Bracket
Favorite: Michigan (+150)
The Juwan Howard-led Michigan Wolverines ended the season with a 19-3 record, placing them No. 2 in the Top 25. Freshman big man Hunter Dickinson posted a stat line of 14.4 points off 60% shooting, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, making him a finalist for the Wooden Award. He has had a massive part in Michigan’s success this season. Isaiah Livers, however, is the true backbone of this Michigan team. The senior averaged 13.9 points and six rebounds a game on 45.4% shooting and a career-best 45.4% from three. Guard Franz Wagner rounds out the big three. Wagner averaged 13 points with 51.3/39.1/83.6 splits.
Michigan’s three losses came from No. 16 Minnesota, No. 4 Illinois and Michigan State on the final day of the regular season.
Team to Watch: Michigan State
Michigan State had a very disappointing season to say the least. However, the unranked Spartans ended the season on a positive note, winning six of their last nine games with big wins coming against Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan. Junior Aaron Henry has really amped up his production during this span. Henry is the leader of the Spartans, averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. I do not think Michigan State will win the tournament, but I think they could play some competitive basketball.
Player to Watch: Luka Garza (Iowa)
Iowa center Luka Garza is the front runner for the Wooden Award so far. Garza averaged 23.8 points and 8.7 rebounds for Iowa. The senior is dominant in the paint and can stretch the floor, shooting 43% from three. Although his defense is lackluster at times, his efforts on the offensive end make him a key player to watch in this tournament.
Prediction
The Big 10 has arguably been the best conference in the country this season, so this tournament should be interesting. Michigan is the obvious front-runner to win this tournament, and I don’t see a reason why they won’t. Although there is some elite competition including Illinois, Ohio State, Iowa and Purdue, I feel as if this is Michigan’s year. Michigan’s experience and talent should be enough to come out on top.
Big 10 Championship game – Michigan 75, Illinois 67