Big Ten coaches meet with media

At Thursday’s Big Ten Media Day, coaches weighed in on everything from preseason expectations to creative solutions for rebounding issues.

“Our team has had to deal with a lot of other hype that wasn’t necessarily positive.”
IU Coach Tom Crean about past preseason expectations

“The fact that four of our brethren are ahead of us, that’s OK. There’s a lot to play before December and early January.”
Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan about the Big Ten

“Everything they’ve so far been able to accomplish, they’ve earned and they’ve done it the hard way.”
Purdue Coach Matt Painter about IU

“As far as his team, his players, he needs to be patient, go through it one time — he’s a great coach but knows it’s difficult on the road here.”
Penn State Coach Patrick Chambers about new Nebraska Coach Tim Miles

“Winning on the road in the Big Ten might be the most daunting task in college basketball.”
Ohio State Coach Thad Matta about the Big Ten

“Just throw out some raw steaks on the court.”
Northwestern Coach Bill Carmody about improving rebound tenacity

“I would like to thank Rick (Boyages) and the Big Ten for starting us at home against Michigan State ... Thanks, Rick. Santa is going to give him some coal.”
Nebraska Coach Tim Miles about his team’s conference schedule

“There are a lot of things that he had to deal with last year, and I think he has that under control, both mental and physically.”
Minnesota Coach Tubby Smith about Trevor Mbakwe’s legal and injury woes

“I knew somebody would ask that. Why ruin a good day?”
Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo about the number of highly-ranked teams in the Big Ten

“I think the biggest obstacle is the other teams aren’t going away.”
Michigan Coach John Beilein about the new Big Ten teams emerging

“The ones that excel are oftentimes not necessarily the ones that are the most talented. They’re the ones that are the most mature.”
Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery about player development

“Coaches will take consistency over greatness any day of the week.”
Illinois Coach John Groce about guard Brandon Paul