
2005: Dee Brown, Illinois
2004: Devin Harris, Wisconsin
2003: Brian Cook, Illinois
That's some pretty good company. Now, each player's stat line (coming into Sunday's games):
Battle: 17.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 70 3-pt FGs made, 36.8 minutes-per-game
Turner: 17.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 77% FT, 35.6 minutes-per-game
Harris: 17.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 85% FT, 32.7 minutes-per-game
INTERESTING NOTES: Penn State has never had a player win the conference's award. Battle would be the first if he received it... If Harris won, he would be the first Michigan player since Glen Rice in 1989 to win it (he shared the award with Indiana's Jay Edwards)... Roy Tarpley (1985) and Gary Grant (1988) are the last Michigan players to win the award outright... All three of my candidates are sophomores. The last sophomore to win the award was Indiana's Jared Jeffries in 2002... Seven of the last nine winners have gone on to play in the NBA... Battle, Turner and Harris are 1-2-3 in the Big Ten in scoring, respectively.
So, who is your Player of the Year? Comment below...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Quick Picks For The Weekend
Real quick, here are my picks for this weekend:
Saturday
Minnesota at Penn State (12:30 p.m., BTN) -- Penn State needs another signature win, or a win in general, to stop their three-game losing skid. They were looking like a safe-bet to be an at-large selection in the NCAA Tournament a few weeks ago, but maybe their light is beginning to fade. Penn State needs this one more than Minnesota and I think they'll get it at home.
Purdue at Iowa (3 p.m., BTN) -- The hits keep on coming for Iowa, who will likely play without starting point guard Jeff Peterson (hamstring). The statuses of Robbie Hummel and Cyrus Tate are still up in the air, but Purdue has too many weapons and Iowa has too few, especially without Tate, Peterson and the suspended Anthony Tucker. Purdue wins.
Ohio State at Wisconsin (7 p.m, ESPN, College Gameday) -- Both teams are playing pretty good basketball right now. Wisconsin rebounded to find their winning ways once again, while Ohio State has had a week to prepare for the Badgers after not playing this week. Should be a good one here, but I expect to see Wisconsin continue their hot streak at the Kohl Center.
Sunday
Illinois at Indiana (12 p.m., CBS) -- Illinois is coming off a miracle victory at Northwestern Thursday, where they out-scored the Wildcats 17-2 in the final 5:00 of play. Though Indiana doesn't have the talent, they always get up for their second-biggest rival. I expect to see Indiana come out with a lot of fire, especially after that January shallacking they took in Champaign, and keep things close. Illinois cannot afford a stumble here, and I think the Northwestern game provided the wake-up call they needed. Illinois takes this one.
Michigan at Northwestern (2 p.m., BTN) -- Northwestern has got to be hurting after completely collapsing against Illinois and are definitely on the ropes. Like Penn State, Michigan needs a win as bad as anyone. If they lose this one, making the NCAA Tournament will be extremely hard for them. I think Northwestern will rebound at home, but it will be close.
Prediction Record: 24-3
Saturday
Minnesota at Penn State (12:30 p.m., BTN) -- Penn State needs another signature win, or a win in general, to stop their three-game losing skid. They were looking like a safe-bet to be an at-large selection in the NCAA Tournament a few weeks ago, but maybe their light is beginning to fade. Penn State needs this one more than Minnesota and I think they'll get it at home.
Purdue at Iowa (3 p.m., BTN) -- The hits keep on coming for Iowa, who will likely play without starting point guard Jeff Peterson (hamstring). The statuses of Robbie Hummel and Cyrus Tate are still up in the air, but Purdue has too many weapons and Iowa has too few, especially without Tate, Peterson and the suspended Anthony Tucker. Purdue wins.
Ohio State at Wisconsin (7 p.m, ESPN, College Gameday) -- Both teams are playing pretty good basketball right now. Wisconsin rebounded to find their winning ways once again, while Ohio State has had a week to prepare for the Badgers after not playing this week. Should be a good one here, but I expect to see Wisconsin continue their hot streak at the Kohl Center.
Sunday
Illinois at Indiana (12 p.m., CBS) -- Illinois is coming off a miracle victory at Northwestern Thursday, where they out-scored the Wildcats 17-2 in the final 5:00 of play. Though Indiana doesn't have the talent, they always get up for their second-biggest rival. I expect to see Indiana come out with a lot of fire, especially after that January shallacking they took in Champaign, and keep things close. Illinois cannot afford a stumble here, and I think the Northwestern game provided the wake-up call they needed. Illinois takes this one.
