Making preseason prections: Big Ten rankings, All-Big Ten teams, Awards

It's that time of year -- I've just submitted my preseason predictions and awards to various places, so I thoguht I'd share them here as well, along with some thoughts.

Go ahead, argue with me in the comments below.

Ranking the Big Ten:

1. Michigan State -- It's hard to deny that it's the Spartans' year. With Gary Harris, Adreian Payne, Keith Appling and Branden Dawson all back, just look at that cast.

2. Michigan -- Someone needs to take the reins at point guard, but the Wolverines have plenty of stars, starting with Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III.

3. Ohio State -- Aaron Craft locks it down at point; LaQuinton Ross will have a big year.

4. Indiana -- The Hoosiers lost more than any team -- I mean seriously, they lost Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, Jordan Hulls, Christian Watford, Remy Abell and Maurice Creek. Whoa ... -- but the sixth-best recruiting class in the nation plus Yogi Ferrell at point and Will Sheehey as the ultimate spark will keep Indiana successful.

6. Iowa -- Last season, the Hawkeyes looked a year away. Now, I think they could surprise. Solid defense and big steps from Aaron White and Roy Devyn Marble will make them a tough opponent for everyone.

7. Purdue -- Terone Johnson is poised to take the reins in his senior year and the Boilermakers have a legitimate 7-footer in A.J. Hammons. They will make the tournament, but it will be a battle.

8. Northwestern -- Can the Wildcats improve with Drew Crawford back from shoulder surgery? New coach Chris Collins has some potential to work with.

9. Minnesota -- The Gophers could overachieve within a certain context, but their extreme frontcourt thinness will be tough to overcome. With a new coach and a new system for the team to adjust to, 2013-14 will be a bit of an experiment.

10. llinois -- Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson are gone, and it will take some time for Tracy Abrams, Joseph Bertrand and Co. to adjust.

12. Nebraska -- I think Tim Miles is getting players to buy in and slowing building this program. The problem is, it's the Big Ten. The Huskers need another year.

Preseason awards:

COY: Tom Crean -- Crean has a solid floor general in Ferrell; the rest will fall into place. The Indiana coach has a ton of youth, but will finish in the top 4 anyway.
POY: Gary Harris -- The 6-4 guard was one of the toughest freshmen I've witnessed a year ago. Now, his diverse offensive game will make him a force to be reckoned with for Michigan State.
FOY: Noah Vonleh -- Expect Indiana's 6-8 McDonald's All-American to make an impact right away, both in the paint and from the perimeter.
DPOY: Aaron Craft -- The pink-cheeked Ohio State senior is always willing to do the dirty work and while he isn't flashy, he can shut opposing floor generals down in an instant.

All-Big Ten teams:

First team:
Aaron Craft (Ohio State)
Gary Harris (Michigan State)
Mitch McGary (Michigan)
LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State)
Adreian Payne (Michigan State)

Second team:
Tim Frazier (Penn State)
Glenn Robinson III (Michigan)
Yogi Ferrell (Indiana)
Keith Appling (Michigan State)
Noah Vonleh (Indiana)

Third team:
Andre Hollins (Minnesota)
Aaron White (Iowa)
Will Sheehey (Indiana)
Sam Dekker (Wisconsin)
AJ Hammons (Purdue)