Iowa season basketball preview (with opponent glances)

IOWA CITY - Exit stagger, enter swagger.

As the Iowa men's basketball program transitions into a different era, the Hawkeyes have taken on a different aura. Matt Gatens, a senior, sees the changes vividly. He fought through the tough times, often injured physically and wounded mentally. But the mindset now is different, and Gatens believes everyone else has noticed as well.

"It seems like a different attitude this year," Gatens said. "I think we believe a little bit more in ourselves, a little bit more confidence, which is big. I feel like in this community people are a lot more excited and are expecting more things out of us this year."

Iowa finished 11-20 last year, but showed improvement the last two months of Big Ten play. Iowa ripped Michigan State by 20 points, upset No. 6-ranked Purdue in the home finale and lost seven games by five points or less.

This year, Iowa returns 87 percent of its scoring and four primary starters. The Hawkeyes boast point guard Bryce Cartwright, who led the Big Ten in league assists, and Gatens, a three-year starter who led the Big Ten in free-throw percentage last year. He also ranks 30th in Iowa scoring history.

Iowa also returns sophomore forward Melsahn Basabe, a member of the Big Ten's all-freshman team last year. Basabe averaged a team-high 6.8 rebounds a game as well as 11 points. He had five games of 20 or more points and posted six double-doubles last year, second-most among Big Ten freshmen.

"I think we saw last year against some of the best post players in the country he performed pretty well," McCaffery said. "So next step for him is to be just a little bit more consistent."

Junior wing Eric May (25 starts, 7.8 points), sophomore guard Devyn Marble (six starts, 5.7 points) and sophomore forward Zach McCabe (two starts, 5.8 points) all averaged more than 19 minutes a game. Seniors Andrew Brommer, who suffered a sprained knee before fall practice, and Devon Archie are expected to share minutes in the post.

But experience matters only if it helps you win. Last year in a transition season, Coach Fran McCaffery had to adjust his preferred style of play to accommodate his players. Iowa previously incorporated a half-court offense and lacked the depth to play up-tempo and constantly press on defense.

"We didn't play as fast as I want to play," McCaffery said. "I would like to go a little bit faster and I think press a little bit more, and again, now we have a few more bodies and we have got some length, not only at the post, but on the wing. We have got some experienced guards."

Iowa also has more depth with specific roles. Iowa added a skilled outside shooter in guard Josh Oglesby, a versatile forward in Aaron White and a raw, athletic post player in Gabe Olaseni. Those three freshmen will allow McCaffery to substitute confidently and play at a faster pace this season.

"I've always been a quick up, attack the rim and press more," McCaffery said. "We didn't press nearly as much last year as I wanted to for two reasons: No. 1, we weren't deep enough, and No. 2, were the talent of the perimeter players in this league and the ball-handling ability of the frontcourt guys is so good that you better be pressing correctly."

Iowa will have the chance to experiment with its rotation early this season. The Hawkeyes play 13 non-conference teams that compiled a 192-225 record. Only one - Clemson - played in the NCAA Tournament last year. Iowa doesn't leave the state until Dec. 31, although there are road games at in-state foes Iowa State and Northern Iowa and a game in Des Moines against Creighton.

Iowa faces a tough start in Big Ten action, playing six 2011 NCAA qualifiers in its first seven games. The combined conference record of Iowa's 18 opponents (counting the double plays twice and incoming Big Ten team Nebraska) was 161-159 last year.

But it's not just about the experience or the opponents this year for Iowa. It's about the mindset and the possibilities. It's about translating swagger into results.

"Hopefully we can live up to those expectations and exceed them," Gatens said. "We're probably expecting more than the people outside the locker room are expecting."

Here's a complete look at each of Iowa's opponents for the 2011-12 season:

