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An Early Look at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge

2012-05-14T21:38:37Z

It may not be November just yet, but an early Thanksgiving gift to college basketball fans came Monday.

The matchups for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge for the upcoming season were announced early Monday afternoon. This is the 14th season of the Challenge, with the Big Ten winning the past three seasons.

Last season, the B1G was triumphant with ease with an 8-4 margin. This season, the Challenge will take place on Nov. 27 and 28 and will be presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Currently, nine teams total in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big Ten Conference are ranked in the preseason top-25, including five of the top ten in the nation.

The Tuesday Matchups:

North Carolina at Indiana: The premiere game of the event is on the first slate of games in the Challenge. Indiana is riding into the season as the top-ranked team in the nation. For the first time in a long time, the Hoosiers will have a ton of pressure on them to perform at a high level all season long. As for the Tar Heels, North Carolina is losing most of the scoring power and interior presence that made them so dangerous, yet they have a bevy of freshmen ready to contribute.

North Carolina State at Michigan: The Wolfpack crept into the NCAA tournament by reaching the ACC Tournament title game and performing well late in the season, even with a young squad. Now, NC State is the favorite in the ACC since it return the majority of its team. The Wolfpack will try and prove they are contenders against the Wolverines. Michigan have studs Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke back into the fold, with Mitch McGarry hopefully making an immediate impact as a freshman.

Minnesota at Florida State: With Trevor Mbakwe returning for Minnesota, the expectations for the Gophers are fairly high. Throw in the run the Gophers made in the NIT this past season, and Tubby Smith is expecting his squad to perform. Then, there is Florida State. The tricky ACC team that plays like a Big Ten team. The Seminoles finished third in the ACC last season. This is the fourth meeting between the two teams in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Maryland at Northwestern: The Wildcats may be losing John Shurna, but Drew Crawford is ready to take the reigns of leader of Northwestern. Northwestern has won its past four games in the Challenge. In their matchup, they face an extremely young Maryland team. The Terrapins have six freshmen coming in.

Iowa at Virginia Tech: This is a matchup of squads going in opposite directions. Virginia Tech fired Seth Greenberg late after the season and is in a rebuilding mode with the assistant coach. Iowa, on the other hand, had some amazing games in Big Ten play last season and will try and build upon that with most of the team returning and a solid recruiting class incoming. Va Tech is 2-0 in the Challenge against Iowa.

Nebraska at Wake Forest: The last matchup on the Tuesday slate of games is not a marquee matchup by any means. Wake Forest made a mistake last season by firing coach Dino Gaudio. Since then, the Demon Deacons have under-performed. Nebraska is about to see how capable Tim Miles can be as head coach. Many saw Miles smartly coach in the NCAA tournament in March, but it’s tough to tell in Miles can do it on the Big Ten stage.

Predicted Tuesday outcome: Big Ten 4, ACC 2

The Wednesday Matchups:

Ohio State at Duke: This matchup is the marquee matchup for Wednesday. It features two highly-touted programs and how they will fare without their best player from a season ago. Ohio State will have two juniors in Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft leading the way. The pick-and-roll duo will go against a Blue Devil team that has a lot of raw talent. Duke is still unsure of who will handle point guard this season.

Virginia at Wisconsin: Although Wisconsin will be without departing senior Jordan Taylor, coach Bo Ryan knows how to get a quality team together and contend in the top echelon of the Big Ten. This is a very interesting matchup because Virginia’s head coach, Tony Bennett, is the son of the former Badger coach, Dick Bennett. Some believe that once Ryan decides to retire, which won’t happen anytime soon after receiving an extension, that Bennett will be the leading candidate to replace him.

Michigan State at Miami: A year after coach Frank Haith left, the Hurricanes still sit in the middle of the ACC. Miami’s season ended in the NIT when they lost to Minnesota in the second round. However, Miami is returning a good chunk of its team. Michigan State has to figure out how to replace Draymond Green. Spartan fans aren’t too nervous because guard Gary Harris is heading to East Lansing to boost the offense.

Purdue at Clemson: The upcoming season is looking to be a rebuilding year for the Boilermakers with a good recruiting class coming in and Robbie Hummel leaving the program. Clemson is also rebuilding with a ton of freshman coming to Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Georgia Tech at Illinois: Both programs in this matchup have no problem with recruiting. Ever year, it seems that at least one of them get a premiere recruit. The issue is usually keeping and developing those types of recruits. Illinois will be entering its season with a new coach, John Groce from Ohio University. Georgia Tech really struggled to score last season and is expected to lean on incoming freshman to contribute right away.

Boston College at Penn State: The final matchup of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge features the worst teams from both conferences last season. The two teams combined for 21 wins. Boston College lost to Holy Cross, among others, in one of the worst records in a while for a ACC team. The Nittany Lions still have Tim Frazier at the helm to lead the scoring for Penn State.

