Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Badgers to turn NCAA Tournament momentum into Big Ten title

By Bryce Bennett

Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) reacts after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) reacts after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Indiana Hoosiers

2015-16 record: 27-8 overall, 15-3 in Big Ten, reached NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Head coach: Tom Crean

Notable departures: Yogi Ferrell, Troy Williams, Max Bielfeldt, Nick Zeisloft

Notable returnees: Thomas Bryant, James Blackmon Jr., Robert Johnson, OG Anunoby, Juwan Morgan

Notable newcomers: JUCO transfer Freddie McSwain Jr., three-star G Devonte Green, four-star PF De’Ron Davis, four-star SG Curtis Jones, three-star SG Grant Gelon, Pittsburgh transfer PG Josh Newkirk

This will be a fun team. Last year’s regular season champion will return most of their pieces from 2015-16, except for their heat and soul: Yogi Ferrell. Talented and passionate sophomore center Thomas Bryant looks to provide that energy and leadership for the Hoosiers this season, but he is going to need some help.

Fortunately for Indiana, they have a lot of potential answers. Junior guard James Blackmon Jr., a huge scorer, will look to have a big year. Fellow guard Robert Johnson is unheralded, but is probably Indiana’s best 3-and-D type player. Top-100 shooting guard Curtis Jones looks likely to contribute as well.

There are more questions in the front court, but there is potential. Tournament breakout star OG Anunoby looks to build upon a solid second half of last season, and Juwan Morgan is athletic and a potential lock down defender. Both players need more consistency, but have shown moments of brilliance. Top 40 power forward De’Ron Davis also looks to complement Bryant in the front court.

The questions with this team are around how to replace Ferrell and get Bryant the touches he needs around the basket. Head coach Tom Crean loves to run a guard-oriented offense that relies on dribble-drives.

Will he try more post-oriented wrinkles this season? Non-conference match-ups against Kansas, North Carolina and Butler will allow everyone to see their approach.

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