There isn't much question Ohio State's Jared Sullinger will be named Big Ten Player of the Year. If there is any question, it's about whether Michigan State Draymond Green deserves the award instead. Michigan's Trey Burke is going to be Freshman of the Year. That is understood.
But if you were starting a team right now, and not for the future, but for the next couple weeks, and had your pick of any of the above-mentioned players, who would you take?
I'd take Burke.
It's been a long time since I've seen a player come into a conference and control games at the point the way Burke does. That not meant to dismiss the qualities of a big man. Sullinger is a terrific player. It's just you saw how Burke was better able to impose his will on the game Saturday night when the Wolverines beat Ohio State. What a great performance. Now, Green provides a little bit of both. The ball does go through him a lot. He is a brilliant leader with a certain calming aspect that transfers to his teammates. But with a game on the line, and the ball in his hands, I feel Burke would be better able to break a defense down and create a shot, if not for himself, then for one of his teammates.