How many B1G teams will go dancing this year? I think 6.
Purdue
IU
Wisconsin
Northwestern
Iowa
Illinois
Purdue
IU
Wisconsin
Northwestern
Iowa
Illinois
B1G Teams in NCAA Tourney
- Thread starter big10best
- Start date
Maybe 6, but I don't think one of them will be Iowa. I am not entirely sold on Illinois either. The Big Ten has a lot of good team, but it really looks like a two team race at the top. Most of the Big Ten teams will be gone after the first round even if they get 6 in.
Wisconsin has double digit losses to Creighton and UNC. Their most impressive win was against Syracuse who has no good wins and 4 losses. They are a decent team, but I expect it to come down to IU and Purdue. I could be wrong, but it is my opinion/speculation at this point. We will know more once conference play kicks in, but I have extremely high expectations for the Boilers and would disappointed with any more than 3 conference losses. It is a down year for the Big Ten as far as talent at the top. Now is the time to take advantage.
currently the top big10 teams according to kenpom.com are:
Locks:
Wisconsin (10)
Purdue (12)
Indiana (15)
Michigan (29)
Ohio St (36)
Likely:
Northwestern (43)
Minnesota (47)
Work to do:
Michigan St (56)
Maryland (64)
Illinois (66)
Iowa (68)
Out:
Nebraska (99)
Penn St (109)
Rutgers (117)
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Expanding on this idea... the big10 typically sees 6 or 7 teams in the tournament. i've listed the highest kenpom ranked team at the end of the season that did/didn't make the tournament
Year (no. of teams)
2016 (7): Michigan (50)-IN Northwestern (68)-OUT
2015 (7): Indiana (48)-IN Minnesota (52)-OUT
2014 (6): Nebraska (56)-IN Minnesota (48)-OUT, Illinois (52)-OUT
2013 (7): Illinois (39)-IN Iowa (29)-OUT
2012 (6): Purdue (30)-IN Minnesota (52)-OUT
2011 (7): Michigan St (45)-IN, Penn St (46)-IN Northwestern (50)-OUT
2010 (5): Minnesota (34)-IN Illinois (57)-OUT
2009 (7): Michigan (47)-IN Penn St (57)-OUT
Interesting to see how often I saw the same teams around the same bubble area, Illinois, Minnesota, Penn St, Northwestern
Not much of a chance imo. I don't see them dancing they can't beat anybody this year
Boy that sounds weird for them to not be there but I like the sound of it!
Iowa would probably have to go 12-6 in conference play to make the tournament. No chance in hell that happens. Not sold on NW or Illinois either.
Locks
Purdue
Indiana
Wisconsin
Could Get In
Minnesota
Michigan
Michigan State
Maryland
Ohio State
Northwestern
Illinois
No Dance
Rutgers
Iowa
Penn State
Nebraska
3-4 of the middle group probably make it.
Nigel Hayes has taken the burdens of the poor, abused student athletes on his shoulders. Guy barely gets anything to eat. I think that is going to hurt Wisconsin as they get into the Big Ten.
MSU is a mystery to me. Watched the Oakland game thinking they'd start to kick, it ain't there for them yet.
If they continue to play like they are currently they may not win 9 BIG games. Izzo may not get it figured out this year. What a shame that would be.
Having said that it wouldn't surprise me for them to get it going and finish top 4-5 BIG and make the dance. I don't see them as a top three BIG team this year though.
Keep in mind that they were playing without probably their best player in Bridges. I'm sure they will be better when he gets back and probably improve as a team throughout the year. They have dug themselves into a hole in terms of making the tournament but they have the talent to win 10-12 conference games and get in. With Izzo they will likely receive the benefit of the doubt come Selection Sunday too.
They still haven't figured out who their designated thug is yet this year either. Gonna take a lot of Whizzo tears to keep them afloat.
It's too bad Jaren Jackson fell for the Izzo tears. Sure hope he's seeing how he would be used at Purdue and how he would have stepped right into Biggies role next year.
Jaren Jackson is solid with his choice of Michigan State. He recently tweeted MSU would make it to the Final Four this year.
BTW,
MSU will definitely make it to the NCAA tourney. The team is getting Bridges back soon. Do not forget MSU athletic director Mark Hollis is the Chairman of the NCAA basketball selection committee. If the team is on the bubble, they will get in on name recognition. Plus Hall of Famer Izzo is a media darling and a coaching God. The man's NCAA track record can't be denied.
BTW,
MSU will definitely make it to the NCAA tourney. The team is getting Bridges back soon. Do not forget MSU athletic director Mark Hollis is the Chairman of the NCAA basketball selection committee. If the team is on the bubble, they will get in on name recognition. Plus Hall of Famer Izzo is a media darling and a coaching God. The man's NCAA track record can't be denied.
I think you can add Minny and OSU to that list, and I question Northwestern getting in as well as Iowa,. I'd say MSU and Michigan have better chances, though I do like Northwestern.
He may be solid with MSU but his basketball knowledge appears to be lacking.
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