By Jeff Svoboda- Scout.com
Yet again, it is expected to be a banner year for the Ohio State men's basketball team, but the Buckeyes aren't expected to win the Big Ten.
Ohio State, which is ranked 10th in the nation in the coaches' poll to start the year, was predicted to finish third in the Big Ten in a vote by conference media released this morning in conjunction with the league's annual basketball media day in Chicago.
Led by preseason player of the year Gary Harris, Michigan State is picked to win the conference while Michigan is listed second. The Wolverines are coming off a run to the national title game a season ago.
In individual honors, senior point guard Aaron Craft has been chosen as one of six players, thanks to a tie, to make the preseason all-conference team. The defensive wizard who has worked on his jump shot in the offseason is joined by Harris, MSU's Adreian Payne, Michigan's Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III, and Penn State's Tim Frazier.
Craft is a returning first-team All-Big Ten choice for the Buckeyes, who made the Sweet Sixteen for the fourth year in a row last year under head coach Thad Matta and also advanced to a second straight Elite Eight. Craft posted 10.0 points, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game a season ago.
Ohio State, which finished 29-8 last year, begins the season Nov. 9 vs. Morgan State and hosts Walsh in an exhibition game Sunday.
