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2014-15 College Hoops Preview: Big Ten
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Published: 11/11/2014  at  12:00:00 PM
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The 2014-2015 college basketball season tips off Friday, Nov. 14, and StatFox has you covered by previewing all the major conferences with predicted standings. The Big Ten is next in the run of conference previews, with all of the teams going after the Wisconsin Badgers, who are fresh off a Final Four campaign.

Once the college basketball season begins, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The experts are coming off an unbelievable 2013-14 college basketball season where the five men combined for a 60% ATS record (332-225-19), including 62% ATS (56-35-3) in the NCAA Tournament. StatFox Brian led the way with a 69% ATS record (76-34-4) on this season, which included a 77% ATS run (44-13-4) from Jan. 17 to the end of the season. StatFox Dave was 74% ATS (14-5) in Best Bets for the 2014 NCAA Tournament to finish at 62% ATS for the season. StatFox Scott finished 59% ATS (65-46-5) for season Best Bets, while StatFox Gary was close behind with a 57% ATS mark (64-49-2) in college basketball Best Bets.

BIG TEN CONFERENCE 2014-2015 PREVIEW

Can any team defeat Wisconsin, which brings most of the team back from the Final Four last year?

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Wisconsin
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan State
4. Iowa
5. Nebraska
6. Michigan
7. Minnesota
8. Illinois
9. Maryland
10. Indiana
11. Northwestern
12. Penn State
13. Purdue
14. Rutgers

WISCONSIN BADGERS
2013-14 SU Record: 79% (30-8)
2013-14 ATS Record: 54% (19-16-3)
2013-14 Over (Total): 53% (17-16-1)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 9/1

The Badgers were less than 15 seconds away from playing in the championship game before losing that Final Four game to Kentucky in the final seconds. C Frank Kaminsky (13.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG and 1.7 BPG) is one of the most difficult matchups in college basketball. At 7-foot, he has the post game to cause problems. However, it his ability to step out and hit the long-range jump shot that makes him so tough to stop. When he is on the block, it forces a double-team, opening up floor spacing for guys like SF Sam Dekker (12.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 1.4 APG) and PG Traevon Jackson (10.7 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.8 APG). Like Kaminsky, Dekker is versatile enough to hit the three-point shot, while also scoring on the block. PG Josh Gasser (8.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.9 APG) is solid floor general that knows how to run Bo Ryan’s offense. The guy to look out for is athletic sophomore PF Nigel Hayes (7.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG) who has an expanded role on the team this season. The Badgers can go big, and find the mismatches created by him and Dekker on the wing.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
2013-14 SU Record: 71% (25-10)
2013-14 ATS Record: 44% (15-19)
2013-14 Over (Total): 42% (14-19)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 55/1

The Buckeyes saw their season end in disappointing fashion last year, losing in the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament to in-state foe Dayton. While Aaron Craft is no longer on the team, there is still a lot of talent remaining on the Buckeyes. PF Sam Thompson (7.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 BPG) has shown glimpses of potential, but has too many games where he is not focused and on top of his game. He is a great athlete, but he will need to develop his ball-handling to help him get to the basket. Fellow senior PG Shannon Scott (7.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG) is a high-energy player capable of motivating the team with his effort. However, like Thompson, he needs to develop more of a constant offensive game. Ohio State has a lot of bodies on the inside, as C Amir Williams (7.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG) and transfer PF Anthony Lee (13.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG for Temple last season) are two players that can give the Buckeyes the physical play in the paint.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
2013-14 SU Record: 76% (29-9)
2013-14 ATS Record: 58% (21-15-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 51% (19-18)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 55/1

The Spartans have lost a lot from last year’s Elite Eight team, but there are still some pieces for head coach Tom Izzo to build on for another great season. F/G Branden Dawson (11.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG) is one of the most versatile players in the country. He can have a big night on the offensive end, but he is also capable of a double-digit rebounding game by dominating the glass. This year, he will have to take on more of a scoring role, as the Spartans will have to replace a majority of their points. The backcourt of PG Denzel Valentine (8.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.8 APG) and SG Travis Trice (7.3 PPG, 2.3 APG and 1.6 RPG) are two solid guards who must provide the Spartans leadership and a calming presence on the field. Freshman G/F Javon Bess made some noise in the offseason, as he was playing very well in scrimmages. He is a guy who is physically ready to play as a freshman, and he could be contributing very early in his career.

