They’ve been such an easy mark for the better part of fifty years.  But, with an influx of talent and size combined the maturation of several key players, Northwestern, yes Northwestern, is poised to become more than an also ran of Big Ten basketball this season.  Customarily overlooked and routinely disparaged, Northwestern has an opportunity to crack the upper division in the Big Ten and with it (yes, Lake the Posts)…post-season play. (more…)

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Matt Painter and Purdue enter a season marked with high expectations.  But, in a season-opening 82-50 win against Detroit, E’twaun Moore found himself on the bench at tip off, having lost his starting spot for what’s been called a violation of team rules during practice.  Painter laid down the law and swiftly.  While Moore’s digression may or may not be an isolated incident, with the cascade of transfers in recent seasons (none more surprising than Scott Martin) at the very least, it’s worth keeping one eye gazed on Purdue’s chemistry as they steam into a season as Conference favorites.  (more…)

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