Big Ten Team Capsules

Coach: Tom Izzo, 336-137 in 15th season at Michigan State and overall. Last season: 31-7 overall, 15-3 in Big Ten (1st). Lost to North Carolina in NCAA title game. Key losses: 6-10 Goran Suton (10.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg), 6-2 Travis Walton (5.1 ppg, 3.3 apg). Key returnees: 6-0 Kalin Lucas (14.7 ppg, 4.6 apg), 6-8 Raymar Morgan (10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-4 Durrell Summers (8.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), 6-3 Chris Allen (8.4 ppg), 6-8 Delvon Roe (5.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg), 6-6 Draymond Green (3.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg), 7-0 Tom Herzog (0.6 ppg, 0.7 rpg). Key additions: 6-9 Derrick Nix, 6-10 Garrick Sherman. Critics say: The Spartans don’t have the size to win big games or the biggest game — the national final. Diehards say: By running past Louisville in the regional final last season, the Spartans showed there are teams in the Big Ten that know how to get up and down the floor. We say: Michigan State made Detroit during the Final Four last season. Indianapolis, this year’s site, isn’t too far down the road. Did you know? Lucas earned Big Ten player of the year even though he didn’t lead the conference in any statistical category. One-liner: “I like being picked high, because that’s where I’d like to end up.’’ — Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.

Coach: Matt Painter, 83-50 in fifth season at Purdue, 108-55 in sixth season overall. Last season: 27-10, 11-7 in Big Ten (T-2nd). Lost to Connecticut in NCAA regional semifinal. Key loss: 6-9 Nemanja Calasan (6.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg). Key returnees: 6-3 E’Twaun Moore (13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg), 6-10 JaJuan Johnson (13.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 6-8 Robbie Hummel (12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 6-4 Keaton Grant (7.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 5-9 Lewis Jackson (5.9 ppg, 3.3 apg), 6-3 Chris Kramer (5.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Key additions: 6-5 D.J. Byrd, 6-8 Patrick Bade, 6-2 John Hart, 6-10 Sandi Marcius. Critics say: Beyond the top six players, there’s not much experience, so the Boilermakers will rely on freshmen. Diehards say: With Hummel and Johnson, the Boilers have one of the best frontcourt combinations in the country. We say: With Michigan State and Purdue, the Big Ten has a chance to advance two to the Final Four for the fourth time since 1999. Did you know? Hummel missed five games with a bad back last season and came off the bench in five more games. One-liner: “When you finish the season on a good note and you’re able to win the Big Ten tournament, go to the Sweet 16, you’re excited about the season starting. You want it to start immediately.’’ — Purdue coach Matt Painter.

Coach: Thad Matta, 127-46 in fifth season at Ohio State, 229-77 in 12th season overall. Last season: 23-11, 10-8 in Big Ten (T-4th). Lost to Siena in NCAA first round. Key loss: 7-0 B.J. Mullens (8.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg). Key returnees: 6-5 William Buford (11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), 6-6 Jon Diebler (11.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg), 6-5 David Lighty (9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6-2 Jeremie Simmons (6.8 ppg, 2.5 apg), 6-8 Necola Kecman (6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-8 Dallas Lauderdale (4.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg), 6-1 P.J. Hill (3.2 ppg, 1.9 apg). Key additions: 7-0 Zisis Sarikopoulos. Critics say: Without a proven point guard or scorer in the post, this is just a good team but not a great one. Diehards say: If Lighty didn’t miss all but seven games with a broken foot, Ohio State would have finished closer to the top in the league standings last season. We say: Turner should have been chosen Big Ten player of the year last season, and he’s the best player in the league again this season. Did you know? When Mullens jumped to the NBA, Ohio State lost a freshman center to the league for the third straight season. One-liner: “A friend of mine texted me and said, ‘Geez, I saw you’re playing five of the top 10 teams this year.’ I said, ‘We’ve heard something about that.’” — Ohio State coach Thad Matta.

Coach: Bruce Weber, 152-57 in seventh season at Illinois, 255-111 in 12th season overall. Last season: 24-10, 11-7 in the Big Ten (T-2nd). Lost in NCAA first round to Western Kentucky Key losses: 6-2 Trent Meacham (10.2 ppg, 2.7 apg), 6-2 Chester Frazier (5.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.3 apg), 6-5 Calvin Brock (5.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg). Key returnees: 6-3 Demetri McCamey (11.5 ppg, 4.6 apg), 6-9 MIke Davis (11.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg), 7-1 Mike Tisdale (10.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 6-7 Dominique Keller (5.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 6-5 Alex Legion (3.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg), 6-9 Bill Cole (1.6 ppg). Key additions: 6-3 D.J. Richardson, 6-3 Brandon Paul, 6-9 Tyler Griffey, 6-5 Joseph Bertrand. Critics say: By losing four of their last five games a year ago, Illinois showed there’s still work to be done in prime-time games. Diehards say: Richardson and Paul will make fans quickly forget about Meacham and Frazier. We say: Regarded as a top X’s and O’s guy, Weber is finally signing the talent it takes to win titles with a top 15 class this season and another strong one coming next year. Did you know? Illinois led the Big Ten in defense last season (57.2 ppg). One-liner: “We’re cautiously excited about the upcoming season. The majority of our team is back, and we’ve added a quality freshmen group. At the same time, the cautiousness comes because of the depth of the league.’’ — Illinois coach Bruce Weber.

