5 Big Ten Basketball Teams Ranked in Preseason

Last Thursday the USA Today Coaches' preseason poll for the 2013-2014 men's basketball season was released. Of the 25 teams in the rankings, 5 of them are Big Ten schools. Michigan State is in the No. 2 spot with 749 points and a 27-9 record. Michigan State only received 3 first place votes. They trail the No. 1 spot, Kentucky, by just 18 points. However, Kentucky received 16 first place votes. Last season Michigan State was ranked No. 14 for the 2012-2013 season. Michigan will return four of its starters who reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last year. They will open their season on Nov. 8th against McNeese State.

The Michigan Wolverines are ranked at the No. 9 spot. Last year they made it all the way to the championship game and lost to Louisville (who is ranked No. 3 for this season). Michigan received zero first place votes and was ranked No. 5 for the 2012-2013 season. They will return three starters including sophomores Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III. The Wolverines will start their season against UMass-Lowell on Nov. 8th.

Right under the Wolverines is their rival, Ohio State. The Buckeyes also received zero votes for first place and was ranked No. 4 last year. They reached the NCAA Regional Finals last year and will return four starters. Among the starters include senior point guard Aaron Craft and Shannon Scott. The Buckeyes will start season play on Nov. 9th against Morgan State.

The last two teams representing the Big Ten in the poll is the Wisconsin Badgers at the No. 21 spot for a second season. They finished last season 23-12 with 148 points overall. The Badgers will open the season on Nov. 8th against St. John's.

The Indiana Hoosiers are ranked at the No. 24 spot. They finished last season 29-7 and were ranked No. 1 last season receiving 21 first place votes. Last season they earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and made their way to the Sweet 16. They will open their season on Nov. 8th against Chicago State.

I am a huge basketball. Especially college hoops. I'm anxious to see these teams back in action and who can prove themselves worthy of an NCAA Championship title. What teams are you looking out for this season?