As the Big Ten has quietly posted an 11-1 record thus far in 2009-10 college basketball action -- Iowa, somewhat unsurprisingly, was the lone loser -- two negative Big Ten-related stories have found their way into the headlines.
First, Minnesota's Royce White, arguably the top freshman in the league, was and still is suspended indefinitely. Last month, the former five-star recruit was arrested for shoplifting and fifth-degree assault at none other than the Mall of America. More recently, campus police have been investigating White's possible involvement in a burglary on university grounds that took place Nov. 7. The former Mr. Basketball from Minnesota did not play in the team's first game and remains suspended.
""He wasn't at the game [Friday] night but I thought it would be best because of some of the distractions or just finding out what has happened in this last episode," Minnesota coach Tubby Smith said. "As soon as that investigation is completed, we'll probably have some type of statement about his status with our program."
In other news, two Northwestern players will miss the entire season due to injury. One is senior Jeff Ryan (ACL). The other, more notably, is the Wildcats go-to-guy in Kevin Coble. Coble, who averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists a season ago, will be sidelined due to a foot injury and might redshirt and have a season of eligibility left next year.
"Basically the bones are out of alignment [in his foot] and he needs to get this done for stability," Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said. "He has no choice."
Check back on the blog tomorrow for coverage of the IU - USC Upstate contest.
