Chicago - Freshman standouts are common in most leagues, but the Big Ten has been flooded with rookie talent this year.
All five of the conference's top teams have had freshmen play a significant role. From Michigan's Daniel Horton to Wisconsin's Alando Tucker to Illinois' Dee Brown, and more, the Big Ten seems to have a promising future.
"The Big Ten is loaded with great freshman," said Tony Mejia, a college basketball analyst for CBSSportsline.com. "That is one of the bright spots of the conference this year."
Wisconsin (22-7) won the Big Ten regular-season title and Tucker played a big role in the Badger's success. Tucker dropped in 12.4 points per game and snagged 5.9 rebounds.
This season, Indiana's (20-12) offensive catalyst was freshman guard Bracey Wright. He led all Big Ten freshman in scoring with 16.4 points per game. MSU freshman center Paul Davis donned him the best freshman in the conference.
"He's got a tremendous shot and he can jump with the best of them," Davis said. "He's the reason Indiana started off so well. He's one of the better freshman (in the country)."
One of the conference's biggest surprises was Michigan (17-13) and just as big of a surprise was the play of Horton. He helped the Wolverines win 13 straight games at one point this season, and finish tied for third in the conference.
Horton, who averaged 15.2 points and 4.5 assists per game, both in the conference's top 10, was voted as Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
"There are so many other great freshman players in this league," Horton said. "To be honored as one of the best is special."
The Spartans' core of freshman played a big part in the team's 2002-03 season. Along with Davis, forward Erazem Lorbek and guard Maurice Ager have played quality minutes. The trio had some highlights throughout the season.
That begs the question - can freshmen who carried teams through the regular season continue to lead their team into the depths of the NCAA Tournament?
"A lot of teams needed their freshmen to start and star every game and score a lot of points," Davis said. "When it comes tournament time, it's going to be tough for freshmen both in this league and around the country. But I think those that can handle it - those are the teams that are going to do well."
Illinois senior forward Brian Cook is optimistic that Illinois can take the crown starting three rookies. Brown (12.1 ppg and 4.9 apg), forward James Augustine (5.4 rebounds) and guard Deron Williams (1.4 steals) have made significant contributions this season.
"Our freshmen have played well beyond their years," Cook said. "They don't play like freshmen. They're not freshmen anymore - they are veterans. That makes us more dangerous."
