Conference Call | 46 familiar faces weigh in on 10 Big Ten topics on tournament eve

From the Flyin Illini to the Fab Five, Bob Knights undefeated Hoosiers to Magic and Michigan State, the Big Ten has had its fair share of shining moments this time of year.

Its just been awhile since a league member cut down the nets at the end.

With the conferences mens basketball title drought at 25 years (no, pre-Big Ten Maryland in 2002 doesnt count) and the womens slump at 26 (the Terps in 06 dont count, either), Editor JEFF DALESSIO took a stroll down Big Ten memory lane with former players, coaches and other special guests for a flashback to the past and a peek into the future.

Rick Mount Two-time consensus All-American RICK MOUNT, who averaged a Big Ten-best 32.3 points over three seasons at Purdue: Rick Mount, because I was the greatest shooter in the game.

Former Illini Jerry Colangelo checks out Deron Williams' Olympic gold medal during 2008's "A Night of Legends" alumni basketball game at the Assembly Hall.

Naismith Basketball and Illini Athletics Hall of Famer JERRY COLANGELO: John Havlicek, Ohio State.

Glenn Big Dog Robinson with some of the hardware he won as a Boilermaker.

MAURICE TAYLOR, Michigans 1995 Big Ten Rookie of the Year: Glenn Robinson of Purdue.

Hes the best player Ive ever seen with my own eyes from the Big Ten.

Andre Woolridge Former Iowa star ANDRE WOOLRIDGE, who in 1997 became the first player to lead the Big Ten in scoring and assists: So were down one point in the championship game; who am I going to trust to take the shot? Im definitely going to trust my teammate who was shooting from Steph Curry range in the mid-90s: Chris Kingsbury.

Number 2: Myself because Im clutch.

Hawkeyes aside, Im trusting Glenn Robinson.

Devin Harris 2004 Big Ten Player of the Year and former Wisconsin guard DEVIN HARRIS: My pick would be Morris Peterson from Michigan State.

Although I thoroughly dislike the Spartans, I cant deny how good Mo Pete was.

Terence Dials 2006 Big Ten Player of the Year and former Ohio State forward TERENCE DIALS: Evan Turner would be my choice.

Evan had a unique ability to get the shot he always wanted.

He had size, strength and the ability to rise above anyone.

He also had it , which is why he was so good in college and became the national player of the year.

1960 SI coverboy Jerry Lucas.

1990 Big Ten Player of the Year and former Purdue center STEVE SCHEFFLER: This is an easy question: Illinois Steve Bardo.

If you have to ask why, its because he has shown me more love by mentioning my name on television about moving picks.

I need to return the favor.

On a more serious note, I thought about Larry Bird since he played a week at Indiana in the preseason but I think thats bending the rules a bit much.

Steve Scheffler The player I select won the Big Ten medal of honor for his athletic and academic excellence, won a gold medal at the Olympics, was an NCAA national champion, was an All-American every year he was eligible to be one, two-year national college player of the year, NBA champion, two-time Final Four most outstanding player, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility, versatile player at 6-8 and 230 pounds, and set a shooting percentage record of 63 percent, averaging 26 points a game.

Jerry Lucas.

Im playing the percentages additionally, hes got a decent chance of getting his own rebound if he misses.

Steve Smith Two-time Big Ten season scoring champ STEVE SMITH of Michigan State: Thats easy in my era, myself.

37 years ago my childhood hero (Steve Alford) and my childhood team (Indiana) won their last National Championship pic.twitter.com/zCaSpGXNkj Two-time Indiana All-American STEVE ALFORD: Keith Smart, Indiana.

Dennis Hopson 1987 Big Ten Player of the Year DENNIS HOPSON, who led all of Division I in scoring as an Ohio State senior: I would go with (fellow former Buckeye) Jim Jackson.

He was a gamer with the resilience to make things happen.