Michigan at Northwestern (2 p.m., BTN) -- Northwestern has got to be hurting after completely collapsing against Illinois and are definitely on the ropes. Like Penn State, Michigan needs a win as bad as anyone. If they lose this one, making the NCAA Tournament will be extremely hard for them. I think Northwestern will rebound at home, but it will be close.
Prediction Record: 24-3
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday Notes & Links
Four weeks remain until the Big Ten Tournament kicks off inside Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. After going through a three-week stretch where they didn't win any games, Wisconsin has suddenly come alive and look like the Bo Ryan teams of old. Also, Michigan State continues to get it done without forward Raymar Morgan, while Purdue finally found a way to win without the star forward of their own, pre-season Player of the Year pick Robbie Hummel. So how will it all shake out? We've got three weeks of regular-season play left to figure it out.
As March draws ever closer, here are some news and notes from around the Big Ten Conference Thursday:
-- Minnesota's inability to put away Indiana at home Tuesday could point to the Golden Gophers' losing momentum, writes Myron Medcalf in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
-- Former Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr. is surging in Memphis under new coach Lionel Hollins, writes Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
-- Interesting read on Illinois forward Dominique Keller from Paul Klee at IlliniHQ.com, who is providing a major lift off the bench for Bruce Weber's now-ranked Fighting Illini.
-- With Michigan's home loss to rival Michigan State Tuesday, the Wolverines continue to walk a dangerous line between "at-large selection" and "bubble team", writes Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, also head of this year's Selection Committee, says that there's no set parameters to take a certian number of teams from each league, which may end up helping Michigan considering how many top-tier teams they've played this season:
As March draws ever closer, here are some news and notes from around the Big Ten Conference Thursday:
-- Minnesota's inability to put away Indiana at home Tuesday could point to the Golden Gophers' losing momentum, writes Myron Medcalf in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
-- Former Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr. is surging in Memphis under new coach Lionel Hollins, writes Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
-- Interesting read on Illinois forward Dominique Keller from Paul Klee at IlliniHQ.com, who is providing a major lift off the bench for Bruce Weber's now-ranked Fighting Illini.
-- With Michigan's home loss to rival Michigan State Tuesday, the Wolverines continue to walk a dangerous line between "at-large selection" and "bubble team", writes Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, also head of this year's Selection Committee, says that there's no set parameters to take a certian number of teams from each league, which may end up helping Michigan considering how many top-tier teams they've played this season:
“How many teams can be selected at‑large from any one conference?” Slive said he’s often asked. “The answer is: However many of these teams are deemed to be among the best 34 teams in the country… Each team is judged independently, and its entire body of work will be thoroughly evaluated. The fact that a number of teams from one league are already in the field does not help nor hurt another team's chances of receiving a bid.”
-- Two factoids out of the Wisconsin area. The first is a chart showing how Wisconsin has fared in the NCAA Tournament since the 1998-99 season. Second, the play of senior guard Trevon Hughes helped Wisconsin to a relatively easy win over Iowa Wednesday night to get the Badgers back to. 500 in Big Ten play.
Monday, February 9, 2009
News, Notes & Predictions: Mon., Feb. 9
-- Indiana guard Devan Dumas was suspended indefinitely by the team this weekend after throwing elbows at Michigan State center Tom Herzog. He will continue to practice and travel with the team, but will not play Tuesday at Minnesota.
-- Iowa freshman guard Anthony Tucker says he has learned from his mistakes and aims to return next season for the Hawkeyes, writes Randy Peterson in the Des Moines Register. Tucker is suspended for the rest of the season after being declared academically ineligible this semester.
-- Purdue forward Robbie Hummel, the conference's pre-season Player of the Year pick, has a stress fracture of the L-5 vertebrae in his lower back, and his return this season is still in doubt, writes Jeff Washburn of the Lafayette Journal-Courier.
-- The key to the second half of the season for Wisconsin is that always-potent 'D', writes Tom Oates in the Wisconsin State Journal.
PREDICTIONS:
Michigan State at Michigan (Tuesday, 6 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan State still might be without Raymar Morgan, which won't help them defend Michigan forward DeShawn Sims. Should be a good in-state battle here. Michigan needs another win to bolster their tournament resume, but I think Michigan State will steal this one on the road.
