Big Ten Last?

by Andrew

Ok, now this is crazy. I try to be objective here, but as of December 28th's poll, the Big Ten has 5 in the top 25 (4, 11, 15, 23, 25).

If we're talking about history, the Big Ten has more Final Four appearances of any conference, including the much beloved ACC. Of the top 13 teams in terms of Tournament winning percentages, four of them are Big Ten teams (Michigan State, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio State). Of the top 9 teams in terms of title games reached, the Big Ten has a 3 (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio State). The single best Final Four winning % (at least 5 games) is held by Indiana at .846 (11-2). The Big Ten is ranked #1 in number of times two teams played in the final four, tied for 2nd in number of times with four teams in the Sweet Sixteen, and tied for second in number of times three teams made the Elite Eight. Since 1980, the Big Ten has had more team appearances in the Final Four than any other conference -- 13 times.

How on earth can a conference with 20% of the top 25 be ranked #6 among the major conferences right now? With all due respect, other than ACC (basically little history outside of the Big Two though), the Big Ten inarguably has more history of success and historical depth than any other conference in the country in basketball (the Pac-Ten doesn't count as the only team that ever amounted to anything was UCLA, the greatest college basketball dynasty ever no doubt). The numbers don't lie.

I believe I've been respectful and stuck to the facts. Let's keep the discussion going! =)