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Will a summer snub motivate Purdue's E'Twaun Moore, left, and JaJuan Johnson?

10 Things To Know From The Offseason

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

1. Battle Tested: Talor Battle had to beat out Arizona's Nic Wise to make the World University Games squad. By the end of the trip, in which the U.S. won bronze, Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan was jokingly regretting Battle's inspired play because he knew he had to play against him this winter. The 5-foot-11 Penn State guard found his voice in Serbia, returning to PSU oozing with confidence. Battle's mother and six siblings relocated to State College, too, adding to an ever-growing comfort zone for one of the Big Ten's best.

2. Worldly Traveler: When John Shurna started lofting shots during the trials for the U-19 FIBA World Championship team in Colorado Springs, Colo., his push-shot was a bit of an odd sight. But it went in. Making the squad gave Shurna plenty of confidence, especially considering he played with a broken wrist toward the end of last season. He was cleared just prior to the tryouts for the team -- and took advantage of it. Got a gold medal out of it, too.

3. Where's The Beef? Wisconsin is in a transition season with the departures of Marcus Landry and Joe Krabbenhoft. So the Badgers needed someone over the summer to stand out. Enter Jared Berggren. The 6-10 Berggren was a beast in the weight room, changing his body through the team's strength and conditioning program. The redshirt freshman filled out his lanky frame and could challenge for a starting spot this season.

4. Summer Snub: Purdue's JaJuan Johnson was cut from the WUG team and E'Twaun Moore didn't even get invited. Hey, Robbie Hummel made the squad and was a significant contributor. But the humbling experience for Johnson, and to some extent Moore, puts another chip on the shoulders of a squad that constantly feels like it has to re-prove itself each season. The Boilermakers are on a quest to play near home at the Final Four in Indianapolis. If two of their three best players compete with a bit of an edge, that can't hurt.

5. Hey, Mr. Carter: Paul Carter played only 16 minutes a game for upstart Minnesota last season. He averaged just 5.3 points a game and shot a measly 21.1 percent. But Carter made a name for himself this summer when he went on a traveling team called Sports Reach to an event in China. While it's hard to get a read on the competition, Carter did lead the squad in scoring and rebounding. He then returned to a much more intense summer competition in Minneapolis, the Howard Pulley League, and was named the co-MVP. The Gophers were at times offensively challenged last season. So having someone like the 6-8 Carter emerge as a threat is a must.

6. Mike and Mike : It's essential for Illinois that the one-two punch of Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale blossom. Davis was supposed to be a lock to make the WUG team until he broke his ankle in a workout. Davis was said to have been playing some of his best basketball. Last season he was a surprise double-figure scorer for Illinois, but the slender Davis needed to add some strength. Sitting out with the broken ankle allowed him to focus on his upper-body strength. Meanwhile, his teammate, Tisdale, took his place during the tryout and was one of the last cuts. The slender 7-footer shined during the workout, even though he missed on a few midrange shots. Both players give the Illini a difficult look for opponents.

7. No More Woe For Roe: Delvon Roe is healthy for Michigan State. Roe sat out most of his senior year of high school with microfracture surgery. He then took his time to find his footing as a freshman, playing 17.9 minutes a game and averaging 5.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. Roe wasn't deemed to be 100 percent until July, which shouldn't come as a shock since returning from that surgery can take 15 to 20 months. Roe was a consensus top-10 player at one point in his high school career. He's anxious to prove that was no fluke. If he comes back as a force, the Spartans will be tough to stop in the post.

8. Holding Pattern: Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims, Michigan's high-scoring tandem, could have easily flirted with the NBA draft. But they chose to return, and once they did, it put coach John Beilein at ease. Harris can be one of the more versatile scorers in the Big Ten. Sims can be nearly as disruptive. Beilein's system continues to grow on the Wolverines, who return the core of their team and should unquestionably return to the NCAA tournament.