Indiana at Minnesota (Tuesday, 8 p.m., BTN) -- Minnesota has lost four of six, but they will exploit Indiana's lack of depth in a relatively easy win. Indiana hasn't won a true road game all season and without leading scorer Devan Dumas, doesn't figure to pull this one out in Minneapolis, where Minnesota has lost only two home games this season (Michigan St., Purdue)
Penn State at Purdue (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Both these teams are struggling. Purdue likely will not have Robbie Hummel again and are looking to avenge an early-season loss to Penn State in Happy Valley.
Iowa at Wisconsin (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Maybe Wisconsin has righted the ship with two straight wins. Similarly, Iowa got back on track with a home win over Northwestern and were energized by the return of big man Cyrus Tate. Iowa hasn't had much success beating Wisconsin inside the Kohl Center. Edge = Wisconsin.
Illinois at Northwestern (Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN2) -- I wouldn't be surprised to see a Wildcat upset here, as Northwestern has been surprisingly tough at home this year. Illinois has more athleticism, but will need to find a way to contain Kevin Coble.
Record: 19-3
-- Iowa freshman guard Anthony Tucker says he has learned from his mistakes and aims to return next season for the Hawkeyes, writes Randy Peterson in the Des Moines Register. Tucker is suspended for the rest of the season after being declared academically ineligible this semester.
-- Purdue forward Robbie Hummel, the conference's pre-season Player of the Year pick, has a stress fracture of the L-5 vertebrae in his lower back, and his return this season is still in doubt, writes Jeff Washburn of the Lafayette Journal-Courier.
-- The key to the second half of the season for Wisconsin is that always-potent 'D', writes Tom Oates in the Wisconsin State Journal.
PREDICTIONS:
Michigan State at Michigan (Tuesday, 6 p.m., ESPN) -- Michigan State still might be without Raymar Morgan, which won't help them defend Michigan forward DeShawn Sims. Should be a good in-state battle here. Michigan needs another win to bolster their tournament resume, but I think Michigan State will steal this one on the road.
Indiana at Minnesota (Tuesday, 8 p.m., BTN) -- Minnesota has lost four of six, but they will exploit Indiana's lack of depth in a relatively easy win. Indiana hasn't won a true road game all season and without leading scorer Devan Dumas, doesn't figure to pull this one out in Minneapolis, where Minnesota has lost only two home games this season (Michigan St., Purdue)
Penn State at Purdue (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Both these teams are struggling. Purdue likely will not have Robbie Hummel again and are looking to avenge an early-season loss to Penn State in Happy Valley.
Iowa at Wisconsin (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Maybe Wisconsin has righted the ship with two straight wins. Similarly, Iowa got back on track with a home win over Northwestern and were energized by the return of big man Cyrus Tate. Iowa hasn't had much success beating Wisconsin inside the Kohl Center. Edge = Wisconsin.
Illinois at Northwestern (Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN2) -- I wouldn't be surprised to see a Wildcat upset here, as Northwestern has been surprisingly tough at home this year. Illinois has more athleticism, but will need to find a way to contain Kevin Coble.
Record: 19-3
Friday, February 6, 2009
Word Of The Weekend: Revenge
Before I get into a recap of this past mid-week and picks for the weekend, congratulations are in order to Pat Summitt of Tennessee. Her 1,000th win is just another accolade to add to her already astounding 35-year career at Rocky Top. Definitely one of the best coaches in any sport ever, men or women.
Now, a few notes on the mid-week that was...
-- Congrats to Indiana on picking up their first conference win. I think we all knew the Hoosiers would get somebody eventually and a struggling Iowa team was just what the doctor ordered. Tom Crean will have Indiana back before long and they will be a force once again.
-- Wisconsin and Michigan State rebounded to put up huge wins at home. Wisky snapped a six-game conference losing streak behind some hot shooting from guard Jason Bohannon, while Michigan State completely annihalated an overmatched Minnesota squad in East Lansing.
-- In a battle of the team's top two players, Manny Harris got the better of Talor Battle Wednesday, helping his Wolverines pick up a huge conference win against Penn State. Had Michigan lost this game, their NCAA Tournament hopes would have been in question. But they are alive, though they have a tough non-conference game this weekend (see below).
SATURDAY
Indiana at Michigan State (3 p.m., ESPN) -- Truly a David vs. Goliath match-up. Indiana won't be intimated going to the Breslin Center coming off of their first conference win, but Michigan State is simply too talented. Sparty has righted the ship at home.