BIG TEN DOUBLE-PLAYS

WISCONSIN   (25-9, 13-5)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 8 p.m., Feb. 23
• Road -- Noon, Dec. 31
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- In one of the league's top games last year, the Badgers beat Iowa 62-59 in overtime at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Wisconsin has won three straight overall and nine straight in Madison dating to 2001.
• Who's Back? -- Point guard Jordan Taylor elevated his stature from good to great last season and became the nation's top point guard. He was a second-team All-American last year after averaging 18.1 points and 4.74 assists a game. He led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.83. He scored 39 points at Indiana, the most in a Big Ten road game in 15 years. Sophomore Josh Gasser became the first freshman since Magic Johnson to register a triple-double (the first Badger as well) in a blowout at Northwestern. Red-haired icon Mike Bruesewitz also returns after putting up 4.6 points a game.
• Who's Gone? -- All-Big Ten forward Jon Leuer leaves a void at power forward after averaging 18.3 points and 7.2 rebounds a game last year. The Badgers also lose post Keaton Nankivil and combo guard/forward Tim Jarmusz.
• Who's New? -- Wisconsin signed four 3-star recruits, headlined by Cedar Rapids Jefferson forward Jarrod Uthoff, who averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds to earn Iowa's Mr. Basketball award. Wisconsin also inked guards Traevon Jackson and George Marshall and center Frank Kaminski. Former Linn-Mar prep Zach Bohannon, brother of former Wisconsin guard Jason Bohannon, will walk on after two years at Air Force.
• Quotable -- "Bruesewitz was not a McDonald's All-American despite what he looked like with that red wig, with his red -- I mean, not wig, his red hair. He was called Ronald McDonald at a few places." -- Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan
• Relating to Iowa -- The recruiting scene between Bo Ryan and Iowa's Fran McCaffery has sizzled from day one. Former Iowa recruit Ben Brust spurned McCaffery when he replaced Todd Lickliter and changed Big Ten legislation to sign with Wisconsin. Ryan then beat Iowa for Uthoff last summer, a body blow for McCaffery with instate recruits. Expect everything about this rivalry to heat up in the coming years -- if Iowa can win some games.
• Outlook -- Every year media outlets overlook Wisconsin, and every year the Badgers exceed outside expectations and dominate in Madison. In each of Ryan's 10 seasons, the Badgers never have finished lower than fourth in the Big Ten, and he has the best winning percentage in Big Ten history. Last year Wisconsin was 16-0 at Kohl Center and the Badgers are 78-6 under Ryan in Madison. Although the Badgers must replace their front wall, they return a talented back-court tandem in Taylor and Gasser, which should be enough to finish at least fourth.
• Predicted Big Ten finish: 2nd

NORTHWESTERN (20-14, 7-11) 

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 1:30 p.m., March 3
• Road -- 8 p.m., Feb. 9
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The Wildcats swept the Hawkeyes last season and have won three straight in Evanston.
• Who's Back? -- The Wildcats return leading scorer John Shurna (16.6 ppg), one of the Big Ten's most versatile forwards. Shurna, who hit 43.4 percent of his 3-point shots last year, averaged 24.4 points through the first nine games. He then suffered a sprained ankle and a concussion that limited him all season. Northwestern also brings back long-range shooters Drew Crawford, Alex Marcotullio and JerShon Cobb and tough post player Luka Mirkovic. Overall, seven of the Wildcats' eight leading scorers return from its second-straight 20-win season.
• Who's Gone? -- Northwestern now has a gaping hole at point guard with the absence of Michael "Juice" Thompson, the Wildcats' all-time leader in assists, game played, games started and minutes played. He averaged 16.3 points a game (ninth in the Big Ten) and finished in the league's top seven in assists, steals, free-throw percentage, 3-pointers made and assist-turnover ratio. On top of his statistics, Thompson was the unquestioned on-court leader.
• Who's New? -- Northwestern picked up a pair of 3-star guards in Tre Demps and David Sobolewski and also signed 6-8 forward Mike Turner.
• Quotable -- You have 340 teams, and that's the goal of every team, to get to the tournament. But the spotlight is on us more than other teams because we have not been there. We're getting pretty close." -- Northwestern Coach Bill Carmody
• Relating to Iowa -- The rivalry between the schools seems to escalate in basketball as much as football. Northwestern has won three straight overall, including last year's massacre in Iowa City. The Wildcats hit 10-of-16 3-pointers to start the game and built a 27-point lead in a 19-point Northwestern win. Iowa rallied at Evanston but lost by three.
• Outlook -- Like in the past, Northwestern's deliberate offensive style and tough defense will keep the Wildcats in some games and help it surprise a few opponents. Shurna and Crawford are among the Big Ten's top 25 players, but for the Wildcats to reach their first NCAA Tournament someone has to fill Thompson's role.
• Predicted Big Ten finish: 10th

PURDUE (26-8, 14-4)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 8:30 p.m., Dec. 28

