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College Basketball: Big 10 teams ranked by success since 2000

By Daniel

Mar 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illinois guard Rayvonte Rice (24) and head coach John Groce during the second half in the first round of the Big Ten college basketball tournament against the Indiana Hoosiers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illinois guard Rayvonte Rice (24) and head coach John Groce during the second half in the first round of the Big Ten college basketball tournament against the Indiana Hoosiers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans former player Mateen Cleaves talks with Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during practice for the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans former player Mateen Cleaves talks with Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during practice for the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Wisconsin: 109 Points

The Badgers are the most consistent team in the Big Ten. Since head coach Bo Ryan arrived in Madison in 2001 they’ve never finished lower than fourth in the conference (remember, this is an elite basketball conference). They’ve made the NCAA Tournament the most times (tied with MSU with 15 appearances in 15 years), their seven Sweet Sixteen appearances in the era are the second-most in the Big Ten, and they’ve been to the Final Four the second most times (twice).

Best Season: 2013-14 (30-8, reached the Final Four)

Top Coach of the Era: Bo Ryan (2001-Present)

Top Player of the Era: Alando Tucker (2002-2007)

2. Ohio State: 123 Points

Ohio State has been an incredibly competitive team throughout the era. The Buckeyes have won the Big Ten tied for the most times (5) and have won the Big Ten Tournament more times than anyone (4). A slew of extremely talented players have come through Columbus over the last 15 years and their success on the hardwood cannot be questioned. They’re one of the elite programs in one of the elite conferences in the nation.

Best Season: 2006-07 (35-4, Runner Up in the National Championship)

Top Coach of the Era: Thad Matta (2004-Present)

Top Player of the Era: Evan Turner (2007-2010)

1. Michigan State: 193 Points

There’s no other way to say this. The Spartans are far and away the most dominant team in the Big Ten. In one of the nation’s elite conferences over the last 15 years, they’ve been the flagship program. They’ve had no shortage of great players and they’ve reached ridiculous success in the NCAA Tournament. Their 10 Sweet Sixteens, seven Elite Eights, five Final Fours, and two National Championship appearances are all top in the conference. With Tom Izzo at the helm, and you can bet he will be for awhile, this team will continue to dominate not only the Big Ten, but the entire country for quite some time.

Best Season: 1999-2000 (32-7, National Champions)

Top Coach of the Era: Tom Izzo (1995-Present)

Top Player of the Era: Draymond Green (2008-2012)

And there you have it. No more arguing over which Big Ten basketball programs have been the best in recent years. Since 2000 (over the last 15 years of collegiate basketball) Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin have led the Big Ten as the conference’s best teams. Illinois should also get credit as the fourth best. The Spartans, Buckeyes, and Badgers also happen to be the only three teams to make it to two Final Fours for the Big Ten in the era (Maryland also made it to two Final Fours while in the ACC).

Success is measured in winning and these programs have done more of it than anyone else in the Big Ten. What will the next 15 years bring, more of the same or a changing of teams atop the conference? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

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