Through three games of the Big Ten season, it has become obvious that the conference has extreme depth. Nine of the twelve squads have league records of either 2-1 or 1-2. Only Michigan State is unbeaten at 3-0, thanks in large part to Ryan Evans’ banked three-point field goal being disallowed on Tuesday night. Nebraska and Minnesota have yet to win a league game. Nebraska frankly has not been even close to securing their first ever Big Ten basketball victory. Minnesota, on the other hand, has lost in double overtime and been defeated by a combined seven points in the other two losses. Parity also seems to be present in the Big Ten. Iowa won at Wisconsin on New Years Eve, something that was nearly unthinkable to any college basketball fan. Michigan State also won up in Madison, giving the Badgers two home losses in a row. On that same night, Penn State destroyed Purdue. Illinois has squeaked out a few close wins, including a one-point win over Northwestern in Evanston. Illinois coach Bruce Weber has often been criticized for his late game coaching, but it has yet to backfire this season. Indiana has added two more quality wins to their resume as well, defeating both Ohio State and Michigan at home. With 15 more conference games for each team, it appears as though this season will be nothing short of fantastic. The following players are what make the Big Ten the deepest conference in the entire nation. Each team in the B1G is represented in this Top 25 player list. I have rounded each of their statistics and ranked each player based on their combined points, rebounds, and assists averages. After that I did some switching in the rankings, but I will include the player’s overall statistical ranking in parentheses as well.
1. Jared Sullinger, Forward/Center, Ohio State Buckeyes (4)
16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Sullinger has missed the better part of three games this season, but when healthy he is the best player in all of college basketball. Has eight double-doubles on the season.
2. Draymond Green, Forward, Michigan State Spartans (2)
16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
The ultimate stat sheet stuffer also has eight double-doubles on the season, and even had two triple-doubles a year ago. Everything runs through Green on the Spartan team.
3. Tim Frazier, Guard, Penn State Nittany Lions (1)
17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
Frazier’s numbers could take a little bit of a dip during conference play, with increased competition. Nonetheless, he should lead the Nittany Lions in every major category.
4. John Shurna, Forward, Northwestern Wildcats (3)
19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Primarily known as a scorer, Shurna is averaging a career high in every statistical category during his senior season. Has scored in double figures in all but one game.
5. Robbie Hummel, Forward, Purdue Boilermakers (6)
16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Is the Boilermakers go-to-guy but has been shooting poorly as of late. Even when the shots aren’t falling though, Hummel still contributes with rebounds and stifling defense.
6. William Buford, Guard, Ohio State Buckeyes (5)
16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Often overlooked by Sullinger, Buford can beat you in a multitude of ways. Could become OSU’s All-Time Leading Scorer without being his own team’s leader in scoring.
7. Jordan Taylor, Guard, Wisconsin Badgers (8)
14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Many believe that Taylor has been a disappointment after being selected as a Preseason All-American. Expect Taylor to elevate his game to get the struggling Badgers on track.
8. Cody Zeller, Forward, Indiana Hoosiers (10)
15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
The best freshman in the conference has not played as well in conference play as he did earlier in the year. He is the Hoosiers only low post presence, so he should be just fine.
9. Drew Crawford, Guard/Forward, Northwestern Wildcats (7)
17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Consistency has always been Crawford’s problem. The athleticism and potential are there for him, making Shurna and Crawford one of the nation’s top scoring duos.
10. Christian Watford, Forward, Indiana Hoosiers (13)
14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Watford can score inside and outside and aside from Verdell Jones III is IU’s most experienced player. Adding Zeller has actually helped Watford contrary to popular belief.
11. Meyers Leonard, Center, Illinois Fighting Illini (14)
13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist
When Leonard gets the ball, he is virtually unstoppable. The problem is that the Fighting Illini guards do not get the nation’s most athletic center the ball enough in the post.
12. Tim Hardaway Jr., Guard, Michigan Wolverines (12)
16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Currently in a shooting slump, Hardaway Jr. has not fully transitioned to being the team’s number one option. I expect a second half of the season surge for him, just like last year.