• Road -- 7 p.m., Jan. 17

• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- Iowa upset Boilermakers in Iowa City in March; Purdue has won four straight at West Lafayette

• Who's Back? -- Purdue returns an experienced back-court in point guard Lewis Jackson, 3-point shooter Ryne Smith and combo guard/forward D.J. Byrd. Jackson, an honorable mention all-Big Ten guard, set the Boilermakers' tempo last year, and Smith thrived as a third/fourth option. Backup guard and diligent defender Kelsey Barlow was suspended in March but has returned. Purdue could get its biggest lift from forward Robbie Hummel, one of the Big Ten's best players until twice tearing an ACL. Hummel sat out last year and red-shirted. Hummel was a first-team all-Big Ten player as a freshman and a second-team All-American as a junior. If he's healthy and 100 percent, he immediately lifts the Boilermakers to among the league's elite. Sophomore Travis Carroll, who started six games last year, likely will start inside. Coach Matt Painter flirted with Missouri this offseason and nearly took the job before Purdue ponied up with a huge raise.
• Who's Gone? -- No Big Ten team loses more value than Purdue this offseason. JaJuan Johnson, the Big Ten's player of the year, defensive player of the year and leading scorer as well as a first-team All-American, expired his eligibility after averaging 20.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg last year. E'Twaun Moore, who scored 2,136 points in his career, was Purdue's all-time leader in games played, minutes played and 3-pointers, also bolts after earning first-team Big Ten honors. They were the first combination in school history to each score 600 points in a season. Calling their departures a huge loss is an understatement. The Boilermakers also lose backup post Patrick Bade (3 starts) to the football team. ... Purdue also lost assistant coach Paul Lusk, who took over as Missouri State's head coach.
• Who's New? -- The Boilermakers signed just two players this offseason in 3-star forwards Jacob Lawson and Donnie Hale.
• Quotable: "(Hummel) makes other people around him better. He does little things. I think you could stand him out there with crutches and you could still help your team win." Purdue Coach Matt Painter
• Relating to Iowa -- Purdue has scorched Iowa at Mackey Arena by a 23-point average the last three years. The Boilermakers had won a series record eight straight against Iowa before the Hawkeyes shocked them in Iowa City. The loss sent the Boilermakers from a possible No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament to a No. 3.
• Outlook -- It's inevitable the Boilermakers will take a step back this season after losing all-time players Johnson and Moore. But Purdue still has a nucleus that will keep them competitive in a rebuilding Big Ten. If Hummel can stay healthy, Purdue will compete among the Big Ten leaders.
• Predicted Big Ten finish: 5th

INDIANA (12-20, 3-15) 

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- TBD, Feb. 19
• Road -- 5 p.m., Jan. 29
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The Hawkeyes have won three straight and 6 of 7 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the last two at Bloomington for its only two Big Ten road wins since 2008 .
• Who's Back? -- Indiana returns its top seven scorers from last year's team. Highly touted guard Maurice Creek, who has missed significant portions of Indiana's last two seasons with injuries, suffered another season-ending injury with a torn Achilles tendon. The Hoosiers also return forward Christian Watford (16 ppg), combo guard Verdell Jones III (12.5 ppg) and point guard Jordan Hulls (11 ppg, 94 assists).
• Who's Gone? -- Guard Jeremiah Rivers was the only senior last year for the Hoosiers but averaged just 3.8 ppg. Post Bobby Capobianco left the team following the spring semester.
• Who's New? -- Indiana scored one of the nation's top recruits with 6-11 power forward Cody Zeller of nearby Washington, Ind. Zeller was a Rivals 5-star recruit and ranked fifth nationally regardless of position. The Hoosiers also gained a pair of 3-star forwards in 6-6 Austin Etherington and 6-4 Remy Abell. All three could make an impact right away.
• Quotable -- "Cody makes it easier for everybody else. He makes the game -- we knew this when we recruited him. You can go at him and give him the ball and something can happen, or you can play through him, and that's what our team has got to learn to do right now." -- Indiana Coach Tom Crean.
• Relating to Iowa-- This has the potential to be a burgeoning rivalry resembling the Knight-Olson era in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Indiana Coach Tom Crean twice took swipes at Iowa after the Hawkeyes won at Assembly Hall, touting former Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter's recruiting efforts in assembling Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery's roster. Both Iowa and Indiana are trying to reinvigorate their proud traditions and each school's path to respectability goes over the other. This could get fairly salty this season.
• Outlook-- The Hoosiers struggled for the third straight season under Crean after the program was left as a deserted wasteland under former coach Kelvin Sampson. But there's hope in Hoosierland with Zeller, a healthy Creek and solid returnees in Watford, Hulls and Jones III. But the pressure is on Crean. If he can't guide Indiana to the postseason next year, I can't imagine Hoosier Nation accepting him for a fifth year.
• Big Ten Prediction: 8th

