With so much talent graduating from the Big Ten at the end of last season, I believe that the conference has many "sleeper" players that will surprise this season. Some of these players were very highly recruited out of high school but have not lived up to the hype yet. Others have not gotten enough playing time previously or are taking more of a leadership role this season. But, I can almost guarantee increased production from each one of the players listed here this upcoming season. Some of them have more fantasy value than others, but this list is definitely worth having nearby in any fantasy draft.
Meyers Leonard, center, Illinois Fighting Illini
Leonard, like ex-teammate Jereme Richmond, had a disappointing freshman season. Unlike Richmond, Leonard is coming back to Champaign for his sophomore season. While Leonard only played eight minutes per game last season, that number should at least triple this season. Leonard will be the Illini's starting center and could be their only low post presence, which is something the Illini have lacked in the past. Leonard is not afraid to get physical and is incredibly athletic and a high-energy player for a guy his size. While his freshman year statistics consisted of 2.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.2 assists, I can assure you that Leonard will be much improved. Illinois probably has more question marks than any other team in the conference, aside from Penn State. Leonard has some maturing to do and it needs to come fast, otherwise Illinois could be getting manhandled by teams in the paint.
Deshaun Thomas, forward, Ohio State Buckeyes
When I hear the term "instant offense," Thomas' name immediately comes to my mind. Thomas averaged a very respectable 7.5 points during his freshman season. And that was in very limited action, as Thomas only played an average of 14 minutes per game. Thomas' playing time will at least double this season, so should we expect his point production to double as well? Maybe. While Thomas has the ability to score in bunches, he is also a very streaky shooter who has never seen a shot that he doesn't like. Thomas' Buckeye career started with a 24-point, eight-rebound performance against North Carolina A&T last season, while only playing 20 minutes. He also went through a four-game stretch in February where we shot 2-for-19 from the field. Thomas also averaged 3.5 rebounds last season, so he is a little more than just a one-dimensional player. While fellow sophomores Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft got more recognition last season, and deservedly so, don't be surprised when you hear Thomas' name thrown into the conversation this year.
Tim Frazier, guard, Penn State Nittany Lions
Frazier was an important part of Penn State's NCAA Tournament-bound team last season. He averaged 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists as the team's starting point guard. In the Big Ten Tournament, Frazier averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while helping the Nittany Lions advance to the tournament's championship game as the #6 seed. Frazier scored 22 points in the team's semifinal win over Michigan State, which was probably the clincher into getting them into the 68-team field. He also had 15 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in Penn State's two-point loss to Temple in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. So in a sense, Frazier is a more accomplished college basketball player than anyone else on this list. The problem for Penn State is that Frazier is the lone returning starter on a team that rarely substituted players. They also have a new coach coming in, so expectations are low in Happy Valley. At a miniature 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, Frazier is an incredibly gifted rebounder for his size. He can jump out of the gym and is most likely going to be Penn State's best player. He will need to take way more than the 4.9 shots per game that he attempted last season. And as the team's point guard, he will still be distributing assists at a high rate. Basically, Frazier is a triple-double waiting to happen, so don't let him fall too far in your league's fantasy draft.
Mike Bruesewitz, forward, Wisconsin Badgers
Bruesewitz is thought by many to be the most improved player in the Big Ten this upcoming season. While he was easily recognized by his long red hair (which he cut for charity), people may start recognizing his basketball ability. Bruesewitz averaged 4.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists during his sophomore season. His season highlight came during Wisconsin's 71-67 win over then top-ranked Ohio State. Bruesewitz scored 12 points in 22 minutes of play, including 4-for-5 shooting and two clutch three-point shots. Bruesewitz is 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, so he can play either forward position and is a pesky defender. Jordan Taylor is the only proven scorer on the Badgers, but both Bruesewitz and Josh Gasser can be expected to step up and hit shots this season. Wisconsin always finds ways to overachieve under Bo Ryan and their Swing Offense, and we should not expect anything different this season.
Rodney Williams, guard/forward, Minnesota Golden Gophers
After two seasons at Minnesota, Williams is more known for his highlight reel dunks than his consistent play. While Williams' averages of 6.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists last season were nothing to hang his head over, it is far from what was expected out of the player that scouts once considered a potential lottery pick. Williams stands 6-foot-7 and is a natural small forward. He might be the most athletic and explosive dunker in the entire Big Ten, but he has yet to find consistency in Minneapolis. Only once last season did Williams score in double figures in back-to-back games, and he only scored in double figures in four of the eighteen conference games last year. He is also only a career 25% three-point shooter, and a 51.9% free-throw shooter. Minnesota not only missed out of the NCAA Tournament last season, but they did not even qualify for the NIT either. The Golden Gophers lost their last six games, and ten out of their final eleven to end the year with a disappointing 17-14 record. Minnesota's frontcourt looks promising this season with the return of Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III, but Williams will need to add some backcourt play if Tubby Smith's team wants to get back to their winning ways.
Cody Zeller, freshman forward, Indiana Hoosiers
While I have never been a huge fan of counting on freshman for instant impact, Zeller is the exception and not the rule. Zeller decided to stay in his home state of Indiana and try to get the Hoosiers back to Final Four appearances. While it may take a few years for that to happen again, IU should be improved this season and Zeller could be a big reason why. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in Washington, Indiana and is brother to North Carolina's star big man Tyler Zeller. Zeller's eldest brother, Luke, played at Notre Dame. Zeller stands 6-foot-11, but could use some added muscle. He has the ability to score both inside and outside, a real luxury for a guy his height. The Hoosiers return basically their entire team from last season, but need a rapid improvement this season. Under Tom Crean, Indiana is only 28-66 over the past three seasons and has finished either last or second to last in Big Ten play. Zeller might be what the Hoosiers need to turn the program around.
Bo Spencer, guard, Nebraska Cornhuskers
While Spencer is a known name in the SEC, he is not quite as known in the Big Ten yet. After sitting out last season because of transfer rules, Spencer will spend his senior year in Lincoln, Nebraska after playing for the LSU Tigers for three seasons. In 2009-2010, Spencer averaged 14.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while playing 36 minutes per contest. He only shot 33.3% from the floor and 28.4% from deep, and also averaged 3.3 turnovers per contest. LSU went 11-20 that year, and Spencer's shooting numbers were much better the previous season when LSU went 27-8. Not only will Spencer be a new face to the Big Ten, but the whole Nebraska team will be as well. While Nebraska will be picked near the bottom of the Big Ten standings in preseason polls, they return a majority of their talent and could be a team "sleeper" pick in the conference. The Cornhuskers had a record of 19-13 in 2010-2011.