Hoopraker’s editorial board spent the better part of one hour today sequestered in the back booth of its favorite temple of triglycerides. The board, brows furrowed, blood caffeine levels climbing with each pour from waitress Kay’s Bunn-O-Matic samovar, hearts pounding against the bacon fat, had a serious job to perform. The 2006-07 Hoopraker All-Big Ten list was due.
Without further delay and stealing the thunder of the Big Ten Conference whose own list comes out after this one, Hoopraker would like to honor the following individuals as graduating the season with honors. Thanks for the inspired basketball gentleman.
The results below are certified by waitress Kay and the accounting firm of Monte And Stepson, “Oh, we’ll get your money, don’t you worry ’bout that,” providing timely, aggressive results since Monte’s parole in 2002.
2006-07 Hoopraker All-Big Ten Teams
First Team
Adam Haluska, Iowa
Drew Neitzel, Michigan State
Geary Claxton, Penn State
Carl Landry, Purdue
Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
It was difficult to spurn Oden here, but in the end, it was harder for us to keep Claxton off first team. Though obviously not as dominant as Oden, Claxton was more consistent, playing each game like it was his last, and filling in a box score like few others in the conference. Haluska lead the conference in scoring and is the primary reason Iowa surprised in conference play. Neitzel was a beast in the biggest tilts of the conference slate. Landry is, along with Greg Brunner, the best tweener and all-around player for his size this conference has seen in years. Alando Tucker slid a tad in late games with Michigan State and Ohio State, but still is All-American material and will need to play at this level in March.
Second Team
Tim Doyle, Northwestern
Mike Conley, Jr., Ohio State
Greg Oden, Ohio State
Jamelle Cornley, Penn State
David Teague, Purdue
Also meriting consideration here were Travis Walton, Warren Carter, Shaun Pruitt, and D.J. White. Doyle gets the old timey, nostalgia nod here for his high basketball IQ, uncanny assist/steals totals, and leadership. Shaun Pruitt rounded into fine shape as the season progressed and had a marvelous February. Carter had some nice games, but was less consistent. D.J. White has talent to burn and had some isolated explosions, but disappeared on occasion. Cornley, with Claxton, was one of the only bright spots in a long season in not so Happy Valley. Teague had a senior season to remember and several magical nights when his jumpshot seemed attached to the hoop by invisible string. Conley was the best Buckeye all season, stepping into the player-coach role with a maturity and poise well beyond his class status. Oden didn’t get the ball enough and still has robotic tendencies and footwork issues as an offensive player, but his impact on the defensive end was that of a true seven-footer with the wingspan of a Gulfstream: fear inducing.
All-Freshman Team
Armon Bassett, Indiana
Tyler Smith, Iowa
Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
Kevin Coble, Northwestern
Chris Kramer, Purdue
By not repeating Oden and Conley, Jr. on this list we allowed for the inclusion of nice debuts from Bassett and Kramer. Coble is the best basketball player Carmody has brought to Evanston and he needs duplicates in a hurry. Raymar Morgan is going to be a superstar of national stature for Izzo. Tyler Smith has similar upside and will need to be the man for Alford beginning next year.
Player of the Year
Neitzel, Tucker, Landry
Our three votes were split. Neitzel had some of the most inspiring, warrior games we’ve witnessed in the conference in some time. Tucker’s outside shot was squirrely and he is due for a big game soon, but he’s the one of the three most capable of taking his team on his back to the Final Four. Landry is a flat out competitor and big hearted player who does more for his size than should be possible.
Coach of the Year
Bo Ryan, Matt Painter, Bruce Weber
Again, a three way split between our editors. All three did amazing things to bring their teams together. Bo Ryan will be tested even more for his ability to weather the loss of Butch and take his team deep into March. Painter’s team is vying for an NCAA bid after last year’s trials, stunning work indeed. Bruce Weber has dealt with every conceivable injury and distraction and gets his team to another NCAA.