NEBRASKA (19-13, 7-9 Big 12)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 6 p.m., Jan. 26
• Road -- 8 p.m., Feb. 29
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- Teams have not played since 1976 and were set to play in Des Moines this year and Omaha next year until Nebraska joined the Big Ten.
• Who's Back? -- Center Jorge Brian Diaz returns after averaging 10.5 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. The Cornhuskers return four other players with significant starting experience -- Toney McCray, Brandon Richardson, Brandon Ubel and Caleb Walker.
• Who's Gone? -- Nebraska loses all-everything player Lance Jeter, who led the Cornhuskers in scoring (11.7), minutes (30.2), assists (145), steals (57) and free throws. Every other loss is marginal.
• Who's New? -- Nebraska signed four players, including junior-college All-American combo guard Dylan Talley. The Cornhuskers have three freshmen -- forwards Josiah Moore and David Rivers; guard Corey Hilliard.
• Quotable -- "You can spend as much time as you can watching tapes, but I don't think you really get a true picture until you actually get into it." Nebraska Coach Doc Sadler
• Relating to Iowa -- The schools mostly ignored one another in the past but now find themselves banging into one another for recruits. Both schools recruited border players Mike Gesell and Adam Woodbury before both committed to Iowa. Iowa is the only Big Ten state with a contiguous border with Nebraska, and it's likely the schools will compete against one another for players on an annual basis.
• Outlook -- It's hard to say. The style differences between the Big 12 and Big Ten are profound. It's an unfamiliar league for Nebraska and the travel is longer. It's going to take time for Nebraska to adjust to Big Ten play.
• Big Ten Prediction -- 11th

PENN STATE (19-15, 9-9)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 2 p.m., Feb. 4
• Road -- 8 p.m., Feb. 16
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- Penn State has won the last four in State College; Iowa has won the last eight in Iowa City.
• Who's Back? -- Point guard Tim Frazier is the only player with any legitimate experience returning this year. Frazier started 33 games, led the team with 173 assists and scored 6.3 points a game. Only two other players with four combined starts return.
• Who's Gone? -- The best player in Penn State history, Talor Battle, exhausted his eligibility. He averaged 20.2 points last year, ranks 10th all-time in Big Ten scoring with 2,213 points and was a first-team all-Big Ten pick by the media. The Nittany Lions lose their second-leading scorer in Jeff Brooks (13.1 ppg), third-leading scorer in David Jackson (9.9 ppg) and fifth-leading scorer (Andrew Jones, 6.0 ppg) as well. Those four players were the top rebounders last year. We also can't forget Coach Ed DeChellis, who resigned this summer to take over at Navy. DeChellis coached Penn State for eight seasons and last year took the Nittany Lions to their only NCAA Tournament in his tenure.
• Who's New? -- Penn State signed five players this offseason across all positions. Forward Ross Travis was sought by several Big Ten schools. Penn State recruited 3-star centers Peter Alexis and Pat Ackerman, plus 3-star guard Trey Lewis. Matt Glover, who was recruited by Iowa and Nebraska, fills a combo guard role for the Nittany Lions. Penn State hired Patrick Chambers to replace DeChellis. Chambers coached Boston University to an NCAA Tournament bid last year. Chambers plans to play uptempo.
• Quotable -- "My vision is to make Penn State basketball tops in the Big Ten, tops in the country every single year, just like football." -- Penn State Coach Patrick Chambers
• Relating to Iowa -- Glover likely will gun for the Hawkeyes in their meetings this year. Iowa spurned him on an April trip to Iowa City. Both schools also were interested in Travis.
• Outlook -- This year is basically like starting over again for Penn State. With a new coach and four new starters, the Nittany Lions are in rebuilding mode in a league that typically reloads. It could be a difficult climb this year.
• Big Ten Prediction: 12th