Coach: John Beilein, 31-36 in third season at Michigan, 324-212 in 18th season overall. Last season: 21-14 overall, 9-9 in the Big Ten (T-7th). Lost to Oklahoma in NCAA second round. Key losses: 5-11 Kelvin Grady (4.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg). Key returnees: 6-5 Manny Harris (16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.4 apg), 6-8 DeShawn Sims (15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), 6-5 Zack Novak (6.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 6-3 Laval Lucas-Perry (6.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg), 6-3 Stu Douglass (6.1 ppg, 2.4 apg), 7-0 Ben Cronin (4.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 6-10 Zack Gibson (3.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Key additions: 6-4 Matt Vogrich, 6-4 Darius Morris, 6-10 Blake McLimans, 6-8 Jordan Morgan. Critics say: With a green-light offense, Michigan can shoot its way into any game. Of course, the Wolverines can also gun their way out of it. Diehards say: By late October, Michigan fans were more excited about basketball than football thanks to Harris, Sims and Beilein. We say: After reaching the NCAAs last season for the first time since 1998, Michigan basketball is back. Did you know? Beilein is the only active coach to have achieved 20-win seasons at four different levels — junior college, NAIA, NCAA Division II and Division I. One-liner: “Until we can get Michigan to a point where this is normal to be in the NCAA tournament, we haven’t turned anything around yet. I think that’s where Michigan belongs.’’ — Michigan coach John Beilein.

Coach: Tubby Smith, 42-25 in third season at Minnesota, 429-170 in 19th season overall. Last season: 22-11, 9-9 in the Big Ten (T-7th). Lost to Texas in NCAA first round. Key losses: None. Key returnees: 6-0 Lawrence Westbrook (12.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 6-7 Damian Johnson (9.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), 6-4 Blake Hoffarber (6.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg), 6-11 Ralph Sampson III (6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg), 6-10 Colton Iverson (5.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), 6-8 Paul Carter (5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg), 6-3 Devoe Joseph (5.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg), 6-5 Devron Bostick (1.5 ppg), 6-0 Al Nolen (6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.3 apg). Key additions: 6-7 Royce White, 6-6 Rodney Williams, 6-8 Trevor Mbakwe, 6-3 Justin Cobbs. Critics say: With Mbakwe, White and Bostick serving suspensions, everyone wonders if the Gophers will have enough players left by the start of the season. Diehards say: By recruiting players like White — the state’s Mr. Basketball — Smith has upgraded the Gophers’ talent level. We say: This is a team with solid players but no superstars. It’s also one that could slide back in the pack this season. Did you know? Minnesota ranked last in the Big Ten by shooting 32.7 percent from the 3-point line. One-liner: “The guys know it’s a privilege to be here and part of this program. We expect them to conduct themselves in a proper way. If they don’t, they force our hand.’’ — Minnesota coach Tubby Smith.

Coach: Bill Carmody, 120-149 in 10th season at Northwestern, 212-174 in 14th season overall. Last season: 17-14 overall, 8-10 in the Big Ten (9th). Key losses: 6-3 Craig Moore 14.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg). Key returnees: 6-8 Kevin Coble (15.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg), 5-10 Michael Thompson (9.9 ppg, 3.7 apg), 6-8 John Shurna (7.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 6-11 Luka Mirkovic 3.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 7-0 Kyle Rowley (3.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg), 6-3 Jeremy Nash (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 6-8 Ivan Peljusic (2.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg), 6-6 Jeff Ryan (2.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg). Key additions: 6-5 Drew Crawford, 6-3 Alex Marcotullio. Critics say: Even if the quirky Northwestern offense causes fits, the Wildcats crumble down the stretch. So don’t be waiting on the school’s first NCAA bid. Diehards say: After beating two ranked teams on the road for the first time in the same season a year ago, Northwestern is ready to challenge the league’s upper crust. We say: When Northwestern is going for the postseason, it makes the Big Ten that much tougher. Did you know? Northwestern hosted the first NCAA tournament in 1939. One-liner: “We were 8-10 in the conference, and you have to do better than that. You shoot for winning your home games and stealing some on the road. That’s a pretty good formula for success and going from postseason NIT to finally making it to the NCAA.’’ — Northwestern coach Bill Carmody.

