The Big Ten Conference is one of the most competitive college basketball leagues in the country. Every year, the best teams from the Big Ten compete in the Big Ten Tournament to determine the conference champion. The 2021 tournament was won by the Illinois Fighting Illini, but who will take home the trophy in 2022?
History of the Big Ten Tournament
The Big Ten Tournament was first held in 1998 and has been held annually since then. The tournament is a single-elimination tournament with 12 teams competing for the title. The tournament is held at various venues throughout the Big Ten region, and the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The tournament has been dominated by a few teams over the years. The Michigan Wolverines have won the tournament six times, the Ohio State Buckeyes have won five times, and the Illinois Fighting Illini have won four times. The rest of the teams in the Big Ten have won the tournament once or twice.
Favorites to Win the 2022 Big Ten Tournament
The 2021 Big Ten Tournament was won by the Illinois Fighting Illini, and they are one of the favorites to win the tournament again in 2022. The Illini have a strong team, led by All-American guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Kofi Cockburn. They are one of the top teams in the country, and they are sure to be a tough out in the tournament.
The Michigan Wolverines are also expected to be one of the favorites to win the tournament in 2022. The Wolverines have been one of the top teams in the conference for years, and they have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament. Led by forwards Isaiah Livers and Brandon Johns Jr., the Wolverines will be a tough team to beat.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are also expected to be a strong contender in the tournament. The Buckeyes are led by guard Duane Washington Jr., and they have a strong team that is capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Dark Horse Candidates to Win the 2022 Big Ten Tournament
While there are a few favorites to win the tournament, there are also some dark horse candidates that could surprise everyone and win the tournament. The Purdue Boilermakers are one of those teams. The Boilermakers have a talented team, led by guard Eric Hunter Jr., and they could make a deep run in the tournament.
The Maryland Terrapins are another team that could make a surprise run in the tournament. The Terrapins have a talented team, led by guard Darryl Morsell, and they have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Wisconsin Badgers are another team that could make a surprise run in the tournament. The Badgers have a strong team, led by guard Brad Davison, and they could make a deep run in the tournament.
Conclusion
The 2022 Big Ten Tournament is sure to be an exciting tournament, and it will be interesting to see who takes home the trophy. The Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, and Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorites to win the tournament, but there are also some dark horse candidates that could surprise everyone and make a deep run in the tournament. No matter who wins the tournament, it is sure to be an exciting event.