The Big Ten is competitive. The nightly results — where any team can win —

have shown that throughout the season. But there's a real conversation to

be had about how good the conference is compared to its counterparts

across the country. Illinois is right in the thick of the overcrowded

middle of the Big Ten with a couple opportunities this week to move up and

out. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's

Inside Illini Basketball.