Let's Hoop it Up!

Cruising The Final Score Dot Net Blogspot Dot Com Source for Big Ten Sports this morning, I read a thorough and riveting preview about the upcoming hoops season by Jack Ebling-protege Andy Gamm.

Andy says the Spartans are "loaded" this year, and he picks them to run roughshod over the nation en route to a Final Four appearance. And you know what? Andy is usually pretty modest in his predictions for Michigan State. I can't remember the last time he was this giddy over one of his teams, so I'm inclined to think he's onto something here.

Here's how I think it will shake out:

1. Michigan State (31-0, NCAA champs), Drew Neitzel is the best caucasian player to don the Green and White since Chris Hill. Now if only Coach Izzo could convince that thick St. Dic to come along for the ride.
2. Ohio State (30-1, NCAA finalist), the Schottenstein True Value Hardware Depot Center will be rocking this year.
3. Wisconsin (28-2, NCAA National Semifinalist), I nearly pissed my pants after I watched Coach Ryan do the Soulja Boy.
4. Indiana (26-6, Elite Eight participants), Can you hear me now? Coach Sampson has the new Baby Shaq in D.J. White.
5. Purdue (24-7, Elite Eight participants), They do n't rebuild at Purdue, they just reload.
6. Michigan (22-8, Sweet 16 participants), the addition of DVD technology to the halls of Crisler will put the Wolverines over the top.
7. Illinois (22-9, NCAA Round of 32 participants), Without the respectful and very politically correct dances and chants of Chief Illiniwek, things just won't seem the same.
8. Minnesota (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), The Vikings, Timberwolves, Tim Brewster, and now .... Tubby Smith. What a time to be living in the Twin Cities!
9. Penn State (20-12, NCAA Round of 64 participants), It looks like Anthony Morelli's Heisman campaign will come up just a hair short. Geary Claxton will try and make up for it by winning the Naismith.
10. Iowa (18-14, NIT Champions), Todd Lickliter. Enough said.
11. Northwestern (16-12, NIT finalists), Bill Carmody has turned Welsh-Ryan Arena into the Jungle of Doom.