MINNESOTA (17-14, 6-12)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 7:30 p.m., Feb. 1
• Road -- 8 p.m. Jan. 4
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The Gophers have beaten Iowa six straight, their longest winning streak since 1940.
• Who's Back? -- Incoming senior Trevor Mbakwe was everything the Gophers wanted and needed last year. He led the Big Ten in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and averaged nearly 14 points a game. Ralph Sampson III flirted with turning pro, then wisely decided to stay. Versatile forward Rodney Williams started all but three games last year and guards Austin Hollins and Maverick Ahanmisi each started five.
• Who's Gone? -- The entire back-court, and it was a good one. Point guard Al Nolen, the league's steals leader as a junior, suffered a broken right foot and missed the final 12 games of the season. Devoe Joseph left the team shortly before Nolen's injury, and the team had no true point guard. Coach Tubby Smith then moved shooting guard Blake Hoffarber (who graduated) to point, which ruined both positions. Post Colton Iverson (11 starts) transferred following the season.
• Who's New? -- The Gophers bring in four 3-star players, including two from junior college. Point guard Julian Welch, from Yuba Community College, is likely to start. Freshmen shooting guards Andre Hollins and Joe Coleman could fight for starting jobs as well. Forward Andre Ingram is a 6-7 forward from Butler County Community College.
• Quotable -- "My expectations are this would be much more competitive in the Big Ten. That's something we've struggled with since we've been here. Having kept that momentum from our non-league play or early season into conference play." -- Minnesota Coach Tubby Smith.
• Relating to Iowa -- The Gophers have handed Iowa three demoralizing losses in the last two years. In 2009-10, Minnesota forced 24 Iowa turnovers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, then blasted the Hawkeyes by 35 points for Iowa's worst defeat to Minnesota in 108 years. Last year Iowa led the Gophers by eight points in Iowa City, then Minnesota strangled Iowa's offense in a 62-45 Gopher win.
• Outlook -- Had Minnesota kept its team healthy and intact last year, it could have won a couple of NCAA Tournament games. Instead, the Gophers lost 10 of their last 11 and went from tourney-bound to the postseason couch. Mbakwe is one of the league's two best post players but beyond him the players are either inexperienced or underachieving. If the guard play doesn't improve, this team could spiral even farther down the Big Ten silo than last season.
• Big Ten Prediction: 7th

BIG TEN SINGLE PLAYS

ILLINOIS (20-14, 9-9) 

• Road: 5 p.m, Feb. 26
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The Fighting Illini have beaten Iowa 21 of the last 22 games at Assembly Hall with the Hawkeyes' only win coming in 1999 against a last-place Illinois team. The Illini's overall streak of five straight wins ties an all-time series mark against Iowa.
• Who's Back? -- Illinois will look completely different from last year. Only one regular starter, guard D. J. Richardson (8.4 ppg) returns, as does part-time starter Brandon Paul. Paul (9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg) likely will transition into the Illini's top offensive threat this year and may thrive in the scoring role previously held by Demetri McCamey. Sophomore center Meyers Leonard started one game and averaged just over 8 minutes a game but should become a starter.
• Who's Gone? -- The Fighting Illini lose McCamey, the all-everything guard who also was benched after run-ins with Coach Bruce Weber. McCamey averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 assists a game last year. Top inside trio of Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale and Bill Cole also leave. Combined, the Illini lose 122 starts among those four. Talented freshman Jereme Richmond, who started six games but was suspended from the NCAA Tournament for violating team rules, left for the NBA.
• Who's New? -- Illinois landed a massive class of six incoming freshmen, including top Chicago recruits (all ranked as Rivals 4-stars) Mike Shaw, Mycheal Henry, Nnanna Eqwu and Tracy Abrams. Illinois also pulled in 3-star players Ibrahima Djimde and Devin Langford and Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco.
• Quotable -- "I think we have a lot of unknowns. But I think in some ways it's a good thing; we can take advantage of ... being the dark horse." -- Illinois Coach Bruce Weber
• Relating to Iowa -- The Fighting Illini recently have posed an athletic mismatch for the Hawkeyes. Iowa has won at Assembly Hall only once since 1987 but with the Champaign personnel turnover, it's possible to at least hang at Illinois this year unlike most seasons.
• Outlook? -- Unpredictable. Neither Paul, Richardson nor Leonard had a primary role last year and with a talented -- yet inexperienced -- class coming in, it's difficult to know how the Illini will mesh on or off the court. Last year was a major disappointment for perhaps the Big Ten's most athletic team so if the chemistry improves, so could the overall record.
• Big Ten Prediction -- 6th

