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    The Daily Hoosier

    Big Ten Men’s Basketball Power Rankings — Post NBA Draft Entry Decision Deadline

    Mike SchumannBy Mike SchumannAugust 3, 2020 IU Basketball 1 Comment
    Credit - IU Athletics
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    For the first time we can take a clear look at the 2020-21 Big Ten conference men’s basketball race.

    All of the key NBA Draft early entry decisions have been made, and with that we present our first power rankings for the upcoming season.

    While it wasn’t easy to pick a favorite, there is a clear hierarchy in the league.  This is how we see the Big Ten race shaking out for the 2020-21 campaign.

    THE TOP TIER

    1. ILLINOIS

    The return of Ayo Dusunmu and Kofi Cockburn, along with other key contributors and strong freshmen guards, propels Illinois to the top of our power rankings.

    Top Returning

    • Ayo Dosunmu, G, 16.6 ppg
    • Kofi Cockburn, F, 13.3 ppg
    • Trent Frazier, G, 9.1 ppg
    • Giorgi Bezhanishvili, F, 6.8 ppg
    • Da’Monte Williams, G, 2.8 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Austin Hutcherson, G, 20 ppg (via Wesleyan)
    • Jacob Grandison, G, 13.9 ppg (via Holy Cross)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Adam Miller, G, No. 33
    • Andre Curbelo, G, No. 44
    • Coleman Hawkins, F, No. 154

    Eligibility

    • Andres Feliz, G, 11 ppg
    • Kipper Nichols, F, 3.4 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Alan Griffin, 6-foot-5 guard, 8.9 ppg
    • Tevian Jones, 6-foot-7 forward, .9 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    2. WISCONSIN

    The Badgers return almost everyone from their Big Ten co-champion squad.  Greg Gard’s system makes them a reliable pick to finish near the top once again.

    Top Returning

    • Nate Reuvers, F, 13.1 ppg
    • Micah Potter, F, 10.1 ppg
    • Brad Davison, G, 9.9 ppg
    • D’Mitrik Trice, G, 9.8 ppg
    • Aleem Ford, F, 8.6 ppg
    • Tyler Wahl, F, 2.6 ppg
    • Trevor Anderson, 1.8 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Ben Carlson, F, No. 98
    • Johnny Davis, G, No. 151
    • Lorne Bowman, G, No. 181
    • Steven Crowl, C, No. 223
    • Jordan Davis, F, No. 429

    Eligibility

    • Brevin Pritzl, G, 8 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Kobe King, G, 10 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    3. IOWA

    The return of Luka Garza is huge, but Iowa has no other proven size and a Fran McCaffery team has to show that it can defend at a championship level.

    Top Returning

    • Luka Garza, F, 23.9 ppg
    • Joe Wieskamp, G, 14 ppg
    • CJ Fredrick, G, 10.2 ppg
    • Jordan Bohannon, G, 8.8 ppg
    • Joe Toussaint, G, 6.5 ppg
    • Connor McCaffery, G, 6.2 ppg
    • Jack Nunge, F, 6 ppg
    • Patrick McCaffery, F, 3 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Ahron Ulis, G, No. 173
    • Tony Perkins, G, No. 328
    • Josh Ogundele, C, No. 379

    Eligibility

    • Ryan Kreiner, F, 7.7 ppg
    • Bakari Evelyn, G, 3.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Cordell Pemsl, 2.8 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    4. MICHIGAN STATE

    The Spartans have a lot of returning talent but losing Winston and Tillman won’t be easy to overcome for Tom Izzo.

    Top Returning

    • Aaron Henry, F, 10.0 ppg (expected to return)
    • Josh Langford, G, DNP (status uncertain)
    • Joey Hauser, F, 9.7 ppg (transfer / 2018-19 stats)
    • Rocket Watts, G, 9.0 ppg
    • Gabe Brown, F, 6.8 ppg
    • Malik Hall, F, 4.6 ppg
    • Marcus Bingham, F, 3.5 ppg
    • Thomas Kithier, F, 3.1 ppg
    • Foster Loyer, G, 2.9 ppg
    • Julius Marble, F, 1.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Mady Sissoko, C, No. 40
    • AJ Hoggard, G, No. 74

    Eligibility

    • Cassius Winston, G, 18.6 ppg
    • Kyle Ahrens, G, 3.6 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • None

    NBA Draft

    • Xavier Tillman, F, 13.7 ppg

    THE NEXT FOUR

    5. MICHIGAN

    The Wolverines suffered big losses, but the return of Isaiah Livers along with other key pieces and good freshmen should help Juwan Howard in year two.

