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The result — if not the debate — will be decided today.

Ohio State freshman center Greg Oden or Wisconsin senior forward Alando Tucker likely will be named Big Ten Player of the Year. Big Ten basketball honors will be announced today.

The discussion is all about offensive production versus who affects the game more.

"I think those two are our leading candidates," Iowa coach Steve Alford said. "Greg, for all the things he was able to do for most of the season with one hand, is remarkable.

"Alando, obviously, a lot of pressure on a team that's supposed to win a lot of games, and then all they did was win a lot of games. I think he did some very special things as well."

Alford also pushed Iowa's Adam Haluska (20.8 points per game), who edged Tucker (20.1) for the league's scoring title. Tucker also averaged 5.4 rebounds per game for the Badgers (27-4, 13-3 Big Ten).

Oden averaged 15.3 points per game and led the Big Ten in rebounding (9.3), shooting percentage (61) and blocked shots (3.5), as OSU (27-3, 15-1) won the regular-season crown.

X-factor

"The things you look at are kind of the variables that help a team win basketball games," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "Both of those guys are obviously very successful.

"I really put a lot of emphasis on defense and rebounding, like most coaches do. But when it comes down to voting, if I get kind of close with that, I look in those two areas."

Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson added another candidate who led the Big Ten in assists (6.4) and steals (2.3) — Ohio State freshman point guard Mike Conley Jr.

"I'm not sure that Mike Conley's not the most valuable player in this conference," Sampson said. "I'm not sure that Alando Tucker and Oden aren't the best players in the conference.

"I think there's your argument. Who's the best player versus who is the most valuable."

OSU pep rally

Ohio State student organizations have planned a pep rally at 9 p.m. tonight at St. John Arena for the Ohio State men's and women's basketball teams.

Seniors from each team, both coaches and guest speakers Ron Stokes and Katie Smith will address the audience.

Player of the week

Indiana's Roderick Wilmont averaged 26 points and 11.5 rebounds in wins over Northwestern and Penn State. The Hoosiers claimed third place in the Big Ten.