– Ohio State (10-0): Everybody is back from what was the world`s strongest sixth-place team. Coach Randy Ayers likes the Buckeyes` progress. ”We are a better team now than we were at the start of this season,” said Ayers.
– Indiana (12-1): The Hoosiers have five starters and 10 lettermen back from last year`s team that finished 18-11 overall and 8-10 in the conference. And they add highly touted 6-3 freshman point guard Damon Bailey. ”I`ve been recruiting him since he was in 6th grade; it`s about time I get to coach him,” said Bobby Knight, who has won nine Big 10 titles and three NCAA titles.
– Michigan State (7-3): ”We certainly won`t have the opportunity to sneak up on anybody, the way we did last year,” said coach Jud Heathcote. ”Whether we have the elements to be as good a team is the big question.”
– Minnesota (6-3): The exceptional shooting skill and all-around ability of 6-5 senior guard/forward Kevin Lynch, combined with strength on defense and off the backboards should keep the Gophers competitive. They`ll get a lift when another versatile 6-5 senior, Walter Bond, comes back this month following surgery for a stress fracture of his foot sustained in the opening game.
– Illinois (10-3): The continued development of some outstanding freshmen, most notably 6-8 redshirt Deon Thomas and 6-foot guard Rennie Clemons, will make the Illini stronger than expected, especially if an often brilliant shooter, 6-6 junior Andy Kaufmann, can achieve consistency.
– Iowa (10-1): Coach Tom Davis` team has been the biggest surprise in the Big 10 in nonconference competition. Junior college transfer Val Barnes has revitalized the backcourt and 6-10 sophomore hulk Acie Earl has been a powerful force underneath.
– Purdue (8-2): Despite the major losses, you can`t sell a team coached by Gene Keady short. As always, the Boilermakers figure to be tough as nails on defense. ”We have a brand new big scoreboard,” mused Keady. ”My only question is: Can we light it up?”
– Michigan (7-3): According to coach Steve Fisher, ”You`ll see (6-3 senior)
Demetrius Calip with the ball a lot. Eric Riley (the 6-11 sophomore stringbean) will be an important player.”
– Wisconsin (5-4): 6-6 strongman Patrick Tomkins has been asserting himself, but two other seniors-6-6 Willie Simms and 6-4 Tim Locum-have to do better than they did in nonconference competition for the Badgers.
– Northwestern (5-4): A team wiped out by graduation and transfers has two freshmen and two sophomores in the starting lineup, and a tissue-thin bench.
