The official preseason poll for the conference was released this morning. The rankings for this poll only list the top three teams, which is the reason the media-compiled poll (posted below) was started.
Trevor Mbakwe, who roots down a frontcourt most agree is one of the toughest in the Big Ten, gets another nod for an in-conference honor as one of five listed in the preseason All-Big Ten team. Pair that reputation with that of Ralph Sampson III and you can count Tom Izzo as one who believes in the MInnesota front court. If the back court pulls it's load, the Gophers could surprise some teams, he said.
"The Gophers could be a lot better than people think if their guard play is good," he said Thursday.
The full poll is below:
2011-12 BIG TEN PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Michigan State
2011-12 PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAM
Draymond Green, Michigan State
Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Robbie Hummel, Purdue
Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin
2011-12 PRESEASON BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
