Big Ten notebook: Michigan State the favorite

CHICAGO – Defending national runnerup Michigan State is the media’s pick to win the Big Ten conference in 2009-10, the league announced Thursday.

The Spartans, the defending league champions, return three starters from a team that finished 31-7 and lost to North Carolina in the national championship game.

Purdue was picked second, followed by Ohio State.

MSU junior point guard Kalin Lucas was named the preseason player of the year. Lucas, the defending Big Ten Player of Year, was one of five juniors named to the preseason all-conference team.

Joining Lucas were Michigan guard Manny Harris, Ohio State swingman Evan Turner, Penn State guard Talor Battle and Purdue forward Robbie Hummel.

Notes

Minnesota coach Tubby Smith was unable to attend the media day due to the death of his father, Guffrie. Indiana junior guard Jeremiah Rivers also did not attend after suffering a facial injury in practice.