The Future of the Big Ten (Part 1)

I was thinking in great happiness of the Gophers future, when it occurred to me that while the Big Ten is having a good year their is not a lot of elite talent in the conference. It got me to thinking what the Big Ten will look like next year and it is scary. Here is the future for the Big Ten teams:

Michigan State Spartans
Graduating Losses: Goran Suton, Marquise Gray, Idong Ibok, Travis Walton (21.8 ppg, 15.6 rebs, 5.1 ass)
Possible Losses: Raymar Morgan (13.5 ppg, 6.6 rebs, 1.7 ass)
Returning Stars: Kalin Lucas, Delvon Roe, Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, Korie Lucious (40.4 ppg, 13.8 rebs, 9.8 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: Garrick Sherman (6-10 C #66 in Rivals 150)

Michigan State will lose a lot of size down low especially if Raymar Morgan leaves (which I don't think will happen), but they will still have very good guards in Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen. Roe should make huge strides as he will finally be fully healthy after two knee surgeries.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Graduating Losses: Calvin Brock, Chester Frazier, Trent Meacham (22.1 ppg, 9.8 rebs, 9.2 ass)
Possible Losses: None
Returning Stars: Alex Legion, Demetri McCamey, Mike Tisdale, Mike Davis, Dominique Keller (46.7 ppg, 18.5 rebs, 8.3 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: Brandon Paul (6-2 G #44 in Rivals 150), DJ Richardson (6-3 G #57),

The only significant loss is Chester Frazier who is lead PG, but McCamey is a very good guard who can step in and is a better scorer. They should be very good.

Purdue Boilermakers
Graduating Losses: Nemanja Calasan, Marcus Green (13 ppg, 7.9 rebs, 1.6 ass)
Possible Losses: None
Returning Stars: E'Twuan Moore, Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson, Keaton Grant, Lewis Jackson (53.4 ppg, 23 rebs, 11.4 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: DJ Byrd (6-4 G #97)

I don't think Moore, Hummel, of Johnson is a threat to leave this year. Hummel has been struggling with his back and Johnson has moments of domination but not enough. If they all return they will be the favorites and a serious contender for a national title.

Penn State Nittany Lions
Graduating Losses: Jamelle Cornley, Danny Morrissey, Stanley Pringle (35.6 ppg, 11.9 rebs, 6.3 ass)
Possible Losses: Talor Battle (18.5 ppg, 5.6 rebs, 5.4 ass)
Returning Stars: Andrew Jones III, David Jackson (9.3 ppg, 8.6 rebs, 1.1 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: None

This team will be devastated by graduation. I think Talor will leave because he won't get as much of a spotlight next year and he is terrific this year. They will be back to old Penn State next year.

Ohio State Buckeyes
Graduating Losses: None
Possible Losses: BJ Mullens, Evan Turner (24.6 ppg, 11.5 rebs, 3.3 ass)
Returning Stars, William Buford, Jon Diebler, David Lighty, Jeremie Simmons, Dallas Lauderdale (44.2 ppg, 18.7 rebs, 8.9 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: None

The though going into the year was Mullens would be a one and done. A recent mock draft has him going in the top 20 but I think he will come back for one year and become the top 5 pick he is suppossed to be. This team if they all come back will be a very good squad. Definitely Pre-
Season top 10.

Michigan Wolverines
Graduating Losses: CJ Lee, Jevohn Shepherd, David Merritt (7.6 ppg, 3.9 rebs, 2.6 ass)
Possible Losses: Manny Harris, DeShawn Sims (33.4 ppg, 15.6 rebs, 5.3 ass)
Returning Stars: Laval Lucas-Perry, Zack Novak, Kelvin Grady, Stu Douglass (27.2 ppg, 8.5 rebs, 7.6 ass)
Recruits who could contribute: Darius Morris (6-3 G #71 in Rivals 150)

Their fate all lays in the hands of Harris and Sims. I wouldn't be suprised if Harris left but I think Sims should be around for another year. If they are to become elite however they will need the other players to step up.