MICHIGAN STATE (19-15, 9-9)

• Road -- 6 p.m., Jan. 10
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- Michigan State has beaten Iowa 16 straight times in East Lansing, dating to 1993. Of the last 12 meetings in East Lansing, only two were decided by single digits. Last year the teams split their regular-season meetings with Iowa winning 72-52 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and the Spartans winning 85-66 at Breslin Center. Michigan State won the Big Ten Tournament opener 66-61.
• Who's Back? -- Second-leading scorer Draymond Green scored 12.6 points and grabbed 8.6 rebounds a game last year. He's a senior this year. Sophomore Keith Appling (6.4 ppg) started 18 games while part-time starter Garrick Sherman also returns. Post players Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne should see increases in playing time.
• Who's Gone? -- Leading scorer and four-year starter Kalin Lucas exits after averaging 17 points a game. He started all 34 games after tearing his Achilles tendon in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Long-time starting wing/forward Durrell Summers also leaves, while talented backup point guard Korie Lucious transferred to Iowa State. Injuries forced part-time starter Delvon Roe to retire.
• Who's New? -- Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo took one of the nation's top prospects in 6-6 forward Branden Dawson, a 5-star recruit from Gary, Ind. The Spartans also signed 3-star guard Travis Trice and forward Brandan Kearney.
• Quotable -- "I don't enjoy the underdog role because I think our program is to the point where you don't want to be there, but I'm enjoying the challenge of realizing we lost a lot." -- Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo
• Relating to Iowa -- Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery earned his first major win as the Hawkeyes' coach in the 20-point stomping against the Spartans. Michigan State's players later called it "an embarrassment" and pounded Iowa in East Lansing. Iowa had its chance to beat Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament and led by seven points midway through the second half before losing.
• Outlook? -- Michigan State was the nation's most underachieving team last year after starting with a No. 2 ranking in many polls. The team lacked chemistry, leadership and toughness, a trait usually associated with an Izzo-coached team. Now, with an influx of new talent, the team's mental approach likely will change and send the Spartans back among the Big Ten's elite.
• Big Ten Prediction -- 4th

MICHIGAN (21-14, 9-9)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- Noon, Jan. 14
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The teams have played to overtime in Iowa City for three consecutive seasons, with Michigan winning the last two. Michigan has won six straight overall in the series.
• Who's Back? -- Michigan had no seniors last season. Sophomore Tim Hardaway Jr. was a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and averaged 13.9 points a game. He scored double digits in the Wolverines' final 16 games, including 30 at Iowa. Sophomore post Jordan Morgan averaged 9.2 points and senior combo guard Zack Novak led the team in rebounding and averaged 8.9 points. Outside shooter Stu Douglass and power forward Evan Smotrycz also come back.
• Who's Gone? -- Darius Morris, one of the league's up-and-coming stars, bolted for the NBA following his sophomore season. Morris averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds and nearly 7 assists a game. His departure was a surprise to the Wolverines, who were considered among the top Big Ten teams returning this year.
• Who's New? -- Carlton Brundidge, a 4-star guard from Southfield, Mich., and 3-star guard Trey Burke likely will fill Morris' spot as an all-everything shooting guard. Michigan also signed 3-star forward Max Bielfeldt (forward).
• Relating to Iowa -- From 2008-2010, the schools played nine times, including three straight seasons to open Big Ten Tournament play.  Had Michigan lost to archrival Michigan State in the regular-season finale, the teams would have played again in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan assistant LaVall Jordan worked at Iowa for three years under Todd Lickliter.
• Quotable -- "We have an incredible team-first attitude that's been very healthy so far." -- Michigan Coach John Beilein
• Outlook? -- The Wolverines came out of nowhere to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament last year, rolling Tennessee in the first round and nearly upsetting top-seed Duke in the second round. Had Morris stayed, Michigan would have threatened Ohio State and Michigan State for Big Ten supremacy this year. It still might, depending on whether Brundidge can replace Morris. Hardaway Jr. could be the league's best scoring threat this year and if Morgan improves, Michigan will be dangerous.
• Big Ten Prediction -- 3rd

OHIO STATE (34-3, 16-2)