Coach: Bo Ryan, 193-73 in ninth season at Wisconsin, 222-99 in 11th season overall. Last season: 20-13, 10-8 in Big Ten (T-4th). Lost to Xavier in NCAA second round. Key losses: 6-7 Marcus Landry (12.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 bpg), 6-7 Joe Krabbenhoft (8.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.5 apg). Key returnees: 6-0 Trevon Hughes (12.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), 6-2 Jason Bohannon (10.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 6-10 Jon Leuer (8.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 6-8 Keaton Nankivil (4.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 6-6 Tm Jarmusz (3.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 611 J.D. Gavinski (1.8 ppg), 6-1 Jordan Taylor (1.6 ppg, 1.2 apg), 6-4 Rob Wilson (1.4 ppg).. Key additions: 6-7 Mike Brusewitz, 6-10 Jared Berggren, 6-6 Ryan Evans. Critics say: Without Landry and Krabbenhoft, the Badgers don’t have an answer in the middle. Diehards say: Ryan has a reputation for coaching them up, and Wisconsin usually wins a game or two more than anyone expects. We say: If the Badgers don’t improve their recruiting, Ryan’s better days might be behind him. Did you know? Freshman Diamond Taylor, of Bolingbrook, was one of two players dismissed after being charged with burglary. One-liner: “We know how good the league is going to be. We know we have a lot of work to do. We have some players that have to grow up in a hurry.’’ — Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.

Coach: Ed DeChellis, 84-103 in seventh season at Penn State, 189-196 in 15th season overall. Last season: 27-11, 10-8 in Big Ten (T-4th). Won NIT championship. Key losses: 6-5 Jamelle Cornley (14.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg), 6-4 Stanley Pringle (12.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg), 6-3 Danny Morrissey (5.3 ppg). Key returnees: 5-11 Talor Battle (16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg), 6-9 Andrew Jones (6.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6-6 David Jackson (4.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 6-8 Jeff Brooks (3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 6-5 Chris Babb (2.8 ppg), 6-5 Cameron Woodyard (2.2 ppg). Key additions: 6-2 Tim Frazier, 6-9 Sasa Boronjak, 6-6 Bill Edwards, 6-5 Jermaine Marshall, 6-8 Billy Oliver. Critics say: Battle is the most entertaining player in the league, but he has no help. Diehards say: A better nonconference schedule will boost the Nittany Lions’ chances of an NCAA berth. We say: After beating Michigan State and Purdue last season while also sweeping Illinois, Penn State’s best shot for an NCAA bid came a year ago. Did you know? Taran Buie, Battle’s younger brother, committed to Penn State last spring, and he might be Penn State’s best recruit ever. One-liner: “Moving up, you kind of look at it in the spring and summer, ‘OK, who are we going to jump over?’ You could be an 8-10 team in this league this year and be very, very good.’’ — Penn State coach Ed DeChellis.

Coach: Tom Crean, 6-25 in second season at Indiana, 196-121 in 11th season overall. Last season: 6-25, 1-17 in Big Ten (11th). Key losses: 6-4 Nick Williams (8.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg), 6-5 Malik Story (5.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 68 Kyle Taber (4.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg). Key returnees: 6-2 Devan Dumes (12.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 6-5 Verdell Jones (11.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.6 apg), 6-9 Tom Pritchard (9.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg), 6-3 Matt Roth (6.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg), 5-10 Daniel Moore (2.5 ppg, 2.5 apg). Key additions: 6-5 Maurice Creek, 6-9 Derek Elston, 6-0 Jordan Hulls, 6-5 Jeremiah Rivers, 6-9 Bobby Capobianco, 6-8 Christian Watford, 6-11 Bama Muniru. Critics say: There are too many holes to fill for Indiana to make a major move this season. Diehards say: Better have your fun with the Hoosiers now. With a top 10 recruiting class, Indiana won’t be down long. We say: The Illinois-Indiana rivalry showed no signs of weakening last winter. So there should be more fireworks down the road. Did you know? A transfer from Georgetown, Rivers is the son of Doc Rivers. One-liner: “Right now the best thing for all Indiana is that we’re on the upswing. When we’re in practice, when we’re recruiting, when we’re planning, we really feel good about the direction, and the team is getting better.’’ — Indiana coach Tom Crean.

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Coach: Todd Lickliter, 28-36 in third season at Iowa, 159-97 in ninth season overall. Last season: 15-17, 5-13 in the Big Ten (10th). Key losses: Jake Kelly (11.6 ppg, 3.1 apg), Jeff Peterson (10.6 ppg, 4.2 apg), Cyrus Tate (7.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Jermain Davis (4.5 ppg). Key returnees: 6-5 Matt Gatens (10.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.2 apg), 6-4 Anthony Tucker (10.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), 6-5 Devan Bawinkel (4.8 ppg), 6-6 Aaron Fuller (4.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), 6-7 Jarryd Cole (3.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg). Key additions: 6-1 Cully Payne, 6-5 Eric May, 6-9 Devon Archie, 6-9 Brennan Cougill. Critics say: When Kelly and Peterson abruptly transfered, Lickliter’s hopes of turning things around went up in smoke. Diehards say: Why did we run off Steve Alford and Tom Davis? We say: The worst scoring offense in the Big Ten last season won’t likely be any better this winter. Did you know? Iowa’s 36 losses over the last two seasons are the most of any two-year span in the program’s history. One-liner: “We know that the expectations are low, but if predictions always came true, then there would be no need to play the games.’’ — Iowa coach Todd Lickliter.

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