Big Ten Basketball Making Statement

Fellow Buckeye fans, it's been way too long. Figured I'd chime in during this special time of year where families come together and celebrate the holidays. Except this lovey dovey business doesn’t suit all of us so let’s get to something more important: our annual Arizona Fiesta draws closer each day. Wait that’s not it. O yea: all I can think about is how jacked up I am for the upcoming Big Ten basketball season.

The conference may have failed to defeat the ACC yet again in the challenge but the depth is the best in years. Already this year three teams outside of the top 25 in the preseason poll have knocked off top 10 teams. Michigan (for the record I still root against them during nonconference) knocked off both UCLA and Duke, Minnesota defeated Lousiville today and of course are Buckeyes outplayed Notre Dame. Throw in Michigan State's "neutral site" win in Houston today over Texas and you have some impressive wins prior to Christmas.

Adding to the excitement is that OSU already has a perfect 8-0 record and another cupcake in UNC-Asheville coming. Without David Lighty (broken foot, out 2-3 months) the scarlet and gray will be challenged but will need a real collapse to avoid the tourney. At worst this team will be 9-1 before conference play kicks off at home against Iowa, 4 p.m. online @ OhioStateSports.net. Bob Huggins and West Virginia pose a threat on the 27th (Saturday also at 4 and online @OhioStateSports.net) but this Lightyless group could use another toughy before the Big Ten season.

All in all it should be a fun winter in Columbus. Heck the Jackets even managed an overtime triumph against the record setting San Jose Sharks. Is Gabe Norris the spark the organization needs to end the playoff drought? Clearly this is another subject for a person who fervently follows hockey (hint hint) but you get what I'm saying. Get hyped, get ready and enjoy the break everybody! Perhaps Thad Mattas crew has a few presents in the stockings (or driedel bags if you're apart of the tribe) for Buckeyes near and far.