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena -- 2 p.m., Jan. 7
• Recent Action vs. Iowa -- The Buckeyes have won a series-record six straight against the Hawkeyes. Three of those wins came in Iowa City but all were tight games until Ohio State pulled away late.
• Who's Back?-- Consensus All-American sophomore forward Jared Sullinger returns, which surprised most people who expected him to turn pro. Sullinger, who was the national freshman of the year, had 18 double-doubles last year and averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds a game. Aaron Craft started only once but was a key player as the team's primary point guard. He had nearly 7 points and 5 assists a game and led the Big Ten in steals. Slashing senior scoring guard William Buford and sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas also return.
• Who's Gone? -- The Buckeyes lost excellent senior role players from last year's squad. Guard David Lighty was a multi-faceted scoring threat, tough defender and the winningest player in Buckeye history (129 wins). Shooting guard Jon Diebler put up the most 3-pointers (374) in Big Ten history. Center Dallas Lauderdale was one of the most feared post defenders in college basketball.
• Who's New?-- Ohio State's recruiting class should soften the Buckeyes' losses, although maybe not immediately. Ohio State signed four 4-star recruits in center Amir Williams, forwards Sam Thompson and LaQuinton Ross and point guard Shannon Scott. Forward Trey McDonald was a 3-star recruit. Ross, however, is ineligible to play this year, a big loss for the Buckeyes.
• Quotable -- "Probably one of the toughest years of coaching I ever had was coming off a 35-win season and playing for the national championship. The following year was extremely tough because I think our guys had a sense of entitlement that they were going to win basketball games, and I think that taught, not only the coaches, but the players a strong lesson." -- Ohio State Coach Thad Matta
• Relating to Iowa? -- Iowa scrapped against then No. 2-ranked Ohio State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in a five-point loss last year. Iowa freshman Melsahn Basabe (22 points, 13 rebounds) battled Sullinger (24 points, 12 rebounds) to a draw that game.
• Outlook? -- The Buckeyes once again look like the class of the Big Ten, although the senior losses will hurt a bit. Sullinger might be the nation's best player while Thomas likely will step up from reserve to key contributor. Craft was one of the league's top point guards and Buford is among the most versatile. If the Buckeyes receive valuable production from their freshmen, watch out.
• Big Ten Prediction -- 1st

NON-CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN

Nov. 11 vs. Chicago State (H, 7 p.m.)

• Chicago State was 6-26 last year and lost its best player in Carl Montgomery, who averaged 17.3 points and 8.1 rebounds a game. This is the first game of the Dale Howard Classic, a four-game exempt series honoring Iowa's long-time booster.  Iowa is 3-0 historically against Chicago State with the last meeting in 1997. Iowa has lost its last two season openers, but Chicago State is ranked 339 in RPI and its top returning scorer from last year is Jamill Harris at 3.3 ppg.

Nov. 14 vs. North Carolina A&T (H, 7 p.m.)

• This is the second game in the Dale Howard Classic and features a team Iowa never has played. North Carolina A&T was 15-17 last year and lost its leading scorer in Thomas Coleman, who averaged 17 points a game. The Aggies are counting on forward Austin Witter to lead the way. Witter averaged 5.7 points a game last year.

Nov. 17 vs. Northern Illinois (H, 7 p.m.)

• This regular-season game pits Iowa against a school without its top scorer from last year in Xavier Silas, who put up 22 points a night. Northern Illinois has a new coach in longtime former Michigan State assistant Mark Montgomery. The Huskies were 9-21 last year and have never beaten Iowa in five games. Northern Illinois is led by Tim Toler, who averaged 9.9 points and a team-high 5.5 points a game.

Nov. 20 vs. Creighton (Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, 3 p.m.) 

•  On paper this is Iowa's first serious test, and it's held at a neutral site. The Blue Jays were 23-16 and advanced to the CBI Tournament finals last year. Creighton boasts power forward Doug McDermott, the Missouri Valley Conference freshman of the year. McDermott -like Iowa forward Melsahn Basabe -was invited to try out for the U.S. 19-and-under team, and McDermott made the team. McDermott was one of three freshmen since 2003 - Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony  were the other two -  to score at least 525 points, grab 270 rebounds and score 40 3-pointers in a season.

• Iowa is 14-10 historically against Creighton, and this game also is part of the Dale Howard Classic. Nebraska originally was slated as the opponent for this game (with a proposed 2012 return trip to Omaha) but Creighton filled in when the Cornhuskers jumped to the Big Ten. Blue Jays Coach Greg McDermott formerly led Northern Iowa and Iowa State. The teams' last meeting was March 15, 2001 in the NCAA Tournament. Iowa won that game 69-56, its last NCAA Tournament win.

