2007-08 BIG TEN PREVIEW: INDIANA

We feel like we just finished a marathon. Exactly two months and two days since we started the Big Ten Basketball Preview, it is finally complete. And no, it isn't tainted by the fact conference play has already begun and we took shortcuts to get here. FYI: We're planning on starting the 08-09 preview in May. But before we hit you up with our preview of the Indiana Hoosiers, let's take a look back at all our team capsules:

11. Northwestern Wildcats
10. Iowa Hawkeyes
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers
8. Michigan Wolverines
7. Penn State Nittany Lions
6. Purdue Boilermakers
5. Illinois Fightin' Illini
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Wisconsin Badgers
2. Michigan State Spartans

2006-07 Record: 21-11
Projected Finish: 1st
Returning Starters: 2
Head Coach: Kelvin Sampson
Best Player: Eric Gordon (23.5 PPG)

3 Reasons for Optimism:

1) Folks, if you haven't seen The Doughboy play, he is unstoppable. Don't take our word for it - take it from this kid with the Arabian goggles on:



2) When healthy, D.J. White is the best big man in the league. The guy might be undersized for the NBA, but he's a monster in the Big Ten - averaging 10 boards and 2 blocks per game.

3) Kelvin Sampson: This guy is a dirt bag. Seriously, you break NCAA rules twice in 1.5 years and lose two scholarships for it? I mean, if it's gonna be that kind of party, why don't I stick my dick in the mashed potatoes?

3 Reasons for Pessimism:

1) Being so dependent on a perimeter player is risky business. Just look at the Xavier loss. Indiana could very well ride Gordon to the Final Four like Syracuse did with Carmelo Anthony. OR Gordon could pull a J.J. Redick, fold up like a two-dollar suitcase, and leave Indiana short of the Sweet Sixteen.

2) After missing almost all of the 2005-06 season with a broken left foot, White's been injury free. But nothing says red flag for a big man like an old foot injury. Hey, you never known when a brick could fall on it.

3) Kelvin Sampson: This guy is a dirt bag. He's got to get caught some day... doesn't he?

Realety
Sampson is probably hated by every Big Ten coach - none more than Bruce Weber - but he might laugh all the way to the Final Four with Eric Gordon in tow. I'd say those extra phone calls were worth it, wouldn't you?

Sampson is a great defensive coach and they just have too much talent not to score.

Imagine if Michigan had hired this guy instead of Tommy Amaker...