Predicted Wednesday Outcome: Big Ten 4, ACC 2

Overall: Big Ten 8, ACC 4

It looks like the Big Ten is early favorites to win the ACC/Big Ten Challenge once again. The B1G is pretty solid from top to bottom, which will help against the middle of the Atlantic Coast Conference, as they only had four teams in the NCAA Tournament last season.

All games will be broadcasted on the ESPN family of networks. Times and networks are yet to be determined.

Here is the official press release by the Big Ten: http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/051412aaa.html

Once Thanksgiving time hits, I'll be thankful...for more college basketball.

Poll

Who will win the 2012 Big Ten/ACC Challenge?

Indiana versus Kentucky series will not continue next season

2012-05-05T02:34:28Z

Despite the notion that the Kentucky versus Indiana game in Bloomington last winter was one of the most exciting games played all season, the two historic programs will not be meeting this year. IU and Kentucky had played a game against each other for 43 seasons in a row, but the respective administrations could not come to an agreement about the series in the future.

Kentucky wanted the series played at neutral sites, like Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and Freedom Hall in Louisville. A setup like that would produce more revenue, and it was the norm from 1990 until 2005, when the series flipped to home courts because of a scheduling conflict.

It was Indiana who wanted to have the series continue with games at Assembly Hall and Kenutcky's Rupp Arena. This setup would mean less money, but it would be easier for students to attend and would lead to much more raucous arena atmospheres.

IU athletic director Fred Glass explained the situation in a press release.

"While we understand that such neutral site games could be quite lucrative, we think the series should be continued as it is, home and home," said Glass. "Playing on campus enables our students to attend these marquee games which we believe is a great component of the overall college experience. Playing in the historic venues that are Assembly Hall and Rupp Arena is also a tremendous experience for our student-athletes."

Although it's hard to imagine that both sides couldn't reach some sort of compromise, Indiana and Kentucky will not play each other during the regular season in the near future. We're hoping that the historic nature of the rivalry and the great passion that both fanbases have toward their teams will cause the series to be continued at some point. For now, Inside the Hall says that IU made the right call.

In the end, Indiana decided keeping the game in front of its own fans every other season at Assembly Hall was the most important factor and it's hard to argue the logic. Last season's game produced the best atmosphere of the regular season in college basketball that cannot be reproduced at a neutral site. Walking away from the rivalry now, even if it's just for a couple of years, could produce the birth of another great home-and-home series.

Anyone who watched both Indiana/Kentucky games last season will tell you that the Assembly Hall atmosphere made a big difference for the Hoosiers. I'm pretty sure that playing the game in the enormous Lucas Oil Stadium wouldn't come close to providing that kind of hysteria, so it's tough to find fault in Indiana's logic.

Looks like we have one less thing to look forward to next season. We've still got a long summer ahead of us, though.

Wisconsin lifts all Uthoff transfer restrictions except for Big Ten schools

2012-04-19T23:21:15Z

Wisconsin lifts all Uthoff transfer restrictions except for Big Ten schools

This really is a situation that got out of hand and was a bit overhyped by the media, but after talking to Jarrod Uthoff, Wisconsin athletic officials have agreed to lift all transfer restrictions except for Big Ten schools.. more understandable.

It's unfair to only blame Ryan for Jarrod Uthoff transfer restrictions

2012-04-19T18:37:44Z

A story about Wisconsin redshirt freshman Jarrod Uthoff leaving the Wisconsin basketball program has today turned into a big national story because of the restrictions that coach Bo Ryan put on the list of schools Uthoff can transfer to.

During an interview with ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, Ryan was painted as a sort of villain because the restricted list included not only the Big Ten, but the entire ACC as well, plus Marquette and Iowa State. The rationale behind that, according to Ryan, is that Wisconsin could possibly play any team in the ACC over the next few years because of the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

That sounds a little excessive. Like Bucky's 5th Quarter says, Wisconsin wouldn't look too silly if Uthoff scored a bunch of points against the Badgers in a non-conference game. It's not as though it was Ryan who kicked Uthoff out of Madison.

While talking with Mike and Mike, Ryan said that he made the list based on advice he got from fellow coaches regarding how to deal with a transferring athlete. The Wisconsin coach made it seem as though extensive lists like this are made every time an athlete wants to change schools. He also made it clear that if Uthoff really wanted to go to one of the schools on the list, he could appeal with school administration and he might get his way if he gives a good reason for leaving. According to Ryan, Uthoff didn't really give him one initially.

If an appeal can be made, then why make the list in the first place? Ryan didn't really give a clear answer, but I got the feeling that he did it because that's what other coaches had done. Now Ryan looks like a bad guy just for following protocol.

