Big 10 season preview

In order of projected finish, preseason national rank in parenthesis.

1. Indiana (#9)
Names to know: PF DJ White, SG Eric Gordon, SF Jamarcus Ellis

It’s very likely that Indiana could have three of the Big 10’s five best players by the end of the season, with senior DJ White and newcomers Gordon and Ellis. Gordon, a five-star recruit who originally committed to Illinois, will likely only spend one year in Bloomington, but will be one of the country’s premier perimeter scorers.  Ellis, a Chicago product who was the National Junior College Player of the Year, should fill up box scores all season long. Senior DJ White is one of the best big men in the country, and gives Indiana legitimate national title aspirations. Armon Bassett will have the job of steering the ship. If the sophomore point guard is up to the task, Indiana could be a national powerhouse.

2. Michigan State (#8)
Names to know: PG Drew Neitzel, SF Raymar Morgan, PG Travis Walton

The Spartans are led by senior Drew Neitzel, who concludes his spectacular four-year career in East Lansing as one of the nation’s best guards. Sophomore Raymar Morgan may have as much upside as any Big 10 player this side of Eric Gordon, after averaging over 11 points and 5 rebounds and a freshman last season. Junior power forward Marquise Gray and senior center Drew Naymick could be the key to a successful year, however. If they can continue to improve, Michigan State has a shot at the Final Four. Freshman Chris Allen should provide shooting and athleticism off the bench

3. Ohio State
Names to know: PG Jamar Butler, C Kosta Koufos, SG David Lighty

This isn’t the Buckeyes team that went to the Final Four last season after losing freshmen Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., and Daequan Cook. Cook’s absence hurts particularly because his departure was somewhat unexpected and he could have been one of the best players in the country this year. Freshman Kosta Koufos is another five-star center recruit who could, like his predecessor Oden, be an NBA lottery selection after just one year in Columbus. Senior point guard Jamar Butler is the Buckeyes only returning starter this season.

4. Illinois
Names to know: C Shaun Pruitt, PG Demetri McCamey, PF Brian Randall

It looks to be a tough year for Illinois after losing leading scorer Warren Carter. The good news is Shan Pruitt, a first team All-Big 10 selection, is one of the league’s most dominating big men. Pruitt should be motivated by his goal of reaching the NBA to have his best season yet as a senior. He may be the Big 10’s strongest player who began to develop a low post offensive game last season. Freshman Demetri McCamey, who has drawn comparisons to Deron Williams, will be Illinois’ best guard, and could be a special player. The problem is, without Jamar Smith, who redshirted to solve his legal problems, the Illini are in desperate need of guard help. Chester Frazier and Trent Meacham looked overmatched last season, but both will again see significant playing time. Help is on the way for Illinois in the form of class of 09 guards DJ Richardson, Brandon Paul, and Joseph Bertrand, and with class of 2010 stud Jeremy Richmond, but Bruce Weber could see his program slip a little this season.

5. Wisconsin
Names to know: PF Brian Butch, G Michael Flowers, F Joe Krabbenhoft

Believe it or not, Brian Butch was once shared an honor with LeBron James- that of a five-star recruit out of high school in 2003. Butch has disappointed since coming to Madison, but the fifth year senior will get every opportunity to the Badgers’ biggest star this season. He’ll need to be, after Wisconsin lost Alando Tucker to the NBA and Kammron Taylor to graduation. Forward Joe Krabbenhoft, another big time recruit who has underwhelmed in college, will also get a chance to stand out this year. After going 30-6 last season, and briefly being ranked #1, the Badgers could have a down season.

6. Purdue
Names to know: G Chris Kramer, F Gordon Watt, G E'Twaun Moore

Coach Matt Painter has made the most of his time at Purdue since leaving Southern Illinois. Last season, the program enjoyed it’s best success since Glen ‘Big Dog’ Robinson was wearing black and gold, earning a nine seed in the NCAA tournament and giving eventual champion Florida all it could handle in the second round. Unfortunately, senior leader Carl Landry is in the NBA now, and the Boilermakers could be in for a rebuilding season. Freshman E’Twaun Moore and Scott Martin will make a strong impact, but this year’s success could hinge on sophomore guard Chris Kramer, who is the team’s leading returning scorer.

The rest of the Big 10

7. Michigan
Names to know: PF Epke Udoh, PG Jerret Smith, SG Corperryale Harris

8. Iowa
Names to know: PG Tony Freeman, PF Cyrus Tate, C Kurt Looby

9. Northwestern
Names to know: SF Kevin Coble (may miss entire season), PG Michael Thompson, F Jeff Ryan

10. Minnesota
Names to know: F Dan Coleman, G Lawrence McKenzie, F Spencer Tollackson

11. Penn State
Names to know: SG Geary Claxton, PF Jamelle Cornley, SG Danny Morrissey