Michigan at Connecticut (5 p.m., ESPN) -- Speaking of not being intimated, Michigan won't be as they go to Storrs this weekend after already proving they can beat the big dogs (Duke, UCLA) earlier this season. However, they don't have an answer for 7'3" Hasheem Thabeet. A DeShawn Sims-Jeff Adrien match-up will be fun to watch, but Connecticut will win.
Northwestern at Iowa (5 p.m., BTN) -- Iowa now holds the conference's longest losing streak. Though they are tough to beat at home, Iowa is just not in a good place right now and doesn't have an answer for Kevin Coble on the defensive end. The Wildcats' press and zone defenses will cause a ton of fits for Iowa's young team. Wouldn't be surprised to see an Iowa upset here, but I think Northwestern will win a close one in Iowa City.
Minnesota at Ohio State (7 p.m., BTN) -- Ohio State will be looking for some revenge after losing at Minnesota earlier in the season and they are playing some of the best basketball in the conference. Minnesota has struggled on the road recently, so I'm going with the Buckeyes.
SUNDAY
Purdue at Illinois (12 p.m., CBS) -- Illinois got the better of the Boilermakers earlier this season in West Lafayette and Purdue will no doubtedly be looking for a measure of revenge. Robbie Hummell is the key. If he plays, I think Purdue wins, but if he doesn't, I'm giving the edge to Illinois. Tough one to call here. I expect a very close game regardless of Hummel's status, but Illinois has the slight edge at home.
Wisconsin at Penn State (2 p.m., BTN) -- One of Wisconsin's only conference wins came at Penn State's expense. A strong performance from Talor Battle should give Penn State the win at home, where they are tough to beat. A Jamelle Cornley-Marcus Landry battle in the post will be fun to watch.
Pick Record: 15-1
Now, a few notes on the mid-week that was...
-- Congrats to Indiana on picking up their first conference win. I think we all knew the Hoosiers would get somebody eventually and a struggling Iowa team was just what the doctor ordered. Tom Crean will have Indiana back before long and they will be a force once again.
-- Wisconsin and Michigan State rebounded to put up huge wins at home. Wisky snapped a six-game conference losing streak behind some hot shooting from guard Jason Bohannon, while Michigan State completely annihalated an overmatched Minnesota squad in East Lansing.
-- In a battle of the team's top two players, Manny Harris got the better of Talor Battle Wednesday, helping his Wolverines pick up a huge conference win against Penn State. Had Michigan lost this game, their NCAA Tournament hopes would have been in question. But they are alive, though they have a tough non-conference game this weekend (see below).
SATURDAY
Indiana at Michigan State (3 p.m., ESPN) -- Truly a David vs. Goliath match-up. Indiana won't be intimated going to the Breslin Center coming off of their first conference win, but Michigan State is simply too talented. Sparty has righted the ship at home.
Michigan at Connecticut (5 p.m., ESPN) -- Speaking of not being intimated, Michigan won't be as they go to Storrs this weekend after already proving they can beat the big dogs (Duke, UCLA) earlier this season. However, they don't have an answer for 7'3" Hasheem Thabeet. A DeShawn Sims-Jeff Adrien match-up will be fun to watch, but Connecticut will win.
Northwestern at Iowa (5 p.m., BTN) -- Iowa now holds the conference's longest losing streak. Though they are tough to beat at home, Iowa is just not in a good place right now and doesn't have an answer for Kevin Coble on the defensive end. The Wildcats' press and zone defenses will cause a ton of fits for Iowa's young team. Wouldn't be surprised to see an Iowa upset here, but I think Northwestern will win a close one in Iowa City.
Minnesota at Ohio State (7 p.m., BTN) -- Ohio State will be looking for some revenge after losing at Minnesota earlier in the season and they are playing some of the best basketball in the conference. Minnesota has struggled on the road recently, so I'm going with the Buckeyes.
SUNDAY
Purdue at Illinois (12 p.m., CBS) -- Illinois got the better of the Boilermakers earlier this season in West Lafayette and Purdue will no doubtedly be looking for a measure of revenge. Robbie Hummell is the key. If he plays, I think Purdue wins, but if he doesn't, I'm giving the edge to Illinois. Tough one to call here. I expect a very close game regardless of Hummel's status, but Illinois has the slight edge at home.
Wisconsin at Penn State (2 p.m., BTN) -- One of Wisconsin's only conference wins came at Penn State's expense. A strong performance from Talor Battle should give Penn State the win at home, where they are tough to beat. A Jamelle Cornley-Marcus Landry battle in the post will be fun to watch.
