2011-12 Big Ten favorites

[bighousemike84]

Michigan capped a really fun and exciting season today by losing in a last minute attempt to Duke. This team is really tough and has a ton of chemistry, not to mention talent. With the infusion of Trey Burke and Carlton Brundidge for next season and with a team that returns every player things are looking very good for Michigan in 11-12.

Its very likely that Michigan will be in the pre season top 25. Its also likely that Michigan will be considered a favorite for the B10 championship. Just about every team in the Big Ten will be taking a step back next year except for Michigan and with the way they played today its clear that they can play with anybody.

This was a great season and its sad to see that the season is over but I am really excited to see what this team has to show us next season.

[1OSUNUT]

I think it all depends on who leaves and who stays. I know Matta has another steller class coming into Ohio State. They have players leaving that will be hard to replace but if Sully comes back like his Dad has hinted - that is a good starting block. Michigan should be solid next year - if all their kids return. Do you see any of your kids leaving early for the NBA ?

[The Michigan Man]

I’m not sure if UM will be picked to win the Big 10 next year, but should be projected in the top 3 (rather than predicted 10th this season). It was a disappointing loss to Duke, but will hopefully provide a learning experience and motivation for future years for these kids.

I expect the entire team to return intact. Beilein recruited for players with academic aspirations, not necessarily immediate NBA career dreams. Hardaway Jr & Horford are sons of NBA players so money isn’t a concern. Morris, Smotrycz, and Novack are considering or are enrolled in the business school, Morgan enrolled in the college of engineering, Douglass is an econ major, etc. These are not general studies kids that see academics as an annoying part of the college athletic experience, academics are a high priority, and hopefully that will keep them together (especially Hardaway, Morgan, and Morris) for several years.

[Wolvrin704]

I agree with MM, being picked the favs will largely depend on who stays and who goes. I have to think OSU, Purdue and Wiscy will figure into that conversation and somehow MSU will probably sneak in as well. I can see UM being a top 2 or 3 pick to win the Big Ten for sure. I'm also thinking they will probably start the season off in the top 20 polls, I just want to see them continue to play with the passion and intensity they showed toward the end of the season. Morris and Hardaway are bonafide stars in the making. Don't know if we have any big men coming next year but we sure could use another big body or two.

[1OSUNUT]

I know it sucks to lose this time of the year - but you guys have got to be proud of your team. They were playing the best ball in the conference behind OSU and Wisconsin. That is not bad for a team picked to finish near the bottom. I had them beating Duke and I almost looked like a genius. Duke does not handle the athletic teams very well - Kentucky scares me more then Duke.

I would not say that money does not matter to these kids - it does. The parents might be well off - but the kids want their own money and fame. We are used to kids saying that they are not going anywhere - then POOF !!! they are gone. If all the kids return Michigan has a very nice team returning.

[bighousemike84]

At this point the entire team will be returning. There was rumor early in the season that Darius Morris was planning on leaving after this season but he quickly came out and squashed those rumors. That doesnt mean that it isnt still a possibility but I expect everyone back for next year.

[1OSUNUT]

The Buckeye freshman are all coming back and Matta has another Top 5 class - you can throw Ohio State right to the front of the favorites list next year.

[amazinblue]

Nut,

It will be very interesting to see what happens to OSU sports when the NCAA says "Lack of Institutional Control" and "Repeat Offender"... Enjoy this next class of hoops players - it may be your last for a while.

Oh, by the way - those top ranked Bucks really played to their potential in the NCAA. For all your ripping on Michigan, it appears the Bucks made it one round further than a freshman filled Michigan team.

[byebyelloyd]

Nut,

It will be very interesting to see what happens to OSU sports when the NCAA says "Lack of Institutional Control" and "Repeat Offender"... Enjoy this next class of hoops players - it may be your last for a while.

Oh, by the way - those top ranked Bucks really played to their potential in the NCAA. For all your ripping on Michigan, it appears the Bucks made it one round further than a freshman filled Michigan team.

at first i figured ohio state would just get hammered under the rules they broke but now with that press conference joke and the fact they stand behind tressel like he has one shred of integrity is quite likely to receive repeat offender and LOIC. say what you want about the NCAA and its handling of auburn and USC, which was a joke in itself, but ohio state made the NCAA look like complete jackasses in front of the nation by lying and gene smith lobbying to keep the players eligible for the bowl game. they should expect the same treatment from the committee on infractions

[Swoosh]

Morris has declared for the draft. He's a good player if he goes, he goes. If there ever was a player that needs at least 1 more year it is him.

To me Smotroz is going to be a speacial player. Hardaway will be also, it depends how long he stays.

[bluefan]

Did he actually declare? I read that he put his name in to see where he might go in the draft, which is common for underclassmen to do. He's still OK to come back if decides he's not going to go high enough.

[amazinblue]

Bluefan,

As long as he doesn't hire an agent - he's got some flexibility. There's no doubt in my mind that he has potential - but, he'd also benefit by one more year in school - to mature / develop his game.

[deltguy2]

http://www.maizenbrew.com/2011/3/28/2076281/darius-morris-to-test-nba-will-not-hire-agent

[Wolvrin704]

From what I read Coach Beilein suggested he submit his name. The NBA has a committee that lets prospective draftees know their potential draft status. That's all he has done at this point, he can even actually enter the draft and I think even get drafted as long as he doesn't hire an agent he can return to school. But at this point all he's doing is exploring his prospects, nothing more.