    Top Returning

    • Isaiah Livers, F, 12.9 ppg
    • Franz Wagner, G, 11.6 ppg
    • Eli Brooks, G, 10.6 ppg
    • Brandon Johns, F, 6 ppg
    • Austin Davis, C, 4.9 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Mike Smith, G, 22.8 ppg (via Columbia)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Hunter Dickinson, C, No. 42
    • Zeb Jackson, G, No. 87
    • Terrance Williams, F, No. 92
    • Jace Howard, F, No. 348

    Eligibility

    • Zavier Simpson, G, 12.9 ppg
    • Jon Teske, C, 11.6 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • David DeJulius, G, 7 ppg
    • Colin Castleton, C, 3.5 ppg
    • Cole Bajema, F, 2.9 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    6.  INDIANA

    It is a critical fourth season for head coach Archie Miller, and he should have enough talent to make a move up the standings.

    Top Returning

    • Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, 13.5 ppg
    • Al Durham, G, 9.8 ppg
    • Rob Phinisee, G, 7.3 ppg
    • Joey Brunk, F, 6.8 ppg
    • Jerome Hunter, F, 3.8 ppg
    • Armaan Franklin, G, 3.7 ppg
    • Race Thompson, F, 3.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Jordan Geronimo, F, No. 96
    • Anthony Leal, G, No. 144
    • Trey Galloway, G, No. 145
    • Khristian Lander, G, No. 27 (reclassified from 2021)

    Eligibility

    • Devonte Green, G, 10.8 ppg
    • De’Ron Davis, F, 2.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Damezi Anderson, F, 2.8 ppg
    • Justin Smith, F, 10,4 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    7. RUTGERS

    The Scarlet Knights were one of the surprise teams in 2019-20, and Steve Pikiell has most of his roster back.

    Top Returning

    • Ron Harper, G, 12.1 ppg
    • Geo Baker, G, 10.9 ppg
    • Jacob Young, G, 8.5 ppg
    • Myles Johnson, C, 7.8 ppg
    • Montez Mathis, G, 7.4 ppg
    • Caleb McConnell, G, 6.7 ppg
    • Paul Mulcahy, G, 3.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Cliff Omoruyi, F, No. 48
    • Mawot Mag, F, No. 198
    • Dean Reiber, F, No. 358
    • Oskar Palmquist, F, N/A

    Eligibility

    • Akwasi Yeboah, F, 9.8 ppg
    • Shaq Carter, C, 3.6 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Peter Kiss, G, 0 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    8. PURDUE

    We’ve learned to not doubt Matt Painter, but beyond Trevion Williams this is an uninspiring roster.

    Top Returning

    • Trevion Williams, F, 11.5 ppg
    • Eric Hunter, G, 10.6 ppg
    • Sasha Stefanovic, G. 9.1 ppg
    • Isaiah Thompson, G, 5.6 ppg
    • Aaron Wheeler, F, 3.6 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Brandon Newman (Redshirt)
    • Mason Gillis (Redshirt)
    • Jaden Ivey, G, No. 81
    • Ethan Morton, G, No. 94
    • Zach Edey, C, No. 395

    Eligibility

    • Jahaad Proctor, G, 9 ppg
    • Evan Boudreaux, F, 5.4 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Matt Haarms, C, 8.6 ppg
    • Nojel Eastern, G, 4.9 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    TRENDING DOWN

    9. MARYLAND

    It’s a long fall for Mark Turgeon after winning a share of the Big Ten title with Jalen Smith and Anthony Cowan.

    Top Returning

    • Aaron Wiggins, G, 10.4 ppg
    • Darryl Morsel, G, 8.5 ppg
    • Eric Ayala, G, 8.5 ppg
    • Donta Scott, F, 5.9 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Jairus Hamilton, F, 9.5 ppg (via Boston College)
    • Galin Smith, F, 3.1 ppg (via Alabama)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Marcus Dockery, G, No. 213
    • Aquan Smart, G, No. 376

    Eligibility

    • Anthony Cowan, G, 16.3 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Ricky Lindo, F, 1.7 ppg
    • Makhel Mitchell, F, 1.0 ppg
    • Makhi Mitchell, F, 3.0 ppg
    • Joshua Tomaic, F, 1.1 ppg
    • Serrel Smith, G, 1.5 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • Jalen Smith, F, 15.5 ppg

    10.  PENN STATE 

    Stevens and Watkins are big losses for Pat Chambers.  The Nittany Lions will compete with toughness, but they don’t have enough firepower to contend.

