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 6, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins reacts in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins reacts in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Northwestern Wildcats

2015-16 record: 20-12 overall, 8-10 in Big Ten

Head coach: Chris Collins

Notable departures: Tre Demps, Alex Olah 

Notable returnees: Bryant McIntosh, Vic Law, Aaron Falzon, Dererk Pardon, Scottie Lindsey, Sanjay Lumpkin, Nathan Taphorn

Notable newcomers: Three-star C Barret Benson, three-star G Isiah Brown and four-star F Rapolas Ivanauskas

The question always surrounding the Wildcats is when they will make the tournament. The school famously has never gone to the NCAA Tournament in program history.

Related Story: Penn State, Michigan State to play at The Palestra

Could they go this year? It is possible, but likely that they will miss out yet again.

Head coach Chris Collins does seem to be building something in Evanston though with the possibility of them making the Big Dance next year.

This year’s team should start on that path with some young and talented underclassmen. Vic Law returns from a torn labrum in 2015-16. The dynamic 6’7″ wing/forward is explosive on the defensive and offensive ends of the floor.

Bryant McIntosh will be one of the best unheralded players in the Big Ten this season. He has All-Big Ten talent and the Wildcats will rely on him for just about everything.

Northwestern will be competitive, but there are too many questions in the front court to rank them much higher than 10th.

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