Big Ten Basketball: 3 bold predictions for the 2019-20 season

By Adam Childs | Oct 26, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after his teams 68-67 win over the Duke Blue Devils in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 10: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines brings the ball up court as Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini defends during the first half at State Farm Center on January 10, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Indiana, Illinois and Penn State all make the NCAA Tournament

Last year the Big Ten sent eight teams to the NCAA tournament, but Indiana, Illinois, and Penn State weren’t one of them. All three teams look like they are poised to make a jump but it would be a surprise if they all make the tournament.

The Illini haven’t been since 2013, the Hoosiers since 2016 and the Nittany Lions since 2011. Illinois and Indiana were used to making the tournament, but Penn State hasn’t happened as often.

So why do they all make the tournament this year after disappointing seasons last year? They all have pieces in place to make a jump this year. Illinois has Ayo Dosunmu and Penn State has Lamar Stevens. Both are very talented players that are first-team All-Big Ten preseason selections.

Indiana just missed the tournament last year and although they lost Romeo Langford and Juwan Morgan, they may be a better team. Rumors of lock room problems for the Hoosiers plagued them last year and Langford at times try to do too much. The Hoosiers have Devonte Green ready to take the next step and if he does the Hoosiers have a great shot at making the tournament.

Michigan State, Maryland, Ohio State, and probably Purdue look like locks to make the tournament with Michigan projected to be in the field also. That would make five teams and if Indiana, Illinois and Penn State make it the Big Ten would get eight teams in for the second year in a row.

Dosunmu and Stevens are probably two of the best players no one is talking about and Green is looking to make a name for himself. With everyone talking about Michigan State and Cassius Winston they can fly under the radar and lead their teams to the tournament.

Here is saying they all do that and make the tournament.

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