Pete Lisicky PETE LISICKY, whose 332 three-pointers for Penn State from 1995-98 rank fifth all-time in Big Ten history: Besides myself, who would I pass to if I were double-teamed and just couldnt get a shot off? Quick and easy answer Lou Bullock of Michigan or Shawn Respert of Michigan State.

Both made a bunch in my face.

For the record, I would pass to (teammate) Joe Crispin too, but only if I had to.

God knows he likely would still shoot it if two guys were on him.

Brian Cardinal was Purdue basketball's "Citizen Pain." @UnityRockets https://t.co/ogRVPonlAq pic.twitter.com/5KPy0tccPx Tolonos own BRIAN CARDINAL, who started 125 games on four NCAA tournament teams at Purdue: Number 1, A.J.

Guyton.

1a, Glenn Robinson.

Iowa's star trio from left: B.J.

Armstrong, Ed Horton and Roy Marble made four straight NCAA tournaments from 1986-89 under George Raveling and Tom Davis.

1985 Illinois Mr.

Basketball and 1989 Iowa All-Big Ten forward ED HORTON: My Iowa teammate, Kevin Gamble.

HBD, Glen Rice! We're celebrating with a few baskets from the 1989 @umichbball champ's explosive Elite Eight performance vs.

Virginia.

pic.twitter.com/WSlydXiqTg 1989 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player GLEN RICE: In a championship game, the guy I want taking the game-winning shot would be Glen Rice.

Especially if he is raining jump shots like in the 1989 championship run en route to winning the University of Michigans first and only NCAA national championship, in 1989.

Rudy Tomjanovich Two-time NBA championship coach RUDY TOMJANOVICH, who still holds Michigan records for points in a game (48) and rebounds in a career (1,039), 55 years after wearing maize and blue: Glen Rice.

Such an excellent shooter.

Luke Recker 1997 Indiana Mr.

Basketball LUKE RECKER, who led the Hoosiers in scoring as a sophomore and the Iowa Hawkeyes in scoring as a junior after fleeing Bob Knight: My favorite player growing up, Jim Jackson, was a gamer.

You could choose Alford, (Calbert) Cheaney or Keith Smart he did it from IU.

Shawn Respert or Steve Smith from MSU come to mind.

A healthy Ronnie Lester at Iowa was as good as they come.

But I would go with Glen Rice from Michigan.

He averaged 25.6 points a game and he shot 60 percent from the field and 51 percent from three his senior year when they won the national championship.

Rumeal Robinson hit the free throws, but Glen Rice led them to the championship.

Willie Burton WILLIE BURTON, No.

3 on Minnesotas career scoring list: Ill take Glen Rice.

Melvin Newbern Two-time Big Ten season steals leader MELVIN NEWBERN of Minnesota: I would have to go with my Minnesota teammate, Willie Burton, who made big shots for us.

My other big-time shot maker would be Glen Rice of Michigan.

He was buckets.

Mark Hughes MARK HUGHES, co-captain of Michigans 1988-89 NCAA title team: I had the privilege of playing with Glen Rice for four years and I was able to witness his greatness.

There were some practices where he would not miss.

At 6-8, he had great elevation and a high release, which made it really hard to defend.

The stats tell some of the story of Glen but more than that, he loved the big moments.

He is my choice to take the last shot.

Illinois' Andy Kaufmann (34) drives against Iowa's Acie Earl in a 1993 game at the Assembly Hall.

1992 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and former Iowa center ACIE EARL: The Big Ten has had some shot makers Glenn Robinson, Scott Skiles, Scoonie Penn, Steve Alford.

Andy Kaufmann at Illinois, who beat me on a buzzer-beater.

But Id have to give it to Glen Rice.

He went on a heater the year they won.

Big Dog (Robinson) would be a close second.

The Orange Krush cheer on Brad Underwood before Decembers date with Tennessee.

If both teams survive the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the Illini and Vols will have a rematch in the Sweet 16.

Brian Cook 2003 Big Ten Player of the Year BRIAN COOK: Agree.

I like Brads coaching style he holds his players accountable and thats what its all about.

