The final game before Selection Sunday. Jim Nantz and Bill Raftery on CBS. There truly is nothing better in Champ Week than the Big Ten Championship. While the championship takes center stage, the entire tournament is the best tournament of Champ Week.

The depth of the Big Ten is always the best in the country and this year is no different. While Illinois and Wisconsin split the league title, some would argue that those aren’t even the best two teams in the league. There are plenty of teams that can win the championship this week in Indianapolis and plenty of bubble teams that are fighting to stay in the NCAA Tournament.

Favorites:

Purdue:

The Boilermakers had a really good non-conference slate and actually didn’t lose in non-conference play. Once they started getting into conference play, that’s when things went downhill. Ron Harper Jr. hit a miracle shot in Piscataway to hand the Boilermakers their first loss of the season. That wouldn’t be the last time Purdue lost on a late game shot.

Tyson Walker for Michigan State and Chucky Hepburn for Wisconsin both hit big shots to hand Purdue late season conference losses. However, there is a great reason for Purdue being favored to win the tournament. Zach Edey has been the most dominant big in the conference at times this season. Jaden Ivey’’s speed and athleticism is something Purdue hasn’t ever had on their team.

Trevion Williams one six man of the year in the Big Ten and was one of the best big man passers in college basketball this season. To add, Purdue has some really solid role players in Stefanovic and Gillis. If the Boilermakers can lock up defensively, they will win this tournament.

Iowa:

Iowa has quietly been the best team in the conference over the last month. The team is a top 10 offensive team in the country and has really turned a corner defensively as well. The Hawkeyes are led by Keegan Murray who was an arguable snub for Big Ten player of the year. Murray led the conference in scoring and was a phenomenal rebounder too.

Iowa has also been getting a ton of help from their secondary scorers, including Keegan’s brother Kris Murray. Kris is only averaging 10 points per game, but has scored in double figures in five of his last six games. That includes a 19 point performance in a win over Michigan last week. One thing is for sure: Iowa is a team to watch in Indianapolis.

Illinois:

By now, you’re probably angry that the one seed in the tournament hasn’t been mentioned. Illinois, however, is a definite favorite this week. While they are the one seed, their quarterfinal matchup is probably harder than the other favorites. Having to beat a now good Michigan team just to get to the semis is no easy task. If Illinois can get past Michigan, they certainly have the personnel to repeat as Big Ten Champions. Kofi Cockburn has been unbelievable this year in the post.

Trent Frazier has been one of the best on-ball defenders in the conference this year and Alfonso Plummer is a ridiculous shooter that has added another level to Illinois’ offense. It’s crazy to say, but Illinois’ quarterfinal game will prove to be a measuring stick for Illinois’ next week in Indianapolis and in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

Other Contenders:

Wisconsin:

That’s right. The number two seed is not a favorite in the Big Ten tournament. The co-champs of the league are too reliant on Johnny Davis, who by the way, is recovering from an ankle sprain this week. Although Davis will play, Brad Davison and Tyler Wahl are not good enough to help Davis lead the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship.

Michigan:

Yes everyone, the eight seed is a contender for the Big Ten title. Michigan was probably the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten title, but after struggling for the first half of the season, the Wolverines find themself playing to get to the quarterfinals on Thursday. However, Michigan’s final stretch of the season, although fairly inconsistent, was impressive due to how difficult it was. If this team plays to their full potential, winning four in a row isn’t out of the question.

Longshots:

Rutgers:

The Scarlet Knights have a double bye, but they are so much worse playing away from Jersey Mike’s Arena (The RAC). Rutgers is on the bubble right now so maybe the desperate team plays with some fire.

Ohio State:

Ohio State has had one of the best offenses in the country this year, but their defense can’t stop a nosebleed. The Buckeyes have a tough path having to face Purdue in the quarters with a win on Thursday.

Michigan State:

Izzo’s teams are always ready to play in March (except this year and last year).

My Bracket Picks:

First Round:

12 Northwestern < 13 Nebraska

11 Penn St > 14 Minnesota

Second Round:

8 Michigan > 9 Indiana

5 Iowa > 13 Nebraska

7 Michigan St < 10 Maryland

6 Ohio St > 11 Penn St

Quarterfinals:

1 Illinois < 8 Michigan

4 Rutgers < 5 Iowa

2 Wisconsin > 10 Maryland

3 Purdue > 6 Ohio St

Semifinals:

5 Iowa > 8 Michigan

2 Wisconsin < 3 Purdue

Championship:

3 Purdue < 5 Iowa

I really do think Iowa can win four games in four days. They have been playing so well down the stretch and we’ve seen teams in the Big Ten tournament before win four in four days. Keegan Murray will win most outstanding player of the tournament and the Hawkeyes will clinch the auto-bid out of the Big Ten.