Big Ten (Eleven) Bold Predictions

It's never too early for predictions. But if there's one thing Big Ten fans know is that the Big Ten is extremely difficult to predict. As I posted last week, you don't know who is going to stay or go, schedules aren't released and injuries are (for the most part) unpredictable.

Yet, here's my lame attempt to try and predict what Big Ten fans will be talking about in just a short 11 months, sorted out by team.

Illinois: Jeff Jordan will start at point guard next year. He may be limited offensively, but he's a tenacious defender and can run the team. If he's anything like his father, Illinois has found a real steal here.

Indiana: The Hoosiers will make the NIT. Asking them to make the NCAA Tournament in just Crean's second year may be a stretch, but an NIT is feasible. Indiana will be clearly upgraded next year with a talented recruiting class. A bump in the road is still possible, but seeing Indiana on the schedule next year won't automatically mean a "W".

Iowa: Anthony Tucker will return to the starting lineup. This isn't a given, of course, considering Tucker's string of off-the-court incidents this past season, but with four players leaving this off-season, Tucker looks in good shape to regain his starting spot.

Michigan: Manny Harris will be the Big Ten's Player of the Year next year, if he stays. Of course, that's the big question. Harris has proven that he's one of the Big Ten's most dynamic players, finishing in top-five in points, rebounds and assists per game.

Michigan State: Delvon Roe will be a monster. He was battling knee injuries and a case of the freshman wall. He definitely showed signs of progress and he's got a permanent spot in the lineup with Goran Suton gone due to graduation. He'll grow into the perfect low-post supplement to Kalin Lucas in the frontcourt.

Minnesota: Tubby Smith will lead the Golden Gophers to the Sweet 16; Royce White will be the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year. Probably the gutsiest prediction of them all, but there's no reason to think they can't do it. They've got all the main pieces back and when you add that Top 25 recruiting class, complete with five-star forward Royce White, the Golden Gophers have some star power and even more depth than last year.

Northwestern: Drew Crawford will be the second coming of Craig Moore. With Moore gone, freshman Drew Crawford (Naperville, Ill.) will have some big shoes to fill at the two spot. He's more than capable, though. While he may not have Moore's unbelievable range, he's got size (6'5", 185). Look for him to make a splash in the Princeton 'O.

Ohio State: Thad Matta will win 20 games... again. He's done it every year in his three head coaching stops (Butler, Xavier, Ohio State) and there's no reason to think he won't do it again. Ohio State's backcourt is loaded and should be their primary strength. They can throw P.J. Hill, William Buford, Jon Diebler, Evan Turner and the healthy David Lighty at any team.

Penn State: Penn State will fall back down to Earth. They'll get Talor Battle back, but they simply lose too much. Replacing Jamelle Cornley, the heart and soul, as well as Battle's backcourt mates Stanley Pringle and Danny Morrissey, will prove to be too much.

Purdue: Purdue will win the Big Ten next year. All the major pieces are slated to come back, and they'll only get better. The bench might be a problem, but they'll have the best starting five in the conference.

Wisconsin: Jon Leuer will have a breakout season. He was juggled between the starting lineup and the bench last year, but expect big things from Leuer next season. His size alone (6'10") presents mismatch problems for every team in the conference and he's not even a center. In a permanent starting role, look for Leuer to wreak havoc on defenses.

What are your bold predictions?