9. Euro Trip: After a 5-13 Big Ten season, Iowa needed something positive to happen over the summer. It did. The Hawkeyes took a trip to Italy and Greece, winning two of three games. The younger Hawkeyes needed game experience to continue to learn coach Todd Lickliter's ways. The trip allowed Anthony Tucker, who averaged 10.4 points in 14 games last season, a chance to get back in the good graces of Lickliter. Tucker was suspended for the second semester of his freshman season. He's expected to be a major contributor now that he's back. The trip also allowed Matt Gatens and Aaron Fuller, two rising sophomores, to get much-needed face time with Lickliter in a game situation.

10. Role Playing: Evan Turner arrived at the WUG tryouts as a scorer. But coach Bo Ryan didn't need the Ohio State guard for that role. So instead, he made sure Turner was a defender, a contributor and a distributor. Turner learned how to mesh with others and flourish. He'll need to do a little bit of everything for the Buckeyes, a trendy pick to make some noise atop the Big Ten.

10 Key Players

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

• Raymar Morgan, Sr., Michigan State: Morgan has a shot to go from averaging 10 points a game -- with seven single-digit performances in his final nine games of the season -- to earning conference player of the year honors. Why? He's healthy. Morgan battled mono last season in late January and early February. Prior to getting sick, Morgan put up numbers more akin to his talent level, like 22 points and 13 boards in a win at Northwestern. He spent the summer working on his ballhandling and perimeter shooting (23.8 percent on 3s last season). If he has honed those skills, and is feeling refreshed with renewed energy, the Spartans have an upgrade at the position with the same person.

• William Buford, So., Ohio State: Buford had a solid freshman season (11.3 ppg), but there is a sense among the staff that he's ready to bust out of those numbers. The Buckeyes have had their share of players leave too early under Thad Matta. That's a credit to his recruiting. But Matta sometimes doesn't get enough credit for the development of talent, simply because he hasn't had a chance to coach some of the players long enough. Buford will be one of those projects. The buzz is real for Buford to be a breakthrough performer in 2010.

• Ralph Sampson III, So., Minnesota: Gophers coach Tubby Smith said Minnesota landed Sampson over ACC and SEC schools because he could make a name for himself without the tall shadow of his father, Ralph, smothering him at the Mid-Atlantic or southern schools. There were times last season when he was still finding his way. That stretched into the summer, when Sampson III didn't play well during the Under-19 USA Basketball trials in Colorado Springs. But he has had a summer to think about how he can be effective. Scoring in the low post and blocking shots should be his forte. The natural progression from his freshman to sophomore season should benefit Sampson III. The Gophers expect to see him shine in his second season as a more effective and efficient post scorer. If he can, they may not be on the NCAA tournament bubble again. They may just be in safely.

• Laval Lucas-Perry, Jr., Michigan: Lucas-Perry was eligible upon transferring from Arizona on Dec. 20. He immediately played double-figure minutes and ended up averaging 6.5 points and shot 34.4 percent on 3s. His minutes slipped during the last three games, failing to crack double figures in a Big Ten tournament loss to Illinois or in two NCAA tournament games. But he's had a full two semesters working under John Beilein's system and now a summer to immerse himself in the intricacies of Beilein's offense. If Lucas-Perry can find his footing, the Wolverines will be even more of a threat to challenge for a top-three finish in the league.

• Keaton Nankivil, Jr., Wisconsin: Coach Bo Ryan finds a way to maximize players whom most of the country hasn't heard of either entering college or even after a few seasons. Nankivil may very well be his next project. The 6-8, 240-pound forward showed flashes of what he was capable of with a 21-point performance in a one-point loss at home to Purdue on Jan. 27. It took him until March 20, in the first round of the NCAA tournament, to find his stride once again. Nankivil scored 14 points in 23 minutes, making a highly productive 5 of 9 shots in Wisconsin's 61-59 victory over Florida State. The word out of Madison is Nankivil's confidence is soaring over the summer. If that's the case, you can expect his production to leap from a modest 4.5 points a game to double figures.

• Kevin Coble, Sr., Northwestern: Coble has steadily improved each of his first three seasons in Evanston. But now the pressure is on him to do a bit more. The Wildcats need a Big Ten Player of the Year caliber season from Coble to put them on a path toward their first NCAA tournament berth -- ever. He spent the summer working out at Tim Grover's facility on the West Side of Chicago. The knock on Coble is that his frame can't take the pounding. He's 6-8, but listed at only 210 pounds. If he did get stronger and can withstand the pushing and shoving it takes to be successful in the post, he might be able to take his 15.5 points a game and add a few more -- which could be the difference for the Wildcats.

