Hoopraker

We’ve polished our crystal ball, muttered a few incantations and impatiently gleaned into its vacuous innards. The culmination of three regime changes, some big wins and some worse losses, the Big Ten Conference Season awaits. Over the next 75 days, expect the unexpected as freshmen morph to upperclassmen and at least one team will likely assert itself as truly elite.

Sparty Cracks A Smile

If you look closely, behind their Sparty helmets Michigan State fans are smiling. As fans with ties to East Lansing know well, Michigan State sits at the head of the Big Ten class. The genesis of a competitive season last year where losses to Ohio State and North Carolina demonstrated more about the spirit of college sport than most teams show in victory, the Spartans are positioned for a season to savor.

After non-conference season where many teams shied away from challenging opponents, Michigan State choose the more difficult path and they’re stronger for it. Entering Big Ten play at 12-1, the one loss came to then #1 UCLA where the Spartans were unable to secure a lead late. They responded with resonate wins against Bradley, BYU and Texas and in the process, freshman Kalin Lucas asserted himself as a game-changing player.

Not subject to a statistical analysis is the measure of the team’s heart. Tom Izzo expects toughness and Spartan tradition demands it. To that end, the intangible measure of the Spartans’ season may rest on the talented but often inconsistent shoulders of Goran Suton. Thus far, he’s playing more aggressively than in seasons past and in order for the Spartans to fulfill their promise, he’ll need to maintain his focus and play with passion.

Under Izzo, Michigan State is a program run with integrity and respect for the past. At the end of the day, it’s beyond dispute this is a program worthy of emulation.

Painting a Masterpiece

With a collection of young Boilermakers in the mold of Gene Keady, Purdue is among the most intriguing teams to watch develop this season. Led by the obviously well-coached Valparasio High School products (the athletic Robbie Hummel and hard-working Scott Martin) the Boilermakers have played inspired, smart but inconsistent basketball.

While Matt Painter recognizes their youth, after a challenging non-conference season that saw them lose some close games, Purdue will not be green come March. As a result, Purdue may be playing some of the best basketball in the Big Ten come February and consequently, another NCAA Tournament should come into view.

Visions of Minneapolis

Despite the loss to UNLV, recounted here by Paging Jim Shikenjanski, Minnesota has shown trademark Tubby Smith intensity and defense throughout the non-conference season. Playing hard, however, will not be enough to entirely exhume memories of last season’s debacle. The play of Minnesota’s guards, particularly whether Lawrence McKenzie can play under control and whether frosh Al Nolen develops into a Big Ten point, will determine if Tubby gets another 20 win season.

Season on the Brink

Catch him while you can because Eric Gordon is good enough to carry IU. But Gordon can only carry IU so far. For IU to challenge Michgian State, DJ White and JaMarcus Ellis will be the Hooisers’ pivotal players. While he’s raining three pointers without impunity, Gordon has yet to be challenged by Big Ten caliber defense in the form and shape of Michael Flowers, Travis Walton and Jamar Butler.

Gordon’s ability to make his teammates better will determine the ultimate success of his one year residency in Assembly Hall. With a young and perimeter oriented team, Kelvin Sampson faces his first true test on February 16 in Bloomington when the Spartans invade town. The Hooisers meet Todd Lickliter’s crew tonight in Carver Hawkeye, never an easy place to play.

Round on the Ends

Like IU, OSU is young and a work in progress. Playing a tough non-conference schedule, they’ve survived bouts of malaise and dreadful offense to a 9-4 record. While they’re still looking for chemistry and leadership, there’s no doubt the Buckeye’s have sufficient talent to win more than they lose. Throughout a cold Midwestern winter, Thad Matta will need them to play hard and with toughness night in and night out, in Franklin County and on the road.

Kittens to Cats

For the first time in memory, Northwestern is shooting the ball well, leading the Big Ten in three point shooting. Add an All-Conference player to the mix in Kevin Coble, and the Wildcats are not far from respectability. As any Big Ten fan knows, under Bill Carmody, Northwestern consistently gets open looks at the hoop but they’ve also always been a layup or free throw short in their quest for a five hundred record. In a league replete with youth, don’t be surprised if this is the year Northwestern moves up to the second floor. Tonight’s game against Penn State in Welsh-Ryan will speak volumes.

Who is Illinois

The brutal loss to Tennessee State is a bitter reminder of the inconsistency of Illinois. They beat Missouri and lose to Miami. Chastised by Coach Weber for the obvious lack of passion in the recent defeat, Weber has decided to adjust the lineup accordingly. With the remnants of his season and the hopes of Illini Nation in the balance, Weber must reassess his loyaty to upperclassmen.

Playing Chester Frazier 35 minutes a game is holding the team and the growth of their best point guard, Demtri McCamey, back. Maddeningly unable to understand his limitations, the huge-hearted Frazier cannot effectively or consistently run the team. While Illinois needs him to be more Tarrence Crump or Travis Walton, Frazier sees himself as the heir to Dee Brown. On January 2nd, it’s not too late for the Illini and Weber to learn from their loses and ultimately salvage the season.

Give It Up For Bo

Wisconsin lost Big Ten Player of the Year Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor to graduation, still, Bo Ryan has Wisconsin in position to challenge for the Conference Title. As consistent as a beautiful Summer night drinking Rathskeller Ale on the Memorial Union Terrace, Wisconsin plays defense and they play it well.

The Badgers believe in Ryan’s System and that belief, coupled a revolving door perfect fit players from Joe Krabbenhoft and Marcus Landry to Michael Flowers and Trevon Hughes, will sustain Wisconsin for years. Expect any trip to the Kohl Center or visit by the Badgers to be a battle because they are built to last. They begin in Crisler Arena against Michigan.

How DeChilly

With two of the Conferences best players in Geary Claxton and Jamelle Cornley, Penn State should not be considered a permanent member of the Big Ten cellar. However, if Stanley Pringle and Talor Battle don’t hop on the fast track to Big Ten development in the backcourt, Penn State could easily find itself under water.

Iowa and Michigan

As DJ pointed out, Michigan and Iowa are teams left remarkably depleted in talent and fundamentals by their respective ex-coaches, former golden boys Alford and Amaker. In order to survive the Winter, Hawkeye and Wolverine fans will need to resolve in the belief that brighter nights are coming.

Posted by TD Lawlor on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm.