In a much-improved Big Ten conference, the 2009-10 season has a staple of guards who will pace the league.
There are the Raymar Morgans and other forwards and big men returning to play this year, but the preseason listings suggest that the league is as guard-heavy as its ever been.
IU coach Tom Crean, and many others, talked about the Big Ten's strength in all positions during speeches to the media, but the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year and Preseason All-Conference Team has only one forward.
Everyone else handles the ball for their team, as does the aforementioned forward who is junior forward Robbie Hummel from Purdue.
Another commonality on the list is that every player rated among the preseason's best is a junior. The class has many players who were capable of making the jump to the NBA but chose to stick around, staving off the the pros for another year in college basketball.
Here's a look at the Preseason predictions from the media:
Top three preseason picks
1. Michigan State
2. Purdue
3. Ohio State
Preseason Player of the Year
Kalin Lucas
2009-10 Big Ten Preseason All-Conference Team
Manny Harris, Michigan
Kalin Lucas, Mich. St.
Evan Turner, Ohio State
Talor Battle, Penn State
Robbie Hummel, Purdue