I'm not completely on Ryan's side about this. It made sense to go to other coaches for help in an unfamiliar situation, but he didn't have to follow their precedents without question. Sporting News writer and BTN analyst Mike DeCourcy says that Ryan deserves that Uthoff give him a reason for wanting to leave after just one redshirt season.

Sure, it would be nice if Uthoff had waited for Ryan to come back from vacation and had a nice sit-down chat about the decision, but is the student's reason for leaving the institution really important? If Uthoff wants to leave, Wisconsin should let him leave instead of entangling themselves further in this public relations mess.

I do agree with DeCourcy, however, on this point: Ryan is being unfairly treated by the media today when it is really the entire legion of NCAA coaches to blame for the lack of freedom of students to choose which school they transfer to. Forming a restricted list that includes every school that might be an opponent in the next two or three years seems extreme and very paranoid.

Are Ryan and company worried about some secret game plan that Uthoff might reveal to a possible ACC opponent two years down the line? Probably not. That's why we need to take a step back and look at why student athletes changing schools is being treated as if nuclear launch codes might end up in the wrong hands.

2013 NCAA Tournament Projection

2012-04-16T20:20:37Z

2013 NCAA Tournament Projection

ESPN's Joe Lunardi takes the first stab at predicting next season's NCAA Tournament.

Big Ten Basketball Links - 4/15/12

2012-04-16T04:18:16Z

Hey guys, sorry for the huge gap between posts, we have been figuring some things out and are finally back to business! There has already been some big news around the Big Ten with Nebraska and Illinois hiring coaches, Michigan State's Derrick Nix getting arrested, kicked off the team and then reinstated and the Big Ten Network announcing The Journey for football... it has been busy. The links are below!

Andy Katz: Indiana Hoosiers still lead revised Top 25, but plenty of changes elsewhere - ESPN
With several underclassmen and recruiting decisions in the books, Andy Katz takes another look at the Top 25 for 2012-13.

Big Ten basketball: How the Ohio State roster and conference race shape up next season | cleveland.com
The Buckeyes will be a top 25 team in the preseason but could have four or five Big Ten teams, including highly-ranked Indiana, ahead of them.

NBA decisions good news for Big Ten hoops
Big Ten basketball is in good standing, especially with several key players staying in school.

Michigan State's Derrick Nix back on team after guilty plea | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
"From this point on, I’ve got to become a man," Nix said, wearing a suit as tears rolled down his cheeks.

(CLICK BELOW FOR MORE LINKS)

Two simple rules: How the shot clock and the 3-pointer changed college hoops - Sporting News

Tim Miles, new staff hold meet and greet with students - News - Daily Nebraskan - University of Nebraska - Lincoln : News, Husker Sports, Opinion, and Video
University of Nebraska basketball coach Tim Miles held a meet and greet at the Hendricks Training Complex for University of Nebraska-Lincoln students Wednesday evening.

Huskers coach Miles is up and running in new job - NCAA - SI.com

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - New Nebraska coach Tim Miles is selling hope that the Cornhuskers can win in the Big Ten. He's doing it with lots of energy.

Illinois basketball coach: Winning is at the top of John Groce's agenda - Chicago Tribune

CHAMPAIGN - An 87-year-old Illinois fan approached John Groce on the Assembly Hall court with two requests: an autograph and something far more serious. "You have to give me some wins before

Weber's simple plan: Win games, win fans | CJOnline.com

CJOnline.com is the website of the Topeka Capital-Journal newspaper. It's the Number One source of news, sports, weather and entertainment information, as well as cars, jobs and real estate advertising for the northeastern Kansas area.

TheMercury.com - Weber's Recruiting while at Illinois K-State Sports Article

Offseason Phase 1: Who's going pro?

2012-04-05T03:06:30Z

As many of you are probably aware, Kentucky beat Kansas on Monday to win the NCAA Championship. Kansas used their tried-and-true strategy of getting behind early and then coming back at the end, which they used to eliminate two Big Ten teams, but it wasn't enough.

So now we move to the first phase of the true offseason. We have already made it through the preliminary phase of coaching changes; now we are ready to see which big time non-seniors will not be returning.

Definitely not returning: Meyers Leonard, Jared Sullinger, Jorge Brian Diaz

Big guys tend to get drafted and Leonard showed some of his potential this year. With the late-season collapse and the coaching change in Champaign, this comes as no surprise. If he continues to improve, he should be able to make and stay on an NBA roster for at least a few years.

Sullinger will be a lottery pick this year, and whatever team gets him will immediately improve their frontcourt. He is not without his weaknesses, and playing in the NBA is a lot different than playing in college, but his combination of size, strength and skill should translate well in the pros. For a good read on what Sullinger meant to Ohio State, check out this article from Luke Zimmerman.

