The Big Ten has always been known as a tough, hard-nosed, and defensive-minded conference. Some people may consider this a boring brand of basketball, but I believe it is what makes the Big Ten the best conference in the nation. Yes, the Big East may have 10 teams that are supposed to make the NCAA Tournament, but the two brands of basketball in the Big Ten and Big East are so different. The Big East is high scoring and not know for defense. And after all, it has 16 teams in it so some teams are bound to be good. I think that the Big Ten would match up very well against the Big East. But since the Big Ten-ACC Challenge is a yearly tradition, we will never know which conference is definitely superior.
The players highlighted in this article are who I consider to be the best defensive players in the Big Ten. I decided on the players based on statistics, but not statistics alone. And while some fantasy leagues do not use blocks or steals as categories, it does not take away the value that these players add to their teams. By playing good defense, these players open up opportunities offensively for other players on their team as well as themselves. Only two of the players on the list have previously been on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, but don't be surprised to see some of these players on this year's team.
Al Nolen, Guard, Minnesota
While I realize that Nolen is currently injured and his collegiate career may be over, he still belongs on this list. Nolen broke his right foot, but hopes to be back by March with a quick rehab. Nolen is a great on-the-ball defender that leads the conference with 2.4 steals per game, although he has missed seven games on the year. On November 15, Nolen grabbed six steals in a win over Siena. His high steals per game number is not a new phenomenon in his career either. He averaged 1.9 steals during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and 2.4 in his junior and senior seasons. Since Nolen's loss, Minnesota has gone with a big lineup. This helps them offensively because they can get the ball down low more and take advantage of smaller teams. But defensively, they lose a guy that can harass the other teams point guard into turning the ball over. The Golden Gophers lose speed on the perimeter and would love it if Nolen can return healthy in March, which would give them more depth to make a run in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
Minnesota Frontcourt:
Ralph Sampson III, Center and Trevor Mbakwe, Forward
Ralph Sampson III is forming his own identity with his improving play this season. And Trevor Mbakwe has been a double-double machine. But while Minnesota may be known for having the best frontcourt in the Big Ten offensively, their big men can also play some D. Sampson averages 2.1 blocked shots, while Mbakwe averages 1.7. Sampson has blocked seven shots on two occasions this season, while Mbakwe has blocked five shots twice. Sampson averaged 1.5 blocks as a freshman and 1.6 blocks last year. Fellow Minnesota big man Colton Iverson also adds 0.8 blocks per contest. Mbakwe also adds 1.1 steals per game, an impressive stat for a post player. Having depth in the frontcourt is very beneficial to Minnesota because they can rotate these players on other teams big men. While no team can completely stop JaJuan Johnson or Jared Sullinger, Minnesota has the defensive firepower to contain them better than probably ever other Big Ten team. While getting Al Nolen back would be great for this team, they still have good individual players on defense and are not to be left for dead.
Michigan State Frontcourt:
Draymond Green, Forward and Delvon Roe, Forward
While Green and Roe do not present as much height as Minnesota's frontcourt, they may be equally as effective. Green stands a generous 6-foot-7, while Roe is 6-foot-8. This is compared to Mbakwe's 6-foot-8 and Sampson's 6-foot-11 statures. Both players average over one block and steal per game. Green averages 1.8 steals while Roe averages 1.0. And Green blocks 1.2 shots per contest, while Roe blocks 1.4. In a November 16game against South Carolina, Green had an incredible stat line. He had 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, six steals, and four blocks. This is a prime example of the great all around play that Draymond, or as I like to call him "The Dancing Bear," can give you on a gamely basis. Delvon Roe is a great athlete, and even with his bad knees, has great hops. The theatre major from Euclid, Ohio blocked five critical shots in an overtime victory over Northwestern two weeks ago. Green and Roe have both been key pieces in Michigan State's consecutive trips to the Final Four. Currently though, Michigan State is in danger of even making this years tournament. These two big men need to continue their solid defensive efforts if they are going to make it and want to make another deep run.
Dallas Lauderdale, Forward, Ohio State
Lauderdale was a part of last years All-Defensive Team in the Big Ten. He averaged 2.1 blocks a year ago and 2.0 during his sophomore year. This year he averages 1.8 since his playing time is down, due to the emergence of Jared Sullinger. But when Dallas "Fort" Lauderdale is in the game, he is there to rebound and play defense. Lauderdale is very intimidating on the court at 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds. He also resembles former Ohio State big man Greg Oden, in that he looks more like a forty-year-old man than a twenty-two year old college student. Lauderdale blocked eight shots in this years season opener, two short of completing a triple-double. He also blocked six shots against Oakland on December 23. For those who do not know, Oakland boasts 6-foot-11 senior and future NBA player Keith Benson. While Lauderdale does not provide offensive profess of Sullinger, he can guard opposing teams big men and is much more athletic than he looks. This experienced senior may not get all the attention and hype of some Buckeye players, but he will be a big part of their hopeful run to the Final Four.
JaJuan Johnson, Center, Purdue
Johnson was twice been selected as an All-Defensive Team player in the Big Ten. After only averaging one block during his freshman campaign, Johnson has averaged 2.1 blocks over the past three seasons. He has blocked a shot in all but one game this season. While Johnson is on pace to be on his third consecutive All-Defensive Team, he also is in the running to be the Player of the Year in the conference. Johnson stands 6-foot-10 and a scrawny 221 pounds. But he has incredibly long arms and is reported to have a 7-foot-2 wingspan. This will help Johnson mightily when getting looked at by NBA scouts. While he likes to step out to shoot on offense, he is not afraid to mix it up down low on defense. He built very much like Kevin Durant, but is not as good of a shooter. Therefore, I think he needs to put on a little weight to play in the post on the next level. In my opinion, Johnson means more to his team than any other player in the conference especially due to the loss of Robbie Hummel. Even without Hummel, I think Purdue can make at least a Sweet Sixteen run in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson will be a very tough matchup for any team, especially now that he can step out and shoot three pointers as well as play his usual excellent defense.
Ohio State Backcourt
David Lighty, Guard and Aaron Craft, Guard
Lighty, who is a fifth year senior, has averaged at least 1.3 steals since the end of his freshman season. He has recorded a steal in all but two games this year. When Ohio State goes their smaller lineup with Aaron Craft at the point guard, Lighty usually finds himself guarding the other teams power forward position. Lighty is only 6-foot-5 but is strong and has a football player's mentality on the court. He had a key steal in the Buckeyes one point win over Northwestern on Saturday. He seems to get that big steal every game that often leads to him getting a monster dunk on the other end of the court. Fellow backcourt player Aaron Craft averages 1.7 steals. He grabbed seven steals in a win over Iowa earlier this season. Craft is a great on the ball defender that gives Ohio State a different look when he is in the game. They have yet to have a natural point guard since Mike Conley left after his freshman year, which was four years ago when Lighty was a true freshman. Other backcourt members William Buford and Jon Diebler combine to get an average of two steals as well. Ohio State is a well-balanced team offensively and defensively, which is why they are the top ranked team in the nation and are still unbeaten. Their combination of experience and youth will make them a very tough out come NCAA Tournament time.