Nov. 23 vs. Campbell (H, 7 p.m.)

• In the Dale Howard Classic finale, Iowa faces a team it never has played. The Camels were 12-19 last year and their most impressive win was a 61-54 upset of Auburn. Campbell returns leading scorer Eric Griffin.

Nov. 26 vs. IPFW (H, noon)

• The Mastadons posted a winning record last year at 18-12 and were competitive in the Summit League. Iowa and IPFW played four common opponents, and the results were comparable. Both teams lost to South Dakota State (IPFW lost three times) and Xavier and pounded SIU-Edwardsville. IPFW also lost to Purdue, while Iowa split with the Boilermakers. Tony Jasick is the team's new head coach, replacing former Indiana alum Dane Fife, who now is an assistant at Michigan State. The teams never have played. The Mastadons return leading scorer and rebounder Frank Gaines (14.8 points, 6.2 rebounds)

Nov. 29 vs. Clemson (H, 8:15 p.m.)

• Iowa's ACC-Big Ten Challenge opponent is the Hawkeyes' only non-conference opponent to advance to the NCAA Tournament last year. Clemson Coach Brad Brownell was interviewed by Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta and Associate Athletics Director Fred Mims during the team's coaching search in 2010. The Tigers (22-12 last year) lost their top three scorers and incoming freshman Devin Coleman was recruited heavily by Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery last summer. The Hawkeyes have dropped their last five in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, although two of the last three were decided in the final second. Iowa is 2-0 against Clemson.
• Clemson point guard Andre Young led the ACC in assist/turnover ratio at 2.01. The Tigers were picked seventh by ACC media.

Dec. 3 vs. Brown (H, 2 p.m.)

• The Bears finished 11-17 overall and 4-10 in Ivy League play last year. Sophomore guard Sean McGonagill was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year last year. Junior Tucker Halpern was an all-Ivy League player. Iowa owns a 1-0 series advantage.

Dec. 6 at Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, 7 p.m.)

• Northern Iowa generally poses a threat to Iowa in Cedar Falls, where the Panthers have won four of the last five in the series. UNI blasted Iowa 67-50 two years ago, but the Hawkeyes countered last year in Iowa City with a 51-39 win. The Panthers, which advanced to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament quarterfinals, finished with their third straight 20-win season last year. UNI does lose big-game guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe and tough post player Lucas O'Rear. Some of the better UNI players to return are Jake Koch, Johnny Moran and Antonio James. Iowa is 33-8 historically against UNI.

Dec. 9 at Iowa State (Ames, 7 p.m.)

•  The premium in-state game is held at Hilton Coliseum next year. Iowa State will look completely different with transfers Chris Allen (Michigan State), Chris Babb (Penn State) and Royce White (Minnesota) combining with shooter Scott Christopherson. Iowa historically struggles in Ames, losing four straight at Hilton. The Cyclones ended their own three-game losing streak at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last year in an electric 76-73 game. This is the Hawkeyes' toughest non-conference game. Iowa leads the series 42-22.

Dec. 17 vs. Drake (H, 8 p.m.)

• Drake has slid since its historic 2007-08 NCAA Tournament season and finished 13-18 last year. Iowa has won two straight in the series, including 59-52 last year, after dropping three straight. The Bulldogs return talented sophomore Rayvonte Rice, who scored 13.8 points a game last year and was the Missouri Valley Conference's fourth-best rebounder.  Iowa owns a 55-10 series advantage.

Dec. 19 vs. Central Arkansas (H, 7 p.m.)

• Central Arkansas has yet to post a winning record since moving to Division I in 2006 and was 5-24 last year. Former Arkansas All-American and NBA 12-year veteran Corliss Williamson is in his second year as coach. The teams never have played, and Central Arkansas has an RPI of 341.

Dec. 22 vs. Boise State (H, 7:30 p.m.)

• The Hawkeyes wrap up non-conference play against Boise State, which finished second in the Western Athletic Conference last year. Boise State was 22-13 and competed in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The Broncos lose leading scorer La'Shard Anderson, who averaged 15.1 points, and leading rebounder Daequon Montreal. Boise State brings back just two starters who averaged a combined 9.1 points a game.