Diaz is leaving early to go to his native Puerto Rico, where he has the chance to make some money playing basketball. Diaz was a solid inside player for the Huskers, but he had injury issues this year. He will be remembered by most Big Ten fans for hitting two clutch free throws to beat Indiana.

Probably not returning: Trey Burke

Jeff Goodman of CBSsports.com reported that Burke will most likely become the second point guard in a row to leave Michigan after their freshman year. It's not quite a done deal yet, but the people who make a living writing about this stuff think that he is gone. Darius Morris may have regretted leaving so early, since he wasn't picked until late in the second round. Burke is not a lock for the first round, but this is supposedly a weak group of point guards, so he should go higher than Morris did.

Probably returning: Trevor Mbakwe

Mbakwe was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in March and it is probable at this point that he will use that year. He tore his ACL this season, which probably isn't good for his draft status, but, on the other hand, injuries like that sometimes make players try to get paid as soon as possible.

Unsure: Deshaun Thomas

Thad Matta said that Thomas is still weighing his options as of Wednesday. Thomas showed a lot of improvement this year, in both offense and defense. He has the potential to be a good scorer at any level of play. It's a somewhat crowded draft, but he will definitely get selected if he goes.

Thursday Info Dump

2012-03-29T03:13:48Z

Most basketball fans have been giving their attention the past couple of weeks to the tournament, but a lot has been happening off the court. It's time to catch up on some recent events in the conference.

Nebraska hires Tim Miles as Coach

Miles previously coached at Colorado State, where this year he took the Rams to their first NCAA tournament in nine years. He was also named District VIII Coach of the Year by the US Basketball Writers Association. The folks at Corn Nation seem underwhelmed, but are optimistic about Ronald Coleman, an assistant who has deep Chicago ties. It's clear to everyone that the Nebraska program is miles away from competing at the top of the league, so maybe hiring a coach named Miles is a good idea. Check out the following links for more info:

Official Press Release from Nebraska

Husker CornCast: Tim Miles—Bad Hire?: The folks at Corn Nation discuss the hire on their podcast

Tim Miles Biography from Huskers.com

More news bites after the jump.

Illinois Coaching Search: Is Groce the man for the job?

After being rebuffed by Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart, it seems like Illinois has turned their attention to Ohio's John Groce. Hail to the Orange isn't sure that hiring a mid-major coach is the way to go:

Yes, I understand that there are many coaches that rise up from the lower ranks to become coaching greats, but frankly, there are many more Todd Lickliters out there than Bill Selfs. And frankly, Matta, Self and Lickliter all had far more impressive resumes coming into the Big Ten than does John Groce.

I definitely understand their concern, and Groce's 34-30 record in the MAC doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. Many are reporting that it is almost a done deal, so we'll probably get to see if he turns out more like Lickliter or more like Self.

Illini Fans Are Upset: But It Is Important To Understand Why - Hail to the Orange

Illinois basketball coach: Illinois' deal with Ohio's John Groce appears imminent - southbendtribune.com

Trevor Mbakwe Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility

Good news for Gopher fans: the NCAA has granted the talented power forward an extra year. Potential bad news for Gopher fans: he might forgo the extra year and enter the NBA draft. Probable good news for Gopher fans: it sounds like he is going to be playing in The Barn next year.

Minnesota Golden Gophers' Trevor Mbakwe 'leaning toward' returning - ESPN

NCAA grants Trevor Mbakwe sixth year | mndaily.com - The Minnesota Daily

All-American Teams Announced

Jared Sullinger and Draymond Green were both named to the Wooden All-American team and to the AP All-American first team. Trey Burke, Robbie Hummel, Jordan Taylor, John Shurna and Cody Zeller were named honorable mention All-Americans.

Green, Sullinger make Wooden, AP All-America Teams - BTN.com

Northwestern holds press conference to say they are sticking with Carmody

Reaction to this from the Sippin on Purple writers and readers is mixed to say the least. Check out the links below to see for yourself. I think Loretta8 said it best in one of the comment threads:

I agree with some of what both sides are arguing.

"Carmody hasnt made the tournament in 12 years, therefore we should start over with someone new, even though there’s a risk we could get worse." – reasonable point

"Carmody has the program at unseen heights, if we get rid of him the next guy will probably be worse since who’s going to want the NU job?" – also a reasonable point

Its a difficult situation with no clear cut answer.

Bill Carmody to remain head coach at Northwestern - Sippin' On Purple

Jokes: Bill Carmody and I Grab a Sandwich - Sippin' On Purple

So, Maybe Keeping Bill Carmody was Sorta a Good Idea - Sippin' On Purple