The thick of the transfer portal has come and gone in college basketball. Wisconsin was active and ended up getting St. John’s transfer AJ Storr. The rest of the Big Ten was busy as well with additions and departures. It’s very early but here is where I see the Badgers with the other Big Ten teams.
14. Minnesota
It’s been a tough ride so far for head coach Ben Johnson. While the Gophers do return Dawson Garcia, their best offensive player Jamison Battle entered the transfer portal and has joined Ohio State. It’s likely going to be another tough year in Minneapolis.
13. Penn State
It was a dream season for the Nittany Lions. After making buzzer beater shots in their last two Big Ten games a season ago, Penn State used that momentum in the NCAA Tournament and even won a game. Their top eight players from last season have left and coach Micah Shrewsberry is now at Notre Dame. VCU transfer Ace Baldwin Jr has joined the team, but it will likely be a step back this year in State College.
12. Michigan
Michigan was the biggest losers in the transfer portal. They lost Hunter Dickinson to Kansas (I’m not sad about that at all). Jett Howard has also departed for the NBA. The Wolverines do return Dug McDaniel and Jaelin Llewellyn, but this could be a tough year for Juwan Howard in a year he needs to make the NCAA Tournament
11. Nebraska
No one could have seen the Cornhuskers play the way they did to end end the regular season. Once February came around, no one wanted to play this team. Keisei Tominaga was one of the best players in the conference in the home stretch and he returns to Lincoln. However, their best two players from last season Derrick Walker Jr and Sam Griesel are no longer there. Fred Hoiberg has gotten a long leash at Nebraska. This might be the year he has to make some noise.
10. Rutgers
Rutgers missed the NCAA Tournament a season ago and they probably should not have. They do return Paul Mulcahy and Cliff Omoruyi so they will have a veteran presence. Derrick Simpson had a fantastic freshman season and could be a player that breaks out in the league his sophomore year. The Scarlet Knights did lost Caleb McConnell and Cam Spencer who was their best defender and three point shooters respectively. I’m not sure where the offense will come from this year.
9. Iowa
Iowa continues to add offensive players when they lose offensive players. This year might be tough. The Hawkeyes lose Kris Murray, Connor McCaffery, Filip Rebraca, and Ahron Ulis. A lot will ride on Tony Perkins, Patrick McCaffery, and Payton Sandfort. They addition of Ben Krikke should give them a good body inside.
8. Indiana
Indiana has a lot of players to replace. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Race Thompson, Jalen Hood-Schafino, and Miller Kopp have all left. They do return Trey Galloway and Xavier Johnson as well as transfer studs Kel’ei Ware and Mackenzie Mgbako. Expect some growing pains early in Bloomington but I wouldn’t want to play this team when they hit their stride.
7. Northwestern
Northwestern was a lot like Wisconsin in 2021. They won a ton of close games despite inconsistent offense. I think the loss of Chase Audige hurts this team as well as the departures of Tydus Verhoeven and Robbie Beran. A lot will ride on the shoulders of Boo Buie, Ty Berry, and Matthew Nicolson. For having the number two seed in the Big Ten Tournament a season ago, I think Northwestern is likely to take a small step back this season.
6. Ohio State
Ohio State could be right there with Purdue and Michigan State. I think they have the chance to be that good. However, we just don’t know yet. The addition of Jamison Battle is huge for a young team. Bruce Thornton is primed for a great sophomore season as well. However, the Buckeyes have to replace Brice Sensabaugh, Justice Sueing, and Sean McNeil. Sixth could be too low but I’ll keep them here for now.
5. Wisconsin
Wisconsin return their entire starting five and two of their top three bench players from a season ago. Add in a good recruiting class and St. John’s transfer AJ Storr, this team could be a top three or four team in the league. Barring something crazy, the Badgers will be back in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
4. Maryland
Maryland has a good trio of Jahmir Young, Julian Reese, and Donta Scott. Add in a good recruiting class and a great home court advantage, they could contend for a Big Ten title. We will see how the loss of Don Carey and Hakim Hart will impact the team but expect the Terrapins to be a top team in the conference.
3. Illinois
I might have Illinois too high on this list, but I think Coleman Hawkins could be a first team all conference player. Add in the return of Terrance Shannon Jr and I think you have a really good team. They do lose Skyy Clark, Matthew Mayer, and RJ Melendez, but the addition of Marcus Domask will help fill the void.
2. Purdue
I think Purdue and Michigan State are 1A and 1B. You could make an argument for either one being in the top spot and I wouldn’t disagree. The return of Zach Edey is everything for the Boilermakers. Their offense and their team goes as far as Zach Edey goes. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer should have really good sophomore seasons. This is likley a top 10 team int he country headed into the season.
1. Michigan State
Michigan State has a ton of talent and ton of experience. They only lose Joey Hauser too. This is team full of upper classmen. The return of AJ Hoggard and Jaden Akins helps as well. I’ll give the early season nod to Tom Izzo but it should be a fun battle between Purdue and Michigan State in the Big Ten season.
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