Big Ten
1. Illinois - Clearly the class of the Big ten, and the only legitimate NCAA title contender in the conference. It all starts in the backcourt, as Deron Williams and Dee Brown are two of the top PG's in the country. Williams and Brown will keep the pace frantic, and wear down opponents all season. One problem this team had last season was finding a scorer for the PG's to pass the ball to. Luther Head's re-emergence was key to the late-year success, and he must have a big year if the Illini do want to compete nationally. Down low, Illinois is deep and versatile, even if the frontcourt isn't quite dominant. James Augustine, Roger Powell, and Nick Smith all pose different problems for opposing defenses. Augustine should be a star, but hasn't shown the will to dominate yet. Powell is an explosive, albeit undersized force near the basket. Though the two newcomers are talented, this is essentially the same team as last season. No major additions, no major losses. I say, hand them the Big Ten title right now.
Ranking: Top 5-10
Draft Prospects: Brown and Williams are future first rounders. Augustine has a shot if he can continue to improve. Don't quote me on it, but even Head could end up in the league.
2. Wisconsin - With Devin Harris, this team gets my pick for #1 in the country. Without him, the Badgers are still pretty darn good. Penn State transfer Sharif Chambliss and defensive specialist Boo Wade will replace Harris, and shouldn't do a bad job. Chambliss and former walk on Clayton Hanson can really shoot. This should open things up for Wiscy's solid inside corps, led by scrappy seniors Mike Wilkinson and Zach Morley, and redshirt uber-frosh Brian Butch. Butch took a redshirt year to gain weight, and has put some muscle on. He's still a twig, but has the footwork and touch to be a star. Wisconsin is in great shape if they can get a double-double out of Butch. Also returning is powder keg of a wing Alando Tucker, who redshirted last season because of a stress fracture. There are some talented freshman here as well, but it's hard to see how they get much time this year. This team is a go-too scorer from being a contender. Chambliss, Tucker, or Butch could end up being that guy. Either way, the Badgers are a top-tier Big 10 team.
Ranking: Top 15-25
Draft Prospects: There is no Devin Harris on this team, but you can bet scouts have their eyes on Tucker, and 7-footers as touted as Butch is will always get some attention from the league.