B1G Preview: Bottom-dwellers

The non-conference section of the college basketball season is almost finished, which means the B1G slug fest is about to begin. I will break down the Big Ten preview into 4 sections, beginning with a look at the teams who are destined for the conference cellar and finishing with the three legitimate Final Four contenders. 

12. Purdue

How the mighty have fallen.  The Boilermakers were one of the premier programs in the conference just 2 years ago.  This year they do not have Robbie Hummel to carry the team.  Purdue has already lost 6 games this season, and is the only team with a losing record.  Their NCAA tournament hopes are completely gone.  Matt Painter should consider this year a success if they can get 3 wins in the conference.

11. Penn State

The Nittany Lions had one thing going for them, and that was All-B1G guard Tim Frazier.  Penn State has lost their star due to an ACL injury, and he will be out for the entire year.  While their big claim last year was they never stopped playing hard, I don’t think they can use this as a rallying cry for another season.  Penn State will be battling with the Boilermakers for the worst team in the conference.

10. Nebraska

Nobody said the Cornhuskers brought a respectable basketball program with them when they joined the B1G.  Not finishing last will be an improvement for the football school.  Nebraska does have a center listed at 6’10” 320lbs, but looks like he is closer to 400.  Surprisingly he has been one of their most efficient players so far this year.  The problem is that he cannot stay on the floor long enough to actually make a huge difference in games. 

9. Northwestern

The Wildcats were close to locking up their first NCAA tournament bid last season until a late season collapse.  They had an encouraging off season where they picked up a few decent recruits and transfers, but lost Mr. Everything (Jon Shurna).  Their preview falls along the lines of Penn State.  They lost their best player, Drew Crawford, due to a shoulder injury.  He will be out for the entire year.  Northwestern’s ceiling suddenly becomes very low.  It will be a year of developing young players and looking to the 2013-2014 season. 

The team(s) that will be crowned B1G champions should not suffer a loss to any of these teams, and should pick up at least 5 wins from this group.  While upsets do happen in sports, a win over one of the top 3 teams would be considered a miracle and would be considered a bad loss come tournament selection time.