Let's talk about the Big Ten. Indiana looks like the team to beat as Eric Gordon appears to be a one-and-done guy. Gordon has been sensational for the Hoosiers, and he will take his game to the next level.
Michigan State is capable of playing against anyone. Tom Izzo's team has gotten past the embarrassment of scoring just 36 points in a loss at Iowa. This club has potential, especially when Drew Neitzel makes shots. Think about it, two members of my All-Solid Gold preseason team (Neitzel and Chris Lofton), have not had All-American kind of years. They are both dangerous.
And don't forget about Wisconsin baby! They are playing some great basketball out there.
While those are the top teams, there is another great story to watch in Big Ten country. I don't know how many people following Big Ten basketball nationally realize Tubby Smith has put together a competitive, fighting, scrapping Golden Gopher team on the floor. He has created a mindset and a mentality that this program will be a winner in the near future. Remember, he came into a situation where they did not have many players in the program, plus he came in late.
Let me tell you, when it is all said and done in the next three years, Minnesota will be a serious contender in the Big Ten. Smith knows how to win; just check out what he did at Kentucky: In 10 seasons, the Wildcats won a national championship, advanced to four Elite Eights and six Sweet 16s ... Tubby led Kentucky to five SEC regular-season championships, five SEC?Tournament crowns and an all-time league-high seven division titles. My friends, that's a pretty impressive resume!
Look back at what he accomplished at Tulsa and Georgia too. He is a builder of winning teams and Minnesota is at 12-5 this season entering a challenge against Ohio State. The Golden Gophers won nine games all of last season. Road wins at Iowa State and Penn State helped build confidence, and you can see how Minnesota was competitive against Michigan State and Indiana.
In his own special way, Smith gets to the winner's circle. There are not a lot of one-liners or a comedy show, he is a motivator and a teacher. Smith is a pure scientist working in the lab, and his is 94 X 50.
He and his wife, Donna, are also great in the community. They get active and don't sit back, helping those people in need.
Minnesota is fortunate to have a winner in Tubby Smith. The school really struck gold when they were able to get him to say good-bye to Kentucky and hello to the Twin Cities!
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
