If you’re a basketball fan, you probably eagerly anticipate the upcoming Big Ten basketball season. With exciting games, talented players, and intense rivalries, Big Ten basketball is one of the country’s most thrilling college basketball conferences. But what do you need to know about the Big Ten basketball schedule? This article will cover everything from the conference’s scheduling format to its top matchups and predictions.
What is the Big Ten basketball schedule?
The Big Ten is a college athletic conference comprising 14 universities in the Midwest. The conference sponsors 28 sports, including basketball, which is one of the most popular and highly-anticipated sports in the conference. The Big Ten basketball schedule is a series of games played between the conference’s teams during the regular season, culminating in the Big Ten tournament and, for some teams, the NCAA tournament.
How is the Big Ten basketball schedule formatted?
The Big Ten basketball schedule is typically formatted into two parts: the non-conference schedule and the conference schedule. The non-conference schedule takes place early in the season and includes games against non-conference opponents. The conference schedule takes place later in the season and features games between Big Ten teams.
Each Big Ten team plays a total of 20 conference games during the regular season, with each team playing seven opponents twice and six opponents once. The regular season concludes with the Big Ten tournament, which determines the conference champion and automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Key matchups in the Big Ten basketball schedule
The Big Ten basketball schedule is always packed with exciting games and fierce rivalries, but a few matchups stand out as must-see games for any basketball fan. Here are three of the top matchups to look out for during the upcoming season:
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Michigan and Ohio State have a long-standing rivalry in all sports, and basketball is no exception. These two teams have a storied history of intense games and thrilling finishes, and the upcoming season promises to be no different. With both teams expected to be among the top contenders in the conference, their matchups are sure to be some of the season’s most exciting games.
Illinois vs. Purdue
Illinois and Purdue have developed a heated rivalry in recent years, with both teams boasting talented players and strong performances in the conference. Their matchups are always intense, with both teams fighting hard for the win. The upcoming season promises to be no different as both teams look to continue their success in the conference.
Michigan State vs. Indiana
Michigan State and Indiana have a long history of competition in the Big Ten, with both teams regularly contending for the conference championship. Their matchups are always exciting, with both teams playing hard and leaving everything on the court. The upcoming season promises to be no different as both teams look to assert their dominance in the conference.
Big Ten basketball predictions for the upcoming season
As the start of the Big Ten basketball season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the matchups and predict which teams will come out on top. Here are a few predictions for the upcoming season:
Top teams to watch
Several Big Ten teams are expected to be top contenders in the upcoming season. Here are three teams to keep an eye on:
- Michigan: The Wolverines had an impressive season last year, winning the regular-season conference championship and making it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. With several key players returning this year, including guard Eli Brooks and forward Brandon Johns Jr., Michigan is poised for another strong season.
- Purdue: The Boilermakers had a solid season last year, finishing with a 13-6 conference record and making it to the NCAA tournament. This year, Purdue returns several key players, including guard Sasha Stefanovic and forward Trevion Williams, and is expected to be one of the top teams in the conference.
- Illinois: The Fighting Illini had a strong season last year, finishing with a 16-4 conference record and making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. This year, Illinois returns several talented players, including guard Andre Curbelo and center Kofi Cockburn, and is expected to be one of the top teams in the conference.
Players to keep an eye on
In addition to these top teams, several players in the Big Ten are expected to have standout seasons. Here are three players to keep an eye on:
E.J. Liddell, Ohio State: Liddell was one of the top players in the conference last year, averaging 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. With another year of experience, Liddell is expected to be a dominant force on the court this season.
Hunter Dickinson, Michigan: Dickinson was a standout freshman last year, averaging 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. With another year of experience and a talented supporting cast around him, Dickinson is expected to be one of the top players in the conference this season.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana: Jackson-Davis was one of the top players in the conference last year, averaging 19.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. With another year to improve his game, Jackson-Davis is expected to be a dominant force on the court this season.
Conclusion
The Big Ten basketball schedule is one of the most exciting and highly-anticipated schedules in college basketball. With top teams, talented players, and fierce rivalries, there’s always something to look forward to during the season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, the Big Ten basketball schedule will surely provide plenty of thrilling moments and unforgettable matchups.
FAQs
Q. When does the Big Ten basketball season start?
A. The Big Ten basketball season typically starts in November and runs through March.
Q. How many teams are in the Big Ten conference?
A. The Big Ten conference is made up of 14 teams.
Q. Who won the Big Ten basketball championship last year?
A. Michigan won the regular-season conference championship last year, but the Big Ten tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q. When is the Big Ten basketball tournament?
A. The Big Ten basketball tournament is typically held in early March.
Q. How many teams from the Big Ten conference typically make it to the NCAA tournament?
A. The number of teams from the Big Ten conference that make it to the NCAA tournament varies yearly, but the conference typically sends several teams to the tournament.
