It's going to be an entertaning, but challenging college basketball season in the Big Ten. Fortunately, we have two teams that will be in the thick of the battle for the conference championship. Michigan State is known for its defense and rebounding, but their scoring talent with Keith Appling, Branden Dawson and Gary Harris gives them a unique blend. Michigan, ranked third-their highest since the 1993-94 season, is legit. The Wolverines have more athleticism and depth than ever before. Both teams have the point guards for success; talented wings; and size to grind out games in the conference and if you can do that in the Big Ten you can do it with any team in the country. It's hard not to like the players that stock both UM and MSU from a talent and personal standpoint. In order to stay competitive in college hoops, you must possess NBA talent. Both schools do, as does Indiana and Ohio State and that's why these four teams rank in the top 15. UM's Glenn Robinson III is as talented a freshman in the conference and he is a future pro. Trey Burke is a pre-season all-american for a reason-phenominal talent and improved leader and he's a future pro. Tim Hardaway has worked dilligently in the off-season and changed his game to improve his handle and his pull-up-a future pro. And freshman Nik Stauskas can shoot as well as anyone in the conference, maybe the country, and just might be a guy scouts will keep a keen eye on. With the Lions season basically over, the Red Wings on hiatus and the Pistons headed for another lotterty pick, UM and MSU hoops have taken over the state. Enjoy it and consider yourself fortunate because there aren't many places that can boast two legitimate contender in the same area.

Shep talks about Michigan's win in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, previews Michigan State's game against Miami and talks about some of the NBA talent that is currently in the conference.

[POCAST] Big Ten Hoops Pt 1

[POCAST] Big Ten Hoops Pt 2