Michigan basketball left off Big Ten preseason poll, Buckeyes picked to win league
Ohio State's Jared Sullinger was named the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year on Thursday.
AnnArbor.com file photo
But in its own conference, the Wolverines have been left out of the early conversation.
The Big Ten released its media-voted preseason favorites Thursday, with Ohio State selected as No. 1, Wisconsin picked No. 2 and Michigan State slotted at No. 3.
Ohio State's Jared Sullinger was chosen as the Big Ten's Preseason Player of the Year.
Ohio State returns two starters from a 34-3 season, including the 6-foot-9 Sullinger, who averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on his way to earning All-American honors, as well as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award.
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Michigan State also returns two starters from last season, but from a team that finished 19-15 and in a tie for fourth with Michigan, Penn State and Iowa.
Taylor and Sullinger are joined on the media-selected Preseason All-Big Ten team by Michigan State forward Draymond Green, Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe and Purdue forward Robbie Hummel.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Engineer
Fri, Oct 28, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.
These folks have seen what this program has become. We get all excited making the tourney and winning only one game. Also after making the tourney we tanked the following year. On the recruiting front Beilien tends to always be a bridesmaid rather than a bride. He talks to the top prospects but never lands them. Untill we can make the tourney multiple years in a row and get into the later stages I would agree with the assement of expecting a mid to lower level finish. Heres hoping for a big ten title soon and a return to the final game of the tourney. GO BLUE!!!
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
"Left off" the poll implies that only 11 teams were listed. This is a rather silly attempt to make a point not in evidence. When Michigan does some damage in the tournaments, we'll take notice. Until then, it's just another team with some promise. Which is a lot better than we've seen in a while here.
Brian Bundesen
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
When up in the polls, we can get a puffy chest. When down/ out of polls, we can say they don't mean anything. Either way, we're covered. I'm looking forward to a GREAT season. GO BLUE!
1959Viking
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
UM and MSU are close this year in basketball. But if you look at Coach Izzo's track record, and the level of talent on the roster two-five star recruits, four-four star recruits), it can't be shocking that MSU is picked slightly ahead of UM. But Coach Beilein is making progress in that there is now a discussion, and UM's next two recruiting classes look pretty good as well.
Dwight Howard
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Can't wait for basketball season. Blue is doing same as always on turf hoping results are not usual when season ends. On hardwood I think there's a chance although hard to argue with talent Matta has in Columbus. Dude can recruit and coach. U of M will upset one of the three favorites in a game this year and make the Big dance!