Adreian Payne is staying at Michigan State, which means we know exactly who will be back on campus in 2013-14. Knowing this, it’s time for my annual way-too-early look ahead to next season’s All-Big Ten teams. See my teams in this post. Did I miss someone? Feel free to post your teams in the comment section below.

It’s official: Adreian Payne is returning to Michigan State for his senior year, stamping the Spartans as the Big Ten favorite and top national title contender next season. Payne struggled with the decision, waiting until the final day (April 28) to render a choice. He was projected by many to be a first-round draft choice. Payne will return to a roster that welcomes back all of its key components, save for departed senior big man Derrick Nix.

You can never underestimate the importance of strong guard play, and based on the names returning in 2013-14, the Big Ten will have plenty of it next season. To be honest, one could fill an All-Big Ten Team with guards alone. But the talent isn’t just at the top. It’s deep. Very deep. Check it out.

As we still await Adreian Payne’s NBA draft decision, I thought it would be fun to take another way-too-early look ahead to the 2013-14 season. This time, I’ll do it in prediction form, offering five things I’m confident about in 2013-14. See all five in this post. Have a prediction of your own? Feel free to leave it as a comment.

Trey Burke announced he was leaving Michigan after two seasons. And Tim Hardaway, Jr., followed him out the door soon thereafter after three seasons in Ann Arbor. But Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III are returning after sensational freshman seasons.

Gary Harris announced today that he was returning for his sophomore season at Michigan State. And he did it without a press conference, too. At 6-4, Harris would be a short off-guard by NBA standards and his ability to create his own shot also remains a work in progress.