What a great run last year; they just got outplayed by a bigger team in UConn.

They definitely need good bigs and great guard play in the tournament, but I think he can get them back to the promised land.

Bruce Douglas was among the best in an Illini uniform when it came to frustrating opposing ballhandlers.

1984 Big Ten Co-Player of the Year BRUCE DOUGLAS, who finished his Illini career as the Big Tens all-time leader in assists and steals: I dont think Coach Underwood will lead Illinois to a national championship when all is said and done.

I believe that he has already coached his best teams with the best opportunities to win a national championship in his career at Illinois.

So, I disagree.

I think it is very difficult to develop players and teams in the one-and-done era that college basketball is now in.

I do believe that Coach Underwood will continue to produce teams that will be competitive and fun to watch.

Bill Small Former Illini captain and 1963 Big Ten champ BILL SMALL: Yes, but only if he can build and maintain a consistent balanced roster, including freshmen, holdover veterans and portal transfers.

Defense is key but a balanced offensive attack will be required.

Former Illini T.J.

Wheeler talks about his famous pass to Andy Kaufmann for a game-winner against Iowa.

(Rick Danzl/The News-Gazette).

Tolono resident T.J.

WHEELER, a guard on Lou Hensons teams from 1990-94: Yes, I truly believe he will get us one.

He has the staff and finds the players.

Flyin Illini Stories Lowell Hamilton pic.twitter.com/CEMZZN8w7D Flyin Illini big man LOWELL HAMILTON: Honestly, I dont have a strong opinion either way.

The reason for my ambivalence is the likelihood that his team will look quite different from year to year, unless he recruits a large number of McDonalds All-Americans.

Brad excels at fostering team camaraderie and a sense of family and brotherhood, which is challenging in todays college basketball landscape.

Illinois guard Makira Cook and Shauna Green during Senior Day ceremonies this month at State Farm Center.

Karisma Penn KARISMA PENN, No.

4 on Illinois career scoring list: Even though my name is all over the record books at Illinois, I had lost a sense of Illini pride given how the program had been in such a rut.

I feel a renewed sense of pride watching the team under Shaunas leadership and direction.

Jenna Smith JENNA SMITH, No.

1 on Illinois career scoring list: I always knew Illinois was great.

I bled orange and blue.

Glad people are noticing how amazing and talented these women are.

Shauna Green is putting Illinois on the map, where it always deserves to be, and to be respected.

Most importantly, be feared.

Mandy Cunningham Wilsey MANDY CUNNINGHAM WILSEY, No.

8 on Illinois career scoring list: While I have been impressed with her, her teams and the record, what she and the women have done with injuries at key positions this year has been nothing short of remarkable.

Tiffanie Guthrie TIFFANIE GUTHRIE, No.

15 on Illinois career scoring list: Amazing program leadership has propelled the team far past previous records but its a place our program should have always been.

Weve always had talent but Coach has found a way to pull everyone together.

Continue making us proud.

Cindy Stein CINDY STEIN, Illinois assist leader in 1982 and 83: Did I think this was possible? Absolutely.

The Midwest is loaded especially Illinois with outstanding womens basketball talent.

But how quickly she got it turned around is outstanding, especially with the NIL and transfer portal challenges.

Proud to be an Illini.

Krista Reinking with Theresa Grentz KRISTA REINKING, a member of Theresa Grentzs back-to-back Sweet 16 teams in 1997 and 98: When Coach Green was hired, she had a vision and plan for the Illini.

Upon meeting her, there was an excitement again.

Her #OneWay philosophy reminded me so much of what Coach Grentz brought to the teams I was a part of in the 90s success was imminent.

I couldnt be any prouder of this team and staff for what theyve accomplished as they head into the tournament.

Karen Bruns KAREN BRUNS, who played on Illinois first NCAA tournament team, in 1981-82: As a former athlete, I think you always believe it is possible; with Coach Green as the coach, it has become more of a reality.

I am very impressed that all of this has happened in three years, and extremely impressed with how this season has gone with all the injuries and so few healthy players.

