1. Michigan State
Last Season: 26-7, 13-3, lost to North Carolina in the Final Four.

Coach: Tom Izzo, 11th season, 233-97.

Top players: G Maurice Ager, 6-5, Sr. (14.1 ppg, 82 pct. free throws); C Paul Davis, 6-11, Sr. (12.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg); G Shannon Brown, 6-4, Jr. (10.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg).

The skinny: The Spartans were a surprise Final Four participant last season because they started out slow. But they peaked at the right time, and the way you play in March is really the only thing that matters. Expect a similar season from the Spartans, who might struggle early as they try to fill the void left by several key players who graduated.

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2. Illinois
Last season: 37-2, 15-1, lost to North Carolina in the national championship game.

Coach: Bruce Weber, 3rd season, 63-9.

Top players: G Dee Brown, 6-0, Sr. (13.3 ppg, 4.5 apg); F James Augustine, 6-10, Sr. (10.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg).

The skinny: The Illini likely won't flirt with perfection but will still be one of the top teams in the country. Brown is a catalyst that will put constant pressure on every opponent. Augustine will have to take on more of a load. The Illini beat teams with outstanding guard play last year. This year, they'll have more balance.

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3. Iowa
Last season: 21-12, 7-9, lost to Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Coach: Steve Alford, 7th season, 110-83.

Top players: F Greg Brunner, 6-7, Sr. (14.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg); G Jeff Horner, 6-3, Sr. (14 ppg, 5.5 apg); G Adam Haluska, 6-5, Jr. (14.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg).

The skinny: The Hawkeyes won their final three games and then two tournament games to sneak into the NCAA tournament. With four starters returning, including the talented duo of Brunner and Horner, there is no reason they shouldn't return to the tournament and hang around longer than one round.

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4. Indiana
Last season: 15-14, 10-6, lost to Vanderbilt in the first round of the NIT.

Coach: Mike Davis, 6th season, 96-67.

Top players: F D.J. White, 6-9, So. (13.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg); G/F Robert Vaden, 6-5, So. (10.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg).

The skinny: The Hoosiers should be much improved for several reasons. They have four players which averaged more than 20 minutes per game returning and a deep, talented recruiting class that could play a large role in the team's success. If the freshmen are as good as advertised, Indiana will contend for the conference title.

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5. Ohio State
Last season: 20-12, 8-8.

Coach: Thad Matta, 2nd season, 20-12.

Top players: F/C Terence Dials, 6-9, Sr. (15.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg); G J.J. Sullinger, 6-5, Sr. (9.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg).

The skinny: The Buckeyes were one of the better teams in the country at the end of last season but were not permitted to go to the NCAA tournament because of a self-imposed postseason ban. Expect them to take another step forward in the second season of Matta's revival program. They don't have much depth (only 10 scholarship players), but Matta brought in an excellent recruiting class.

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6. Wisconsin
Last season: 25-9, 11-5, lost to North Carolina in the NCAA regional final.

Coach: Bo Ryan, 5th season, 93-37.

Top players: F Alando Tucker, 6-6, Jr. (15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg); G Kammron Taylor, 6-2, Jr. (8.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg).

The skinny: The Badgers lost four starters from last year's tournament team, so there will be a period of adjustment. One thing Ryan has proven is that his defensive-oriented system can often overcome a lot of deficiencies, so a return to the tournament is likely. Few teams can match the Badgers' intensity and work ethic.

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7. Michigan
Last season: 13-18, 4-12.

Coach: Tommy Amaker, 5th season, 64-60.

Top players: G Dion Harris, 6-3, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 3.5 apg); G Daniel Horton, 6-3, Sr. (12.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg); F Courtney Sims, 6-11, Jr. (9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg).

The skinny: Remember when the Wolverines dominated and regularly made runs at the national championship? Neither do we. It seems like decades ago, but this year's team should at least put the program back on the map. The Wolverines have the talent and depth to make a serious charge at the conference title and if things go right, they could be a Sweet 16 team.

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8. Minnesota
Last season: 21-11, 10-6, lost to Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Coach: Dan Monson, 6th season, 79-75.

Top players: G Vincent Grier, 6-5, Sr. (17.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg); F Dan Colemon, 6-9, So. (8.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg).

The skinny: The Golden Gophers were picked to finish at or near the bottom of the league last season but surprised most observers and earned a tournament berth. With guard Vincent Grier back in the mix, they are a potential tournament team again.

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9. Northwestern
Last season: 15-16, 6-10.

Coach: Bill Carmody, 6th season, 68-80.

Top players: F Vedran Vukusic, 6-8, Sr. (16.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg); F Michael Thompson, 6-10, Sr. (10.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg).

The skinny: Thompson, a Duke transfer, is the key to the Wildcats' season. A big year from him likely means a big year for the Wildcats. He along with Vukusic give the Wildcats one of the most formidable frontcourts in the conference.

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10. Purdue
Last season: 7-21, 3-13.

Coach: Matt Painter, 1st season.

Top players: F Carl Landry, 6-7, Sr. (18.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg); G David Teague, 6-5, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg).

The skinny: Painter signed one of the top recruiting classes in the Big Ten and will need some of those talented freshmen to have an immediate impact. Landry is a legitimate conference player of the year candidate if he has fully recovered from knee surgery in March, and Teague could be one of the conference's most improved players if his jumper from the perimeter is more consistent.

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11. Penn State
Last season: 7-23, 1-15.

Coach: Ed DeChellis, 3rd season, 16-42.

Top players: G/F Geary Claxton, 6-5, So. (12.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg); F Travis Parker, 6-5, Sr. (11.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg).

The skinny: See "PSU Chalk Talk."