Pick Record: 15-1
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Take A Step Back From The Ledge, Hawkeye Fans
I know how some of you Hawkeye fans are feeling. As one of them myself, I am disappointed with the way this basketball season has gone. Losing to a team that is as bad as Indiana this year isn't going to sit well with many of you, but I say this: take a breather!
There was a great point-counterpoint article in Tuesday's Daily Iowan that took three different stances on why Iowa has been struggling this season. One suggested that it was because the rest of the Big Ten, as a whole, is improving, which is true. Another said that it was because the fans aren't showing up, which is also true. College-aged fans don't want to watch a slow-it-down style of play. They want flashy plays, dunks, transition and excitement, but that isn't always what you get with this Iowa team. But the last point said that it was basically prior coach Steve Alford's fault, which I just don't buy.
This is Todd Lickliter's second season and after last year's six-member recruting haul, he has players that fit his system. When he arrived in spring of 2007, many wondered if Lickliter could get his "Butler Way" to work at Iowa and if he could recruit against the giants of the midwest. So far, it hasn't really worked. One of those members, freshman Anthony Tucker, for all accounts, is probably not going to return next season. I'd love to see him come back, but when black out to the point of getting hospitalized and fail to keep up with your classes, the writing is pretty much on the wall.
Iowa's freshmen bigs, Andrew Brommer and Aaron Fuller, need seasoning. There is no debate about that. Is there potential? Absolutely. But to ask both of them to come into this season, especially Big Ten play and go up against more mature, more experienced and frankly better big men is unreasonable. For a team that doesn't have much size to begin with, I think too much pressure was placed on their shoulders. Now, Brommer doesn't even sniff the floor, but to Fuller's credit, he has played well at some points and poorly at others, but that's the life of a freshman in the Big Ten.
Let's not forget that this team is playing without its senior leader, Cyrus Tate. There's no question that Tate would have made a difference in some of these games, but if you take your most experienced player out of the lineup, yo
u're inevitably putting the fate of the game in the hands of sophomores and freshmen. Traditionally, that doesn't work in the Big Ten. Experience does.
Some may ask, well why doesn't Iowa show improvement in its second year like Minnesota and Michigan has done with their second-year coaches? For Lickliter's system to work, it requires a certain player. Both of those schools have more range of freedom to run their offenses and both of them simply have better athletes. Iowa doesn't. That was painfully on display last Thursday when Michigan State ran up and down the floor at will against a slower, less athletic Iowa team. But when the system is at its best, Lickliter's offense values each possession with an emphasis on the three-ball and doesn't turn the ball over much. This Iowa team still seems to struggle with it. Sure the three's are there (and there are plenty of them), but the turnovers are also aplenty. That needs to change if Lickliter is going to be successful at Iowa.
Despite all this, let's remember that Iowa is still a young team. There is potential. Jeff Peterson, in only his sophomore season, seems to grasp the system better than anyone on the floor and I think is destined for great things in his next two years. Don't forget he is playing with a fracture in his left wrist (non-shooting hand) that will require surgery and at least three months of rehab after the season. Jake Kelly has got size and is probably Iowa's most polished player offensively, but he is too inconsistent. There are time when he is a wizard with the basketball and other times when he makes head-scratching decisions.
The best player on the team and the most complete player continues to be Iowa City's own Matt Gatens. Much like Iowa natives Jeff Horner, Greg Brunner and Adam Haluska before him, Gatens is the proverbial flag waver of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He has black and gold in his blood, and he's a pretty damn good player, too. He can shoot and defend, a player that, in theory, fits Lickliter's system perfectly.
They've clearly got a lot to work to do, but the Hawkeye fans (myself included) need to be patient. Peterson and Gatens are two pretty good building blocks for the future and to date, are Iowa's best players. If they can get some size on the floor, they can be a very good team (6'9" center Brennan Cougill from Sioux City should help next season). But let's be realistic -- it's not going to happen this season.
However, the jury is still out on whether Lickliter is a good fit for Iowa. What do you think? Post comments below...
There was a great point-counterpoint article in Tuesday's Daily Iowan that took three different stances on why Iowa has been struggling this season. One suggested that it was because the rest of the Big Ten, as a whole, is improving, which is true. Another said that it was because the fans aren't showing up, which is also true. College-aged fans don't want to watch a slow-it-down style of play. They want flashy plays, dunks, transition and excitement, but that isn't always what you get with this Iowa team. But the last point said that it was basically prior coach Steve Alford's fault, which I just don't buy.
