Big Ten basketball predictions: Purdue or Michigan State? You make your pick

The Big Ten might be the nation's best basketball conference this year and could get eight teams in the NCAA Tournament. Here's a predicted order of finish among the 11 Big Ten schools and their postseason opportunities:

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1. Purdue - The Boilermakers return nearly everybody from their second-place finish from a year ago. A healthy Robbie Hummel has led Purdue to a 9-0 start and a No. 4 ranking nationally. Although Purdue will lose between two and four league games, the Boilermakers are the league's most consistent team at every position. Prediction: Final Four
2. Michigan State - The Spartans are battle-tested and talented at four positions but have to compensate at center. They still may be able to win the league anyway with top-flight talent like Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan. Michigan State is clearly the league's best basketball program. Prediction: NCAA Elite Eight
3. Ohio State - For the second consecutive year the Buckeyes have to deal with a severe injury to a top player. Evan Turner broke a bone in his back in early December after a dunk. He may return by mid-January, but it's undetermined if the injury will hamper him throughout the season. Prediction: NCAA Elite Eight
4. Illinois - If any team can sneak into the top two, it's the Fighting Illini. Illinois has a solid combination in point guard Demetri McCamey and the league's top rebounder in Mike Davis. Prediction: NCAA Sweet 16
5. Minnesota - The Gophers are balanced from top to bottom with scorers like Lawrence Westbrook, shooters like Blake Hoffarber, passers like Al Nolen and rebounders like Ralph Sampson III. They'll be a tough out each night. Prediction: NCAA second round
6. Wisconsin - On paper, this looked like a down year for Wisconsin. But Trevon Hughes has become the Badgers' scoring threat, averaging 17.7 points a game. Wins over Duke and Maryland make Wisconsin look like legitimate contenders. Prediction: NCAA first round
7. Northwestern - Clearly the surprise so far, the Wildcats have beaten teams from the ACC, Big 12, Big East and Pac-10, all without top returnee Kevin Coble. Michael Thompson averages 17 for Northwestern, while freshman Drew Crawford already has scored 35 in a game. Prediction: NCAA first round
8. Michigan - The Wolverines have the best one-two combination in slasher/scorer Manny Harris and post DeShawn Sims. They can beat anyone on any night when both are on, or they can lose to anyone. If Michigan develops consistency, watch out. If not, shrug. Prediction: NCAA second round
9. Penn State - Talor Battle proved he's just as effective this year without power forward Jermelle Cornley. Twice Battle has dusted opponents for 30-plus points. But the Nittany Lions don't have enough to move into the NCAA Tournament.Prediction: NIT
10. Indiana - This team can be scary good in another year. The Hoosiers are rebuilding but have found a pure scorer in freshman Maurice Creek, who leads the nation in scoring by freshmen. This is the last year Indiana doesn't compete in for a spot among the league's big boys. Prediction: Postseason tournament
11. Iowa - There's no use kicking this team while it's down. There are plenty of challenges for the Hawkeyes. Prediction: No postseason