This season, Insider is featuring the writing of six current NCAA basketball players who contribute their thoughts on issues facing their conferences. In this installment, our guys were tabbed for their picks for their conference's postseason honors. Much to their consternation, they were asked not to include themselves or their teams in the voting.
Big Ten (Draymond Green, Michigan State)
Player of the Year: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue He's been consistent all year long, a solid 20 and 8 guy every night. He really stepped into a big role, and his team needed him to for a full year without Robbie Hummell. I'd say him over Jared Sullinger because he does great with more around him than Johnson's got. You can't double down on Sullinger because he's got Jon Diebler, David Lighty and Will Buford out there shooting. That takes the pressure off. JaJuan Johnson doesn't have all that.
Coach of the Year: Matt Painter, Purdue
He's got them clicking right now, but they haven't had a letdown all season long. They got a win over Wisconsin and that one against Ohio State last month. What's really impressive is that he got his role players to step up, too. Ryne Smith, D.J. Byrd, even Lewis Jackson has stepped his game up more.
Conference tourney winner: Purdue
Dark horse: Either us or Minnesota Our chemistry is coming together more and we have each other's backs. A lot of guys are on the same page, even just thinking about making a pass, and I know that, say, Delvon Roe will be right there. We've learned each other's tendencies a lot better and the little things are coming together. If not us, probably Minnesota because I hear they might get Al Nolen back.
Predicted number of NCAA tournament bids for Big Ten: 5
To get the full breakdown on postseason awards for the Conference Voice bloggers, you must be an ESPN Insider.
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Conference Voices
Isaiah Thomas, Washington
Junior, G
A 2010 preseason Wooden Award candidate, Thomas made 2010 first-team All-Pac-10 and was 2010 Pac-10 tournament Most Outstanding Player. He has not been offered a position with the Knicks.
Chris Singleton, Florida State
Junior, F
The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the fifth player in league history to rank in the top five in both steals and blocks. Tremendous wingspan gives him an advantage both on the court and in My Dougie competitions.
Quincy Acy, Baylor
Junior, F
A reserve on last year's Elite Eight team, Acy turned heads with a ten-dunk performance against Texas last season. This year, "Cookie Monster" is averaging 13.0 ppg and 7.6 rpg for the Bears.
Scoop Jardine, Syracuse
Junior, G
Jardine averaged 9.1 ppg and 1.9 apg for the Orange.
Draymond Green, Michigan St.
Junior, F
Green was a quad-captain on last year's Final Four team and became the 1st MSU player ever to be named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Lindy's also named "Day Day" the Most Entertaining Player in the Big Ten.
Chandler Parsons, Florida
Senior G/F
Parsons hit two true buzzer-beaters last January, (a 75-footer to beat NC State and a spot-up 3 to knock off South Carolina). This season he's decided to take his talents to Insider.