This is Todd Lickliter's second season and after last year's six-member recruting haul, he has players that fit his system. When he arrived in spring of 2007, many wondered if Lickliter could get his "Butler Way" to work at Iowa and if he could recruit against the giants of the midwest. So far, it hasn't really worked. One of those members, freshman Anthony Tucker, for all accounts, is probably not going to return next season. I'd love to see him come back, but when black out to the point of getting hospitalized and fail to keep up with your classes, the writing is pretty much on the wall.
Iowa's freshmen bigs, Andrew Brommer and Aaron Fuller, need seasoning. There is no debate about that. Is there potential? Absolutely. But to ask both of them to come into this season, especially Big Ten play and go up against more mature, more experienced and frankly better big men is unreasonable. For a team that doesn't have much size to begin with, I think too much pressure was placed on their shoulders. Now, Brommer doesn't even sniff the floor, but to Fuller's credit, he has played well at some points and poorly at others, but that's the life of a freshman in the Big Ten.
Let's not forget that this team is playing without its senior leader, Cyrus Tate. There's no question that Tate would have made a difference in some of these games, but if you take your most experienced player out of the lineup, yo
Some may ask, well why doesn't Iowa show improvement in its second year like Minnesota and Michigan has done with their second-year coaches? For Lickliter's system to work, it requires a certain player. Both of those schools have more range of freedom to run their offenses and both of them simply have better athletes. Iowa doesn't. That was painfully on display last Thursday when Michigan State ran up and down the floor at will against a slower, less athletic Iowa team. But when the system is at its best, Lickliter's offense values each possession with an emphasis on the three-ball and doesn't turn the ball over much. This Iowa team still seems to struggle with it. Sure the three's are there (and there are plenty of them), but the turnovers are also aplenty. That needs to change if Lickliter is going to be successful at Iowa.
Despite all this, let's remember that Iowa is still a young team. There is potential. Jeff Peterson, in only his sophomore season, seems to grasp the system better than anyone on the floor and I think is destined for great things in his next two years. Don't forget he is playing with a fracture in his left wrist (non-shooting hand) that will require surgery and at least three months of rehab after the season. Jake Kelly has got size and is probably Iowa's most polished player offensively, but he is too inconsistent. There are time when he is a wizard with the basketball and other times when he makes head-scratching decisions.
The best player on the team and the most complete player continues to be Iowa City's own Matt Gatens. Much like Iowa natives Jeff Horner, Greg Brunner and Adam Haluska before him, Gatens is the proverbial flag waver of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He has black and gold in his blood, and he's a pretty damn good player, too. He can shoot and defend, a player that, in theory, fits Lickliter's system perfectly.
They've clearly got a lot to work to do, but the Hawkeye fans (myself included) need to be patient. Peterson and Gatens are two pretty good building blocks for the future and to date, are Iowa's best players. If they can get some size on the floor, they can be a very good team (6'9" center Brennan Cougill from Sioux City should help next season). But let's be realistic -- it's not going to happen this season.
However, the jury is still out on whether Lickliter is a good fit for Iowa. What do you think? Post comments below...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Go Ahead, Keep Doubting Penn State
Penn State's victory at Michigan State yesterday should silence some critics. Heck, their upset prevented me from remaining perfect in my picks (yet 9-1 still isn't half bad). But for those of you who still do not believe that Penn State isn't really this good, consider these factoids:
1. Penn State is poised to make their first NCAA Tournament since the Joe Crispin days (remember him?). If you recall, the Nittany Lions were last in the Big Dance in 2001, making it all the way to the Sweet 16 as 10 seed. And, while there is still nine games left in the conference, Penn State would have to collapse in a big way to miss the tournament.
2. Despite their relatively weak scheduling (SOS: 107; last in the Big Ten), Penn State has taken advantage (RPI: 66). They are 17-5 at this point, with only two of those losses coming at the hands of Atlantic 10 foes Rhode Island (by five) and at Temple (by six). The other three are in the Big Ten: Michigan State (by five), at Wisconsin (by four). Their only blemish is a 20-point loss at Minnesota. So one bad loss. They've been competive in every other game.
3. They sport the sure-fire Big Ten Player of the Year in sophomore guard Talor Battle (photo courtesy of The Daily Collegian). If you recall last week, I couldn't decide between him or Michigan's Manny Harris, but what Battle has done on the floor leading this Penn State team is simply amazing. On the season, he is averaging 19 ppg to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists. I dare you to find a player in the Big Ten that means more to his team than Battle does to Penn State. Take him out of the equation, they are a sub-.500 team.