Its a testament to how good everyone involved is.

Sarah Hartwell Three-time Academic All-Big Ten former guard SARAH HARTWELL: I am super impressed, but not surprised with how Coach Green and staff have transformed the womens program.

They play with so much joy and pride and I cant wait to continue to cheer them on in the NCAA tournament.

The Indiana team that beat N.C in the 1981final also had a Chicago feel.

Isiah Thomas (St.Joe) left Indiana to go to the NBA following the game (he did return to get his degree).

Some might also remember it was played the day Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton.

pic.twitter.com/oeKh2QzMrm Tommy Amaker Harvard head coach TOMMY AMAKER, Michigans coach from 2001-07: I would add one other great point guard to the question Quinn Buckner, IU, 1976 undefeated national champs.

And then I would take any one of the three.

Dan Monson DAN MONSON, Minnesotas coach from 1999-2007: I am too biased.

I know I am on this list because I coached at Minnesota but in 1976-78, my dad was an assistant at MSU for Jud Heathcote.

In 1977, I went to at least 20 Lansing Everett High School games while my dad helped recruit him.

I still brag about playing pickup games with him, and had a backstage pass for his freshman year and Elite Eight run.

I am a Magic man.

Rob Judson with Sergio McClain Former Illini player and assistant coach ROB JUDSON: I played against them both many times, in-season and out.

Earvin has the champions attitude that will lead his team to victory.

He demonstrated extreme focus when the lights were the brightest.

Michigan States Magic Johnson raises his hand after the Spartans defeat Larry Bird and Indiana State 75-64 to win the 1979 NCAA championship.

Magic displayed the competitive greatness to bring his best when his team needed it the most not just scoring, but orchestrating the offense, rebounding and defending.

And Earvin played with a schoolyard charisma that gave his teammates confidence and uplifted their performance.

Mark Coomes Former Lou Henson assistant MARK COOMES: Both are great players but I would pick Magic Johnson because of his size, leadership and his personality of playing so unselfishly and making sure everyone is included as far as getting their opportunities to score.

Scott Nagy Centennial Chargers Hall of Famer and Southern Illinois coach SCOTT NAGY, who got his start in the business as a grad assistant with the Flyin Illini: Without question, I would take Magic Johnson because of his size and the joy he played with during his career.

The Hoosiers have their man! @IndianaMBB has announced Darian DeVries as the 31st head coach in program history.

#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/UQGTxGMry0 Mark Cuban 1981 IU School of Business grad and former Dallas Mavericks owner MARK CUBAN: Coaching is important.

NIL money is more important.

The late Bob Knight and Bob Hammel IU Athletics Hall of Famer and longtime Bloomington Herald-Times columnist BOB HAMMEL: The question already has been answered.

Bob Knight came in with more than just unique coaching talent.

He had a grand plan that focused on Hoosiers intense pride in their high school talent, especially shooters.

From the start, he focused his recruiting on Indiana border-to-border and the neighboring states of Illinois and Ohio.

Calbert Cheaney recently was quoted about how in his high school days, around 1990, every Indiana kid dreamed of wearing that uniform and playing for Knight.

So, yes, it did work that way once, for pretty much 30 years, but Im not sure theres another Bob Knight out there 30 years old, six years experience as a Division I head coach, played on three straight Big Ten champions and NCAA finalists.

He was certainly the answer then but finding a duplicate in mental focus and teaching skills is the challenge.

I do believe that statewide love for and pride in basketball is still there.

The first time the "Fab Five" all started in one game, they scored all 74 of Michigan's points in a victory over Notre Dame 'The Fab Five' on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/yYWeVgUjm0 Michigan's famed Fab Five plus one, clockwise from left foreground: Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, coach Steve Fisher, Ray Jackson, Chris Webber and Jimmy King.

() Former captain DUGAN FIFE, who joined the Wolverines when the five were sophomores: Five things separated the Fab Five from everyone else: Confidence.

They believed they could beat anybody.