    Top Returning

    • Myreon Jones, G, 13.3 ppg
    • Myles Dread, G, 8.6 ppg
    • Izaiah Brockington, G, 8.1 ppg
    • Seth Lundy, F, 5.3 ppg
    • John Harrar, F, 4.3 ppg
    • Jamari Wheeler, G, 3.8 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Sam Sessoms, G, 19.4 ppg (via Binghamton)
    • Valdir Manuel, C, JUCO

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Dallion Johnson, G, No. 283
    • DJ Gordon, G, No. 353
    • Caleb Dorsey, F, No. 425

    Eligibility

    • Lamar Stevens, F, 17.6 ppg
    • Mike Watkins, F, 9.7 ppg
    • Curtis Jones, G, 6.2 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Kyle McCloskey, G, .3 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    11. OHIO STATE

    The losses outweigh the gains for Chris Holtmann as the Buckeyes might struggle to score.

    Top Returning

    • Duane Washington, G, 11.5 ppg
    • CJ Walker, G, 8.7 ppg
    • Kyle Young, F, 7.5 ppg
    • EJ Liddell, F, 6.7 ppg
    • Justin Ahrens, F, 2.9 ppg
    • Ibrahima Diallo, C, 1.3 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Seth Towns, F, 16 ppg (via Harvard)
    • Jimmy Sotos, G, 11.5 ppg (via Bucknell)
    • Abel Porter, G, 5.6 ppg (via Utah State)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Eugene Brown, G, No. 134
    • Zed Key, F, No. 142

    Eligibility

    • Andre Wesson, F, 9.2 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • D.J. Carton, G, 10.4 ppg
    • Luther Mohammed, G, 7 ppg
    • Alonzo Gaffney, F, 1.8 ppg (may play professional basketball)

    NBA Draft

    • Kaleb Wesson, F, 14 ppg

    THE BOTTOM THREE

    12. NORTHWESTERN

    Chris Collins returns a nice core but the talent just isn’t there to compete at the top of the league.

    Top Returning

    • Miller Kopp, F, 13.1 ppg
    • Boo Buie, G, 10.3 ppg
    • Ryan Young, C, 9 ppg
    • Pete Nance, F, 8.5 ppg
    • Anthony Gaines, G, 5.9 ppg
    • Robbie Beran, F, 5 ppg
    • Ryan Greer, G, 1 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • None

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Ty Berry, G, No. 141
    • Matt Nicholson, C, No. 292

    Eligibility

    • AJ Turner, F, 5.1 ppg
    • Pat Spencer, G, 10.4 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Jared Jones, F, 2.9 ppg
    • Anthony Malnati, G, .2 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

    13. MINNESOTA

    If the Gophers fall this far it might be Richard Pitino’s last run in Minnesota.

    Top Returning

    • Marcus Carr, G, 15.4 ppg
    • Gabe Kalscheur, G, 11.6 ppg
    • Isaiah Ihnen, F, 3.4 ppg
    • Tre Williams, G, 3.1 ppg
    • Jarvis Omersa, F, 1.9 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Liam Robbins, C, 14.1 ppg (Via Drake)
    • Brandon Johnson, F, 15.4 ppg (Via Western Michigan)
    • Both Gach, G, 10.7 ppg (Via Utah, immediate eligibility subject to waiver)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Jamal Mashburn, Jr., G, No. 129
    • Martice Mitchell, F, No. 150
    • David Mutaf, G (Turkey), No. 184

    Eligibility

    • Alihan Demir, F, 7.1 ppg
    • Michael Hurt, F, 1.4 ppg

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Payton Willis, G, 8.9 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • Daniel Oturu, F, 20.1 ppg

    14. NEBRASKA

    Fred Hoiberg has his work cut out form him again with substantial roster turnover in Lincoln.

    Top Returning

    • Thorir Thorbjranarson, G, 8.8 ppg
    • Yvan Ouedraogo, F, 5.7 ppg

    Transfer Portal (IN)

    • Kobe Webster, G, 17.2 ppg (via Western Illinois)
    • Trey McGowens, G, 11.5 ppg (via Pittsburgh)
    • Trevor Lakes, F, 15.7 ppg (via Indianapolis – DII)
    • Teddy Allen, G, JUCO
    • Lat Mayen, F, JUCO

    (Note:  Wisconsin transfer Kobe King backed out of his decision to attend Nebraska)

    Incoming Freshmen

    • Elijah Wood, G, No. 410
    • Eduardo Andre, C, No. 210

    Eligibility

    • Haanif Cheatham, G, 13.1 ppg
    • Matej Kavas, G, 5.3

    Transfer Portal (OUT)

    • Samari Curtis, G, 1.8 ppg
    • Cam Mack, G, 12 ppg
    • Jervay Green, G, 8.2 ppg
    • Dachon Burke, G, 12.2 ppg
    • Kevin Cross, F, 7.1 ppg

    NBA Draft

    • None

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