A lot of talk about how muddled the middle of the Big Ten is this year… What teams in the middle do you guys like best?
From the writers point of view… These teams are 3-10… Who will surprise?
Michigan State (305)
Nebraska (299)
Michigan (286)
Minnesota (226)
Iowa (214)
Illinois (196)
Indiana (163)
Maryland (162)
I think Illinois and Maryland are most poised to surprise teams based on where they are slotted preseason. Although, I expect Illinois to surprise MORE in the 2015-2016 season than in the 2014-2015 season, so I may be getting ahead of myself.
As far as Maryland, I kind of view it similarly to football. Media are ranking them low relative to other B1G teams they have been covering for several seasons. But I always felt the addition of Rutgers and Maryland would help in basketball more than football. I guess we will find out.
Since Maryland is obvious, I’ll go with Iowa, return most of their impact players minus Marble.
Curious because everyone seems to be up on Maryland – why are they due to overachieve?
Related news: Evan Smotrycz is out 4-6 weeks with a broken foot.
Tough break for Evan (pun semi-intended). I guess I expect Maryland to fit in well in the B1G. They also have a relatively experienced team, and they were top 25 adj. defense nationally last season. I think all of that together is going to make more than a few B1G teams struggle, particularly at Maryland.
Maryland returns most of their impact players and has a really nice incoming freshman class.
I guess. They have Wells, Smotrycz and Layman back, but still lost a lot. Incoming class does look solid. Could be a make or break year for Turgeon.
Maryland seems about the only likely surprise…So I guess they wouldn’t really be much of a surprise after all, would they?. Iowa, not so much. Most players returning from a mediocre team. Plenty of good, but no great.
The only real surprise teams won’t be a surprise until they are.
Living in the DC area, I read a fare amount about the Terps. I feel like they’re the kind of team that will play a lot of close games that could go either way. The heat is definitely on Turgeon. No tournament this year and his seat could be burning — or disintegrate. Losing Smot for awhile hurts. I’m interested to see Tremble.
Maryland is solid on the perimeter with Wells and Layman, but not much inside, unless you consider Smotrycz an inside presence. 7’ freshman will have to step in right away.
Teams that will exceed expectations
Michigan: Beilein rules
Minnesota: Improving team, won NIT title
Illinois: Aside from Michigan absolutely demolishing them, team looked pretty good at the end of the year. Totally Embarassed Izzo when he had his non-weird guys back.
Teams that are being overrated
Michigan State: No real number one go-to option, low ceiling on talent, minimal player development
Ohio State: Talented, but unproven
Teams that will show up one day and not other days
Iowa: Jekyll and Hyde team
Michigan, because of their defensive prowess 
Maryland with a huge upset on the road vs Iowa State last night
They’ve got a lot of talent. All the new faces seem to be gelling quickly.