Competitiveness.

Every drill, scrimmage, card game was a battle they refused to lose.

Underdog mentality.

It didnt matter who told them they were great, they always played like they had something to prove.

Loyalty.

If you were on the team, they had your back.

Unselfishness.

Didnt matter who scored, they just wanted a W.

Dugan Fife, right, with former Michigan teammate Juwan Howard.

John Wooden coached UCLA to 10 national titles matching the number the Big Ten has claimed in men's basketball since the NCAA tournament debuted in 1939.

Three-time first-team All-Pac 12 Stanford guard CASEY JACOBSEN, now an analyst for Fox Sports: No program will ever be a force in the same way that UCLA was in the 60s and 70s, including the Bruins.

The goal of being a perennial Top 25 program is realistic.

Casey Jacobsen Their move to the more competitive and deeper Big Ten makes this undoubtedly harder.

Better teams, coaches, venues and longer travel means that UCLA will not be able to accumulate wins when they dont play well, which is something they did often in the old Pac-12.

Per usual, Tom Izzo's leads Michigan State Spartans go into this week's tournament as the Big Ten's best bet to make a run.

It's tournament trip No.

27 in a row for Sparty.

1974 first-team All-American and Maryland big man LEN ELMORE, a longtime former CBS analyst come NCAA tournament time: Number one: Inside-out balance.

A team cannot be over-reliant on the three-pointer.

Paint touches create better perimeter shots and pressure opposing defenses whether building and maintaining a lead or trying to close a deficit.

Number two: Depth.

Playing three or four consecutive days in a conference tournament and then in the NCAA tournament in following weekends requires solid bench contribution.

Teams with good and consistent bench production balance minutes, help keep starters reasonably fresh and allow teams to survive foul trouble among starters.

Len Elmore Number 3: Guarding the three-point line well.

Every team turns to the three and when that over-reliance is thwarted, too many teams lose their continuity and purpose, resulting in forced and poor shot selection.

Certainly, Michigan State with pace, a versatile offense and solid defense has the pieces to make a deep run this year.

Maryland is playing as well as anyone, possessing that balance of which I spoke.

The Terps can surprise someone if they get past the first weekend.

As far as Michigan and Wisconsin are concerned, they will need help in getting favorable matchups that allow each to accentuate their strengths.

Mateen Cleaves and Michigan State cut down the nets after beating Florida in in the 2000 national title game.

No Big Ten team has done it since.

Brian Butch Former BTN analyst and 2008 All-Big Ten Wisconsin forward BRIAN BUTCH: A lot of it goes into the NIL ability of these schools.

As I think about the teams that are most likely to break it, the first one that comes to mind is Michigan State.

The next is Illinois.

I think they are both set up well in NIL.

"I call him Luka-like, in terms of Luka Doncic." Trent Meacham is a big fan of @IlliniMBB star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis' game.

#B1GMBBall on @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/V7Q1Lxa5KB BTN analyst and former Illini guard TRENT MEACHAM: This year: Michigan State.

They have the talent and depth and are more capable than most think.

Next year: Purdue.

They will likely return everyone, including their injured freshman center.

If they pick up one legit wing transfer, then they are a top team Five years from now: Illinois.

We are getting as much talent as anyone but could probably use a little more stability in our roster to get to the next level.

Steve Lappas Former Villanova coach STEVE LAPPAS, wholl be on the call this tournament for CBS/TBS: I really believe this Michigan State team can get it done.

First, lets start with Mr.

March, Tom Izzo.

No one maneuvers in March better than him.

This particular team he has is loaded with depth.

Hes playing 10 guys regularly.

Up front, he has both bruising bigs as well as athletic bigs.

They crushed people on the glass in a tough, physical league.

Jase Richardson has become a star in the backcourt that is also deep.

They are the best fast-breaking team in America but can also play halfcourt if need be.

This is a team with real possibilities.

The Comeback March 26, 2005 - Illinois vs.

Arizona #Illini | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/sf4V5hUO7d.

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