The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/589596
2015-16 BASKETBALL PREVIEW PROJECTED BIG TEN FINISH The Big Ten continues to prove its worth as one of the nation's top confer- ences, and this season should be no different. At least nine conference teams have a legitimate shot to make the NCAA Tournament, and those who don't will still be tough outs at home. Here's how we see the Big Ten shaking out. 1. Maryland (15-3 projected conference regular-season record): The Ter- rapins are CBS Sports' No. 4 team nationally in the preseason and appear to be a legit Final Four contender. t2. Michigan (13-5): The Wolverines seem primed for a big rebound and a return to contention after injuries and NBA departures decimated last year's roster. t2. Michigan State (13-5): Point guard scoring is still an issue, but the Spar- tans return preseason all-conference guard Denzel Valentine, a solid frontcourt and an elite shooter in senior guard Bryn Forbes. t2. Indiana (13-5): The Hoosiers have one of the most talented starting fives in the conference — but can head coach Tom Crean get the most of them? t5. Purdue (12-6): The Boilermakers will be one of the league's most blue- collar teams — just the way head coach Matt Painter likes them. t5. Wisconsin (12-6): The Badgers lose a ton, but they won't lose many home games and always reload under head coach Bo Ryan. 7. Ohio State (11-7): The Buckeyes have solid veterans coming back and an infusion of talent with three four-stars and a five-star in shooting guard Jaquan Lyle entering this year. 8. Iowa (10-8): The Hawkeyes are led by seniors in point guard Mike Gesell and forward Jarrod Uthoff. They could surprise. t9. Northwestern (8-10): The Wildcats are on the rise under head coach Chris Collins, but they still don't have enough to get to the NCAA Tournament through a tough Big Ten. t9. Illinois (8-10): There's some talent on the roster, but not enough to com- pete in a loaded Big Ten. Head coach John Groce could be on the hot seat. 11: Minnesota (5-13): The Golden Gophers have a long way to go under head coach Richard Pitino, another who needs to find a way to win soon. 12: Nebraska (4-14): Head coach Tim Miles was a Cinderella story a few years ago, and he's a good coach. He's got his work cut out for him this year, though. 13: Penn State (3-15): A lack of talent and no home court advantage creates quite the predicament for head coach Patrick Chambers. 14: Rutgers (2-16): The hard part is finding the two wins.