IOWA HAWKEYES
2013-14 SU Record: 61% (20-13)
2013-14 ATS Record: 48% (15-16)
2013-14 Over (Total): 69% (20-9-1)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 220/1

Iowa brings back one of the best frontcourt players in the conference in PF Aaron White (12.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG). He is similar to Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky, as he is able to make plays from all over the court. He is very physical on the block with his 6-foot-9, 220-pound frame, overpowering his opponents for easy baskets. SF Jarrod Uthoff (7.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG) is another inside player who can step out and hit the perimeter shot (42% threes). This is a team that has the frontcourt depth to match any team in the Big Ten, as guys like 7-foot-1 C Adam Woodbury (5.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 52% FG) and 6-foot-10 C Gabriel Olaseni (6.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG) are two huge players that can take up minutes and help dominate the glass. The key will be the performance of the backcourt, as SG Anthony Clemmons (2.4 PPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 RPG) must emerge as a leader on the team.

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
2013-14 SU Record: 59% (19-13)
2013-14 ATS Record: 65% (20-11)
2013-14 Over (Total): 39% (11-17)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 115/1

The Cornhuskers had a tremendous 2013-2014 season, and bring back players capable of making a similar run. SF Terran Petteway (18.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG) is one of the top contenders for the Big Ten Player of the Year. He is at his best attacking the rim, and can also be a menace on the defensive end. If he can improve on his shooting from outside (33% threes), he could see his scoring increase even more. Combining Petteway with SF Shavon Shields (12.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG), gives the Cornhuskers one of the best duos in the conference. Shields is a very similar player to Petteway, as he is also very dangerous in the open court. If Nebraska improves from the outside, this team could move up even higher in the conference standings.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
2013-14 SU Record: 76% (28-9)
2013-14 ATS Record: 55% (18-15-2)
2013-14 Over (Total): 62% (21-13-1)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 45/1

No team in the Big Ten lost as many key players as the Wolverines did. These subtractions will force SG Caris LeVert (12.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.9 APG) to pick up the slack as the go-to scorer. LeVert is an excellent shooter, knocking down 41% threes last season, and he has the ability to get his shot off at any time. While he is a big threat to hit from deep, he can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. LeVert will have to score the ball more this season to give the Wolverines a chance to win, and he is capable of becoming an all-conference performer. PG Derrick Walton Jr. (7.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.9 APG) had his ups and downs as a freshman, but showed that he has a chance to be a star. In a game against rival Michigan State, Walton had 19 points and six rebounds in an upset road victory. The Wolverines could have one of the best backcourts in the country, as sophomore SG Zak Irvin (6.7 PPG, 43% threes) could play a role similar to what LeVert did last season. Michigan will have to get some scoring from the interior if it is going to emerge as a Big Ten contender.

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
2013-14 SU Record: 66% (25-13)
2013-14 ATS Record: 50% (17-17-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 44% (14-18)
Returning Starters: 4
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 220/1

If you’re looking for a sleeper team in the Big Ten, it is the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is coming off an NIT championship win against SMU, and brings back all but one starter. SG Andre Hollins (13.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.4 APG) had a solid junior campaign, but saw his numbers drop in every statistic. Especially worrisome was his shooting percentages, as he shot only 38% FG and 34% from threes, falling considerably from 42% in both areas as a sophomore. He is relentless when attacking, but he can get out of control, and try to shoot himself out of a slump. PG Deandre Mathieu (12 PPG, 4.2 APG and 2.7 RPG) is a cool customer at the point guard running the offense, as he doesn’t get too high or low on the court. He has the speed to get by the defender, but the IQ to know whether to dish it off or attack the rim. Veteran PFs Maurice Walker (7.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 56% FG) and Joey King (7.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 48% FG) and 6-foot-11 C Elliott Eliason (5.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG) give the Golden Gophers size, experience and toughness in the post.

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
2013-14 SU Record: 57% (20-15)
2013-14 ATS Record: 52% (17-16-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 37% (11-19)
Returning Starters: 5
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 175/1

The Illini are an interesting team as they bring back all five starters from last season. SG Rayvonte Rice (15.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG) is a major contributor on both ends of the court, and can score a lot of points without being the No. 1 option on the play. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is very difficult for smaller guards to contain on the block and keep off the offensive glass. PG Tracy Abrams (10.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.2 APG) struggled from the field last season (33% FG), but he is a capable scorer who can erupt at any time. He will become much more difficult to guard if he is able to hit the outside shot more consistently. C Nnanna Egwu (6.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 2.1 BPG) is a great player on the defensive end, but also an emerging player on offense. The Illini have guys that can score, so they are looking for the 6-foot-11 senior to just crash the glass and help get second chance opportunities.

