I wrote earlier about how I’m addicted to Big East hoops, but now I’m writing that my addiction has doubled and that I’ve fallen in love with the Big Ten.

Every team essentially has an “o yeah this team can be a Sweet 16 time” vibe. Maryland, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois will all be #5 seeds at least. On the outside we have Michigan who I think has a deep run in them come March regardless of their record now because they are without Isaiah Livers, along with scrappy squads like Rutgers, Purdue, and Indiana who have an opportunity to grab an at large bid in this deep conference.

This basketball isn’t beautiful, in fact it’s probably some of the ugliest, grittiest hoops in all of the NCAA. But that’s why I love it. It’s not as high tempo and skilled as my true love the Big East, but it’s blue collar middle American, meat and potatoes kind of basketball that just warms my heart.

Barnes
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