13. Trey Burke, Guard, Michigan Wolverines (8)
14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Competing with Zeller for the conference’s Freshman of the Year. High school teammate of Sullinger, has a high basketball IQ and can contribute in every facet of the game.
14. Keith Appling, Guard, Michigan State Spartans (15)
13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
The sophomore has made a nice transition to point guard, which is not a natural position for him. He is the Spartan’s second best player behind Green and has been on fire lately.
15. Deshaun Thomas, Forward, Ohio State Buckeyes (17)
15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
The shot-happy forward is a natural scorer that shined during Sullinger’s absence. Can take over a game with his ability to shoot the three as well as drive to the bucket.
16. Matt Gatens, Guard, Iowa Hawkeyes (16)
14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
The rock solid senior has led Iowa to a surprising start to Big Ten play, defeating both Wisconsin and Minnesota on the road. Gatens is as consistent as they come.
17. Bo Spencer, Guard, Nebraska Cornhuskers (11)
15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
His numbers have tapered off since conference play started, which isn’t that surprising. Spencer previously played for LSU in the SEC, where team defense isn’t as prominent.
18. Brandon Paul, Guard, Illinois Fighting Illini (18)
12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Paul has the ability to make spectacular plays, but still makes turnovers that leave you scratching your head. The best of the Fighting Illini junior guards has a bright future.
19. Victor Oladipo, Guard, Indiana Hoosiers (20)
12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Sometimes plays out of control but also can make highlight reel dunks. Has made a huge improvement from his freshman season, leaving the sky as the limit for his potential.
20. Roy Marble, Guard, Iowa Hawkeyes (24)
11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Son of Iowa’s All-Time Leading Scorer, is starting to make a name for himself. Took advantage of Bryce Cartwright’s injury and has now taken the starting point guard job.
21. Lewis Jackson, Guard, Purdue Boilermakers (23)
10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
The senior from Decatur, IL is small in stature but plays harder than anyone on the court. Uses his quickness to get to the basket or dish out to one of the many Purdue shooters.
22. Evan Smotrycz, Forward, Michigan Wolverines (22)
11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
This Kevin Pittsnoggle-type player moved into the starting lineup at the start of the season and hasn’t looked back. Spreads the floor in Michigan’s three point heavy offense.
23. Ryan Evans, Guard/Forward, Wisconsin Badgers (19)
10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Not only has the best hairstyle in the Big Ten, but also leads the Badgers in rebounding. Needs to score more to help out Bo Ryan’s struggling Badgers offense.
24. Jared Berggren, Forward/Center, Wisconsin Badgers (24)
12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Hesitant to take the ball inside at times, despite being nearly 7 feet tall. Is more athletic than he looks and has eased the pain of losing both Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil.
25. Rodney Williams, Forward, Minnesota Golden Gophers (27)
10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
The uber-athletic Williams moved to the power forward position when Trevor Mbakwe went down, which has helped both his confidence and his statistics.
Sleeper Players:
Joseph Bertrand, Guard, Illinois Fighting Illini (71)
6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Shot a perfect 9-for-9 against Missouri in December and has new become a starter. Formerly, the redshirt sophomore received little playing time despite his athleticism.
Bryce Cartwright, Guard, Iowa Hawkeyes (54)
7 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Despite coming off the Hawkeye bench, Cartwright can make an impact because of his ability to distribute the basketball. Scored 17 points in the road win over Wisconsin.
Aaron Craft, Guard, Ohio State Buckeyes (29)
8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
If Craft shot more, he would be a fantasy stud because of his passing ability. He is not as valuable of a fantasy player as he is a real player, because of his defensive abilities.
Melsahn Basabe, Forward, Iowa Hawkeyes (42)
9 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists
Has been super inconsistent after a promising freshman season. If Basabe can regain his confidence and stay out of foul trouble, Iowa could be a surprise team in the Big Ten.
Brian Diaz, Center, Nebraska Cornhuskers (28)
11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Has missed five games due to injury, but was Nebraska’s best returning player from 2010-2011. Should be healthy soon, giving the team a post option on offense.