Big Eleven Rewind

The Big Eleven (sometimes referred to as the Big 10):

Illinois Bruce Webber could be the new superstar coach. Why? Look at his record the last two season. SCOREBOARD :-)

Michigan State Izzo has a solid nucleus but somehow this team does not have bite or killer instinct. A return to the Final Four is possible, although this is more like a Sweet16/Elite 8 team.

Indiana Make or break year for Mike Davis but this year's team is solid. They almost beat Duke even. How far will they go? I do not know :-)

Wisconsin Bo Ryan keeps on winning. Another NCAA trip for the Badgers, with the Sweet 16 probably being the ceiling.

Ohio State Thad Matta is probably the other budding super-star coach, at least recruiting wise. Greg Oden and friends have not played yet, but this team is undefeated. Given how well he has done so far, I am not sure where to put the ceiling on this team for this year. Sweet 16?

Michigan Another struggling Coach K disciple. Ouch! But this looks like a godo year so far. To his credit Tommy Amaker undertook the arduous task of cleaning up Michigan basketball, and it is going to take a while. Michigan was an overrated program to begin with.

Minnessotttta Speaking of cleaning up the mess, Dan Monson has a few "get out of jail" cards in his back pocket as well. Promising year, but you can't get to the NCAA when your best wins are at home over UAB and UNLV.

Purdue The prequel to a rebuilding project. Gene Keady couldn't take it and left for Toronto. Not much else to say here.

Northwestern A couple of Ws against struggling BCS teams raised a few eye brows. And nothing more :-)

Penn State The rearguard of the Big Eleven. Lucky are the Big 11 teams who play them twice.