2018 B1G Tournament at MSG

[Mavric]

The unknown is the potential of a two-week gap in-between getting knocked out in the Big Ten tourney and a team's first NCAA tournament game. Delaney is well aware he will be hailed a hero if the league's representatives fare well, or he will also be crucified if Big Ten teams flame out early in March.

 

"I'm OK with that," he joked.

 

"When Jim first mentioned the Big Ten [network], I wasn't sure about it," Izzo said. "But it's been phenomenal. I'm not 100 percent in favor of this, but I respect Jim, his decisions and his track record."

 

However, Delany made it clear to ESPN that the plan isn't for this to be a regular occurrence. Maybe once or twice within an eight- or 10-year period.

 

While all of the coaches that spoke to ESPN for this story were in agreement that they will likely opt for rest and practice following the Big Ten tourney, they were all concerned what type of an impact the layoff will have on their players.

 

"Most people at that time of year are banged up and are going to favor time off for their guys," Painter said. "But you also want to be sharp, and have an edge going into the tournament."

 

ESPN