• Chris Babb, So., Penn State: The platitudes have fallen upon Talor Battle. But he can't handle the chore of getting the Nittany Lions to the NCAA tournament alone. Penn State already has to make do without forward Jamelle Cornley. Babb was a role player last season, averaging just 2.8 points a game. But he made 22 3-pointers. He has meshed quite well with Battle on the perimeter and the two could provide a potent one-two punch on the perimeter. Losing Stanley Pringle's 3-point prowess (45.3 percent) means Ed DeChellis needs Babb to contribute.

• Jeremiah Rivers, Jr., Indiana: Rivers was a defensive specialist for Georgetown, so he wasn't counted on to score much for the Hoyas. His role might not be that much different for the Hoosiers, but he will be expected to lead, something this young squad desperately needs. Rivers, after all, had a year to get used to IU coach Tom Crean's demanding practice habits. A student of the game (his father is Celtics coach Doc Rivers), this is a player who should really flourish under Crean.

• D.J. Richardson, Fr., Illinois: The Illini have the scorers on the wing and up front with Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale. What they need most is another perimeter threat for balance. Illinois coach Bruce Weber could use the freshman to infuse some talent at that position. Richardson was highly regarded out of high school, so he's used to pressure situations. If he can defend, a staple with the Illini, then he'll be a worthy option.

• Aaron Fuller, So., Iowa: Fuller stood out for his play during the Hawkeyes' aforementioned trip abroad. But there is indeed reason for more pub. He added 10-15 pounds to his frame and the 6-6 wing has a chance to be a tougher force for the Hawkeyes. Iowa desperately needs some beef up front, especially to compete in the Big Ten.

10 Freshmen We Can't Wait To See

By Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.

• D.J. Richardson, SG, Illinois: An athletic scoring guard with the potential to take over games. Richardson has a quick first step and scores with acrobatic layups and knocks down open 3s and pull-ups. He's a great fit for the Illini's motion offense.

• Christian Watford, SF, Indiana: His size and versatility make Watford special. He is a long and athletic slasher with excellent body control. He can make open 3s with time and is a good offensive rebounder. A potential multiple position defender as well.

• Eric May, SF, Iowa: This 6-5 wing is a good perimeter scorer, excellent 3-point shooter and strong rim attacker. May has a good basketball IQ and is a skilled passer. He should be a welcomed addition to the Hawkeyes' lineup with his ability to spread the floor and hit the open man.

• Darius Morris, PG/SG, Michigan: A combination guard with great size and length, Morris is a good athlete who has improved his shooting at a rapid pace. He plays in attack mode and is a good ball handler and passer when he keeps it simple.

• Derrick Nix, C, Michigan State: Nix is a throwback post player who is a true center. He is a huge target and uses his body to get deep low-post position. He simply moves smaller centers out of the way to finish at the rim, where he powers through contact. Strength, conditioning and body maintenance are key for consistent production and improvement. Nix gives State a lane clogger to build around.

• Royce White, PF/SF, Minnesota: Head coach Tubby Smith has a strong and physical forward in White. He is an excellent rebounder, and although he is a work in progress to play the small forward position, he is a matchup problem. White can post up small forwards and step out and attack taller, less mobile power forwards.

• Alex Marcotullio, SG, Northwestern: Marcotullio is a perfect fit for the Wildcats' Princeton offense because of his crafty playmaking ability and shooting. He is a good passer and knocks down open looks on a consistent basis with range beyond the arc. He will be a defense-stretcher and a scouting report priority from day one for opposing teams.

• Tim Frazier, PG/SG, Penn State: This quick and athletic combination guard has an excellent first step. He pushes the ball and runs the lane with great pace. He gets to the rim in a blink and can finish in traffic with a high-arcing floater. His 3-ball is streaky, but Frazier's very effective from midrange.