4. Take a quick glance at their remaining schedule. It will test the Nittany Lions, but it's not exactly cake, either:
HOME: Wisconsin (Feb. 8), Minnesota (Feb. 14), Indiana (Feb. 28), Illinois (March 4)
AWAY: Michigan (Feb. 5), Purdue (Feb. 11), Illinois (Feb. 18), Ohio State (Feb. 24), Iowa (March 7)
Figure they win 4 or 5 of those 9 remaining games. They will finish with a clip of 22-9/21-10 (11/7 or 10/8 in the Big Ten). To leave Penn State out of the Tournament with that record would be a huge mistake given what they have been able to accomplish. ESPN's Joe Lunardi (Bracketologist) has Penn State as an 11-seed. Would you want to play them in the first round?
And let's not forget that the conference as a whole has made HUGE strides over last season. Last year, only four teams got into the tournament. This year, it could be six or seven that get in. Has any other conference in the nation improved as much as the Big Ten has? Sure, it's taken its licks over the last couple of years, but from top-to-bottom and aside from the Big East, the Big Ten might be the second-best conference in the country. Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, the aforementioned Penn State and even Northwestern already have or on pace to crack last year's win totals. Heck, even Iowa needs one more to tie last year's mark. And the best news? It might only get better.
Every team in the conference sports a freshman or sophomore as their "leader". Here's some quick hitters:
Illinois: Mike Davis (so.), Mike Tisdale (so.), Demetri McCamey (so.)
Indiana: Tom Pritchard (so.)
Iowa: Jake Kelly (so.), Matt Gatens (fr.), Jeff Peterson (so.)
Michigan: Manny Harris (so.), Zack Novak (fr.)
Michigan State: Kalin Lucas (so.), Delvon Roe (fr.), Durrell Summers (so.)
Minnesota: Colton Iverson (fr.), Al Nolen (so.)
Northwestern: Michael Thompson (so.)
Ohio State: Evan Turner (so.), William Buford (fr.), B.J. Mullens (fr.), Jon Diebler (so.)
Penn State: Talor Battle (so.)
Purdue: E'Twaun Moore (so.), Robbie Hummel (so.), JaJuan Johnson (so.)
Wisconsin: Jon Leuer (fr.)
The bottom line is that the conference is in good hands. It's only going to get better. Now, quickly, here are my picks for the first half of the week (picks are bolded):
Purdue at Ohio State (Tuesday, 6 p.m., ESPN) -- Evan Turner going against Robbie Hummel should be a great match-up.
Iowa at Indiana (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Indiana grabs their first conference win under Tom Crean against a struggling Iowa team in search for a win of their own.
Chicago State at Northwestern (Wednesday, 7 p.m., BTN.com) -- Northwestern takes a brief break from conference play. Should have its way with Chicago State.
Minnesota at Michigan State (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Tom Izzo won't allow Michigan State to lose three straight home games. They'll take care of business.
Penn State at Michigan (Thursday, 6 p.m., BTN) -- Penn State doesn't have a defensive match-up for Manny Harris.
Illinois at Wisconsin (Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN) -- Wisconsin snaps its six-game skid at home. Illinois has not looked pretty the past few outings.
Season Mark: 9-1
1. Penn State is poised to make their first NCAA Tournament since the Joe Crispin days (remember him?). If you recall, the Nittany Lions were last in the Big Dance in 2001, making it all the way to the Sweet 16 as 10 seed. And, while there is still nine games left in the conference, Penn State would have to collapse in a big way to miss the tournament.
2. Despite their relatively weak scheduling (SOS: 107; last in the Big Ten), Penn State has taken advantage (RPI: 66). They are 17-5 at this point, with only two of those losses coming at the hands of Atlantic 10 foes Rhode Island (by five) and at Temple (by six). The other three are in the Big Ten: Michigan State (by five), at Wisconsin (by four). Their only blemish is a 20-point loss at Minnesota. So one bad loss. They've been competive in every other game.
3. They sport the sure-fire Big Ten Player of the Year in sophomore guard Talor Battle (photo courtesy of The Daily Collegian). If you recall last week, I couldn't decide between him or Michigan's Manny Harris, but what Battle has done on the floor leading this Penn State team is simply amazing. On the season, he is averaging 19 ppg to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists. I dare you to find a player in the Big Ten that means more to his team than Battle does to Penn State. Take him out of the equation, they are a sub-.500 team.
