In the world of college basketball, October brings more than just pumpkin-spiced treats and Halloween decorations; it's the time for preseason polls, and this year's SB Nation Big Ten Basketball poll is stirring up excitement and debate! But here's where it gets controversial: my ballot might raise some eyebrows.
The SB Nation Preseason Poll Unveiled:
Connor Lemons from Land Grant Holy Land, Ohio State's SB Nation site, organized a preseason poll involving writers from various SB Nation, 247Sports, and FanSided sites. Only UCLA and Oregon didn't have a representative.
You can find the full poll here: [https://www.landgrantholyland.com/ohio-state-mens-basketball/103953/purdue-favorites-ohio-state-picked-to-finish-eighth-in-sb-nation-preseason-media-poll]. Now, let's dive into my predictions and the reasoning behind them.
Predicted Standings:
Purdue: The Boilermakers are my top pick, led by the exceptional Matt Painter. With key players like Braden Smith, Trey Kaufmann-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer returning, it's hard to see them finishing outside the top three.
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Michigan State: Depth is their strength, and I believe they'll be a force to reckon with.
Illinois: A solid combination of returning players and transfers makes them a top-five contender.
Iowa: The new coach and a standout transfer player could propel them to surprise victories.
6-18: The Big Ten is deep, and any team from 6th to 14th could pull off an upset on any given night.
Individual Awards Predictions:
Big Ten Player of the Year: Braden Smith (Purdue) - A dominant point guard who controlled the game against Michigan last season. Barring any injuries, he's a clear favorite.
Big Ten Freshman of the Year: Trey McKenney (Michigan) - A high school standout, McKenney's weight loss over the summer will enhance his performance in the faster-paced college game. He's poised to be a key shot-creator for Michigan.
Big Ten Transfer of the Year: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) - Lendeborg is a versatile player who can defend and run the offense. With NBA potential, he's expected to lead Michigan's scoring.
Sleeper Big Ten Team: Iowa - Led by Ben McCollum, who has a unique basketball vision, Iowa has a dynamic guard in Bennett Stirtz. They could be this season's surprise Sweet Sixteen contender.
All-Big Ten 1st Team: Braden Smith, Trey Kaufmann-Renn, Yaxel Lendeborg, Bennett Stirtz, and my wildcard pick, Coen Carr. Carr's athleticism is undeniable, and if he adds a consistent jump shot, he could be a lottery pick.
All-Big Ten 2nd Team: LJ Cason, who didn't make Team USA but has the potential for a sophomore leap. UCLA's Donovan Dent, Bruce Thornton, Nick Martinelli, and the underrated Jackson Shelstad complete my second team.
And this is the part most people miss: my ballot isn't just about statistics; it's about seeing the game through a unique lens. I've considered player development, coaching strategies, and the intangibles that make college basketball so captivating.
Do you agree with my predictions? What are your thoughts on the SB Nation Preseason Poll? Let's discuss in the comments, and remember, in the world of college basketball, every opinion counts!