• Sandi Marcius, C, Purdue: This Croatian import has size and athletic ability. He is a good area rebounder, an above-the-rim finisher and has comfortable shooting range to about 15 feet. Coach Matt Painter will have fun with the big post as he moves him around the lane in the Boilermakers' motion offense and will allow Marcius to patrol the paint in their pressure man defense.

• Mike Bruesewitz, PF, Wisconsin: Bruesewitz is a jack-of-all-trades and should fit in nicely in the swing offense. This young forward can handle the ball, pass and hit midrange jumpers with time and space and rebound on both ends. He is a blue-collar player who competes. He is a difficult matchup because he can post smaller forwards and attack less mobile bigs off the dribble.

10 Nonconference Games We Can't Wait To See

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

• Michigan State at North Carolina, Dec. 1 (ACC-Big Ten Challenge): The rematch of the national title game will be the third meeting in a year between the two teams. Carolina dominated both games, but for the first time in this series the Spartans will be expected to win. If Michigan State loses to a younger, inexperienced Tar Heels team, even on the road, it will diminish the Spartans' national standing at the outset of the season.

• Michigan State at Texas, Dec. 22: This game, just before Christmas, should be an even better barometer of where the Spartans stand. Texas is expected to be a top-10 team from day one this season. Playing a game like this just before a break can be as much of a mental challenge for a team like Michigan State. If the Spartans can handle a difficult game on the road in Austin, they'll be able to take on anyone in the Big Ten.

• Duke at Wisconsin, Dec. 1 (ACC-Big Ten Challenge): The Badgers are expected to be in rebuilding mode. But getting the Blue Devils in Madison, even in a made-for-TV event, is something UW must take advantage of. A win by the Badgers would increase their expectations going forward this season. It could do wonders for a possible NCAA bid.

• Minnesota vs. Butler, Nov. 26 (76 Classic): This is easily one of the best first-round games in an early-season tournament. Butler is a favorite in the Horizon this season as well as an expected regular in the Top 25. Minnesota is a trendy pick to get back to the Dance. Beating Butler in Anaheim would give the Gophers a résumé builder from November to March.

• Ohio State vs. North Carolina, Nov. 19 (Coaches vs. Cancer): The Buckeyes enter the event as the more experienced team, but don't have the same cachet as the Tar Heels. North Carolina will still be picked to go further in March with the overall talent advantage. This could be a breakout game at MSG for the Buckeyes and guard Evan Turner, who hasn't received as much national recognition yet.

• Ohio State at West Virginia, Jan. 23: The Buckeyes continue a loaded nonconference slate with a game at one of the Big East favorites. The Buckeyes could be a Big Ten title favorite with Michigan State and Purdue if they were able to get a win like this in Morgantown.

• Illinois at Clemson, Dec. 2 (ACC-Big Ten Challenge): The Illini will have their hands full with games against Gonzaga in Chicago and Vanderbilt in Assembly Hall. But how they perform in a true road game at Clemson will show a lot about where this team is headed in the Big Ten standings.

• Northwestern vs. Notre Dame, Nov. 27 (Chicago Invitational Challenge): The Wildcats were probably two games away from earning their first-ever NCAA tournament berth last season. Northwestern desperately needs some signature wins in the nonconference. Northwestern plays Butler, which could suffice, but knocking off Notre Dame on a neutral court would do wonders for the résumé.

• Purdue vs. Tennessee or Boston College, Nov. 23 (Paradise Jam): Assuming the favorites hold on the other side of the bracket and Purdue knocks off Missouri Valley favorite Northern Iowa, the Boilermakers are sure to get a Top 25 game in the championship. The Boilermakers need a quality opponent like the Vols or Eagles on a neutral court. Getting an early championship win in St. Thomas would do wonders for this team's confidence going into the Big Ten.

• Maryland at Indiana, Dec. 1 (ACC-Big Ten Challenge): It's not quite the 2002 national title game, but Tom Crean's rebuilding project in Bloomington could get a huge perception boost if he's able to knock off one of the ACC's best teams at home. The Hoosiers aren't a threat to get an NCAA bid. But winning a game like this would help Crean sell the reclamation job he's arduously performing on a daily basis.