4. Take a quick glance at their remaining schedule. It will test the Nittany Lions, but it's not exactly cake, either:
HOME: Wisconsin (Feb. 8), Minnesota (Feb. 14), Indiana (Feb. 28), Illinois (March 4)
AWAY: Michigan (Feb. 5), Purdue (Feb. 11), Illinois (Feb. 18), Ohio State (Feb. 24), Iowa (March 7)
Figure they win 4 or 5 of those 9 remaining games. They will finish with a clip of 22-9/21-10 (11/7 or 10/8 in the Big Ten). To leave Penn State out of the Tournament with that record would be a huge mistake given what they have been able to accomplish. ESPN's Joe Lunardi (Bracketologist) has Penn State as an 11-seed. Would you want to play them in the first round?
And let's not forget that the conference as a whole has made HUGE strides over last season. Last year, only four teams got into the tournament. This year, it could be six or seven that get in. Has any other conference in the nation improved as much as the Big Ten has? Sure, it's taken its licks over the last couple of years, but from top-to-bottom and aside from the Big East, the Big Ten might be the second-best conference in the country. Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, the aforementioned Penn State and even Northwestern already have or on pace to crack last year's win totals. Heck, even Iowa needs one more to tie last year's mark. And the best news? It might only get better.
Every team in the conference sports a freshman or sophomore as their "leader". Here's some quick hitters:
Illinois: Mike Davis (so.), Mike Tisdale (so.), Demetri McCamey (so.)
Indiana: Tom Pritchard (so.)
Iowa: Jake Kelly (so.), Matt Gatens (fr.), Jeff Peterson (so.)
Michigan: Manny Harris (so.), Zack Novak (fr.)
Michigan State: Kalin Lucas (so.), Delvon Roe (fr.), Durrell Summers (so.)
Minnesota: Colton Iverson (fr.), Al Nolen (so.)
Northwestern: Michael Thompson (so.)
Ohio State: Evan Turner (so.), William Buford (fr.), B.J. Mullens (fr.), Jon Diebler (so.)
Penn State: Talor Battle (so.)
Purdue: E'Twaun Moore (so.), Robbie Hummel (so.), JaJuan Johnson (so.)
Wisconsin: Jon Leuer (fr.)
The bottom line is that the conference is in good hands. It's only going to get better. Now, quickly, here are my picks for the first half of the week (picks are bolded):
Purdue at Ohio State (Tuesday, 6 p.m., ESPN) -- Evan Turner going against Robbie Hummel should be a great match-up.
Iowa at Indiana (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., BTN) -- Indiana grabs their first conference win under Tom Crean against a struggling Iowa team in search for a win of their own.
Chicago State at Northwestern (Wednesday, 7 p.m., BTN.com) -- Northwestern takes a brief break from conference play. Should have its way with Chicago State.
Minnesota at Michigan State (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., BTN) -- Tom Izzo won't allow Michigan State to lose three straight home games. They'll take care of business.
Penn State at Michigan (Thursday, 6 p.m., BTN) -- Penn State doesn't have a defensive match-up for Manny Harris.
Illinois at Wisconsin (Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN) -- Wisconsin snaps its six-game skid at home. Illinois has not looked pretty the past few outings.
Season Mark: 9-1
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hats Off To One Kachine Alexander
This is normally a men's basketball blog, but I just couldn't go any further today without commenting on the performance of Iowa sophomore Kachine Alexander in the Hawkeyes' 97-89 triple-overtime win over Penn State this afternoon.
Alexander led all Iowa scorers with 26 points (8-13 from the field, a perfect 10-10 from the foul line), an astounding 21 rebounds and 10 assists. It was her second triple-double of the season, also accomplishing the feat against Northwestern two weeks ago. All of this for a 5'9" guard. It simply was one of the most amazing performances on the hardwood I have seen in my lifetime, men or women.
If she doesn't earn National Player of the Week based on this performance alone, there is no justice. Hats off, Kachine.
Alexander led all Iowa scorers with 26 points (8-13 from the field, a perfect 10-10 from the foul line), an astounding 21 rebounds and 10 assists. It was her second triple-double of the season, also accomplishing the feat against Northwestern two weeks ago. All of this for a 5'9" guard. It simply was one of the most amazing performances on the hardwood I have seen in my lifetime, men or women.
If she doesn't earn National Player of the Week based on this performance alone, there is no justice. Hats off, Kachine.
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