2012 College Basketball Predictions: Big Ten Odds, Predictions, Favorites and Sleepers

2012 College Basketball Picks: Big Ten Championship Odds, Predictions, Favorites and Sleepers: With three teams ranked in the top five in the preseason polls, including the No. 1 team in the country, the Big Ten is quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse basketball conference. All-American and Player of the Year candidates also dot the rosters of several teams in the conference, and a highly-competitive 2012-13 season should be on tap. Of course, a tight race is nothing new for the Big Ten. After all, three teams shared the regular season crown last year. There should be at least that many teams in the mix this season.

Big Ten Conference Odds, Predictions, Favorites and Sleepers

The Favorites

Armed with five returning starters and an excellent recruiting class led by point guard Kevin Ferrell, the Indiana Hoosiers are going to open the year as the No. 1 team in the country. One of those returning starters is center Cody Zeller, who is being touted as the frontrunner for the Player of the Year Award and the future No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. Indiana has size inside, perimeter firepower and speed in transition. The Hoosiers shouldn’t be overmatched in any aspect of the game, and now, they have a core of players with tournament experience. A Big Ten title seems likely, and a national title is within reason.

After grabbing a share of the conference crown last year, the Michigan Wolverines could be back for more in 2012-13. Point guard Trey Burke and shooting guard Tim Hardway Jr. comprise the most explosive backcourt in the conference, and coach John Beilein has plenty of perimeter weapons to fit his 3-point-happy system. More importantly, Michigan landed some serious size inside in the form of highly-touted recruits Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III. The added frontcourt depth could take an already strong team to the next level.

The Dark Horses

Three starters are back from a team that went to the Final Four last season, but the Ohio State Buckeyes have a few more questions to answer in 2012-13 than they have in recent years. Yes, they have the best perimeter defender in Aaron Craft and a rising star in Deshaun Thomas, but double-double machine Jared Sullinger is now in the NBA. A lack of perimeter firepower remains a concern, and while coach Thad Matta has stockpiled plenty of talented players, it is not a guarantee that those players will step up in expanded roles this year. The Buckeyes have the talent to win the Big Ten, but they don’t have the continuity of the other top teams.

The players come and go, but as long as Tom Izzo is on the sidelines for the Michigan State Spartans, the program is going to be competitive. Nobody gets more out of his players than Izzo, and every year, the Spartans play tough defense and dominate on the boards. Guard Keith Appling and center Adreian Payne are the two most recognizable returning starters, but five-star freshman shooting guard Gary Harris is just one of the players that should step up and contribute in 2012-13. No, they don’t have a superstar player, but Michigan State’s hard-nosed, defensive style will keep them in the thick of the Big Ten title fight once again.

The Sleeper

Call them boring if you want, but the Wisconsin Badgers’ ball control offense makes them one of the toughest opponents in the country year in and year out. As long as Bo Ryan is the coach, Wisconsin will spread out the floor on offense with its skilled shooting big men and play tough, physical defense. This year’s team features returning starters Ryan Evans and Jared Berggren, and the Badgers will also get a nice midseason boost when fellow starter Mike Bruesewitz returns from a leg injury. More importantly, Wisconsin welcomes high-touted freshman Sam Dekker into the mix. Billed as a prolific scorer, Dekker’s ability to create his own shot could the Badgers’ the playmaker they normally lack in clutch situations. This team should only get better as the year goes on and could make some noise down the stretch.

Odds to win the Big Ten Conference
7291 Illinois +1200
7292 Indiana +175
7293 Iowa +2000
7294 Michigan +500
7295 Michigan State +300
7296 Minnesota +1200
7297 Nebraska +5000
7298 Northwestern +3000
7299 Ohio State +500
7300 Penn State +3000
7301 Purdue +1500
7302 Wisconsin +500

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