By Larry Rupp
The 2021-22 college basketball season recently kicked off and the Big Ten is projected to be one of the most well-rounded conferences in the country once again. That’s why it can be surprising to learn that Michigan State’s 2000 title was the last time any Big Ten team won it all (current Big Ten member Maryland did win the crown in 2002, but it was as a member of the ACC at the time).
This could be the year that the drought finally comes to an end. The conference is filled with legitimate title threats, yet a few teams stick out from the rest. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three of the most likely Big Ten teams to end the drought and be the last one standing at March Madness.
Michigan Wolverines (+320 to Win Big Ten, +1200 to Win Title)
It’s hard to think about the Big Ten without mentioning the Michigan Wolverines. Juwan Howard’s squad is tied for the second-best odds to take home the title and for good reason. This is a team that returns Hunter Dickinson, one of the best big men in the nation. The sophomore center picked up right where he left off in the season opener by dropping 27 points and six rebounds.
Dickinson isn’t the only noteworthy player on this roster, either. Five-star freshman recruit Caleb Houstan is expected to make an immediate impact and veteran Eli Brooks is set to be the main ball-handler on offense. All things considered, Michigan is arguably the most balanced team in the Big Ten and has the pieces in place to go on a title run after making the Elite 8 in 2021.
🔒 @_flyyt put the clamps on and then made a HUGE 3 for @umichbball on the other end pic.twitter.com/hjq8j22Je3
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 11, 2021
Purdue Boilermakers (+320 to Win Big Ten, +1600 to Win Title)
Another Big Ten powerhouse squad resides in West Lafayette, Ind., and plays in the storied Mackey Arena. The Purdue Boilermakers entered the season ranked No. 7 in the AP poll and can light it up from deep. Both veteran guard Sasha Stefanovic and dynamic playmaker Jaden Ivey have showcased an insane ability to create their own shot opportunities at any given time.
That isn’t all the Boilermakers have to offer, though. It’s worth pointing out that sophomore center Zach Edey stands 7-foot-4 and presents as a major force in the paint. Combining a constant suffocating defensive effort with efficient shooting on the other end has garnered Purdue a lot of success over the last few seasons. Keep an eye on these boys come postseason time.
⚡️⚡️⚡️ Electric. – @IveyJaden pic.twitter.com/V712Z00Wom
— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) November 10, 2021
Illinois Fighting Illini (+600 to Win Big Ten, +2000 to Win Title)
While the Illini may not have the highest odds to finish on top of the conference, Illinois is a team that no one should be counting out just yet. The Fighting Illini bring back the majority of their squad that posted a regular season record of 24-7 in 2021 under coach Brad Underwood.
There is no shortage of scoring options on this team when healthy. Kofi Cockburn, Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo all averaged at least eight points per game last season. Working through the conference gauntlet will force this team to build chemistry and toughness. That will certainly come in handy in Illinois’ quest to win its first NCAA tournament championship ever.
A thing of beauty from the @IlliniMBB offense 😍 pic.twitter.com/uLWIS8PXF6
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) November 10, 2021
Picture Credit: Wikimedia