MARYLAND TERRAPINS
2013-14 SU Record: 53% (17-15)
2013-14 ATS Record: 57% (16-12)
2013-14 Over (Total): 46% (13-15)
Returning Starters: 1
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

It has been a tough offseason for the Terrapins, as many players have transferred to different schools. However, Maryland is able to build its team around F/G Dez Wells (14.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.2 APG), who is one of the most dynamic players in the Big Ten. Wells is an explosive athlete that will not hesitate to attack the rim. He also has the task every night of having to guard the team’s best scorer. Wells has the makings of an all-conference player, but he will need to get help from his teammates. With all of those transfers, SG Jake Layman (11.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG) will be asked upon to step up and give the Terrapins another all-conference-caliber player. SF Evan Smotrycz (11.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 37% threes) gives Maryland an inside-outside threat. Maryland had the looks of a deep team with a lot of scoring ability, but with the transfers, these three will have to shoulder much more of the load.

INDIANA HOOSIERS
2013-14 SU Record: 53% (17-15)
2013-14 ATS Record: 50% (15-15-1)
2013-14 Over (Total): 40% (12-18-1)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 220/1

Point guard Yogi Ferrell (19.3 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.0 APG) took significant strides in his freshman campaign, improving in nearly every statistic. His ability to score is unmatched in the Big Ten, as The 6-foot-0 Ferrell is able to get points from all over the floor. He is known as a slasher, but he still drained 40% of his three-pointers. Many times last season Ferrell was the only guy scoring, as he reached double figures in all but two games. If the Hoosiers are going to be more competitive this season, they will need to get PF Troy Williams (7.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 51% FG) and SG Stanford Robinson (6.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.0 APG) to have the same improvement in their sophomore campaign that Ferrell did.

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
2013-14 SU Record: 42% (14-19)
2013-14 ATS Record: 38% (12-20)
2013-14 Over (Total): 25% (7-21-1)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 500/1

The Wildcats are once again in search of making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, but face an uphill battle. SG JerShon Cobb (12.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.3 APG) is back, and will have to take his game to another level to help fill the void left by Drew Crawford. At 6-foot-5, Cobb has great size and athleticism for a guard, and is most effective when he is driving to the rim. PG Tre Demps (11.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.2 APG) is a high-IQ player who has the ability to take some pressure off Cobb. The backcourt of the Wildcats is definitely the strength of this team, but for them to make a push towards a postseason berth, they need C Alex Olah (9.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG) to become a more physical presence, and to dominate the glass.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
2013-14 SU Record: 47% (16-18)
2013-14 ATS Record: 48% (15-16)
2013-14 Over (Total): 48% (14-15)
Returning Starters: 4
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 500/1

The Nittany Lions only lost one starter from last season’s team, but it was a big one in PG Tim Frazier. The leading returning scorer is SG D.J. Newbill (17.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG), who has the ability to score as well as anybody in the conference. With Frazier gone, defenses are going to focus more on Newbill, who must improve his three-point shot, as teams will also sag off him and dare him to shoot from deep. PF Brandon Taylor (9.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG) is an undersized power forward, but he creates matchups because of his athleticism. Penn State has been competitive against ranked teams in the past, as they knocked off Ohio State both times last season.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
2013-14 SU Record: 47% (15-17)
2013-14 ATS Record: 45% (13-16)
2013-14 Over (Total): 54% (15-13)
Returning Starters: 3
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 300/1

For Purdue, everything will begin with the play of C A.J. Hammons (10.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.1 BPG). He is one of the best defensive players in college basketball, making it very difficult for opponents to score in the lane against the Boilermakers. Last season, he improved on both his shooting from the field (51% FG) and foul line (70% FT), and has shown signs in the offseason of emerging as a legitimate all-conference player. SG Kendall Stephens (8.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 37% threes) had a solid freshman campaign, and will be asked to take on more of a scoring role this season. He will need to continue to work on finishing at the rim, as he shot a worse percentage from the field (36% FG) than he did from deep (37% threes). Purdue has the ability to be one of the better defensive teams in the conference, but will have to find more scoring from role players.

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
2013-14 SU Record: 36% (12-21)
2013-14 ATS Record: 47% (14-16)
2013-14 Over (Total): 64% (16-9)
Returning Starters: 2
Odds to win 2015 NCAA Championship: 75/1 (Field)

It figures to be a tough transition season for the Scarlet Knights in their first year in the Big Ten, but C Kadeem Jack (14.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG) is an NBA prospect. He is a fluid athlete who can get out and run the floor well for a 6-foot-10 player. With a chance to compete in the Big Ten, fans across the country are going to get to see his talent. PG Myles Mack (14.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.9 RPG) also has the ability to put up a lot of points in a hurry. For Rutgers to improve on its meager 12 wins last season, it has to get some scoring from some other players.

All Conference Previews

ATLANTIC COAST Conference
BIG 12 Conference
BIG TEN Conference
PAC-12 Conference
SOUTHEASTERN Conference
OTHER Notable Schools


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