Big Ten Preview: 2019-2020 Season

Key Returners- Cassius Winston, Josh Langford, Xavier Tillman, Gabe Brown, Aaron Henry, Marcus Bingham Jr

Key Additions-Rocket Watts, Malik Hall

Michigan State returns the most experienced team in the country and has the best player in Cassius Winston. Further, the wings are loaded with Josh Langford, Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown all bringing scoring and versatility. Also, Xavier Tillman will elevate into one of the best big men in the country. Next, Marcus Bingham Jr has the capability to be a breakout candidate and Rocket Watts should give solid contribution off the bench. Tom Izzo has a great opportunity to win his second national championship this season.

Key Returners- Anthony Cowan, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Smith, Eric Ayala, Darryl Morsell,

Key Additions- Chol Marial, Makhi Mitchell, Donta Scott, Makhel Mitchell

One of the youngest teams in the country last year returns everyone expect Bruno Fernando. Anthony Cowan will lead the way as one of the most elite point guards in the country. Also, Jalen Smith will be one of the best big men in the country and should consistently average 18 points and 10 rebounds. Further, the backcourt has so many options with Aaron Wiggins, Eric Ayala and Darryl Morsell. Next, the freshman will help add depth to the frontcourt. Maryland has possibly its best team under the Mark Turgeon will a team that can advance in the NCAA tournament.

Key Returners-Trevion Williams, Sesha Stefanovic, Matt Haarms, Eric Hunter, Nojel Eastern, Aaron Wheeler, Evan Boudreaux

Key Additions- Jahaad Proctor, Brandon Newman

Purdue will have one the of the best frontcourts with Trevion Williams and Matt Haarms. Also, they have one of the most versatile pieces with Nojel Eastern who’s a point forward and is an exceptional defender. Further, Aaron Wheeler and Eric Hunter will have to have major development to replace Carsen Edwards in the backcourt. Sasha Stefanovic could replace Ryan Cline as the sharpshooter. Next, Matt Painter can develop talent and get the most out of it except another strong season from Purdue.

Key Returners-Kaleb Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Justin Ahrens, CJ Walker, Andre Wesson

Key Additions- Alonzo Gaffney, D.J. Carton, Kyle Young, E.J. Liddell

Chris Holtman brings in a very stout recruiting class with Alonzo Gaffney, D.J. Carton and E.J. Liddell to match their returners. Kaleb Wesson will be the go-to big but needs to be in better shape to reach his full potential. Also, CJ Walker will give a very solid piece to the backcourt going with D.J. Carton and Luther Muhammad who showed major impact as a freshman. Andre Wesson and Justin Arens will be solid contributors on the wings. Ohio State will be back in the NCAA tournament for the 19-20 season.

Key Returners-Brad Davison, Aleem Ford, Nate Reuvers, D’Mitrik Trice, Brevin Pritzl, Kobe King,

Key Additions- Micha Potter, Tyler Wahl

Wisconsin has the loss of Ethan Happ to replace, but Nate Reuvers is capable of filling that void. Also, Brad Davison needs to take the next step as a more efficient shooter. Further, D’Mitrik Trice is a good scorer in the backcourt who should have an even better season than last year. There needs to be a breakout player on the wings and that could be Aleem Ford who is very capable to do so. Micah Potter could give nice frontcourt depth to match Reuvers.

Key Returners-Ayo Dosunmu, Trent Frazier, Tevian Jones, Giorgi Bezhanishvili, Kipper Nichols

Key Additions- Kofi Cockburn, Austin Hutcherson

Brad Underwood has a great opportunity for Illinois to bring them back to the NCAA tournament. Ayo Dosunmu is one of the most dynamic players in the country and should have a great season. Trent Frazier is a great compliment to Ayo Dosunmu in the backcourt. In addition, the frontcourt Kofi Cockburn and Giorgi Bazhanishville will be one of the most underrated frontcourts in the country. Illinois will be one of the most improved teams in the country.

Key Returners- Lamar Stevens, Mike Watkins, Myles Dread, Kyle McCloskey, Jamari Wheeler, Trent Buttrick

Key Additions-Curtis Jones, Izaiah Brockington

Penn State returns one of the best forwards in the country in Lamar Stevens with his ability to score at a high level. Next, Mike Watkins gives really good consistent a center and will continue to improve. Also, Myles Dread should have a big improvement in his sophomore season giving them a go-to player in the backcourt. In addition, Kyle McCloskey will be a player on the perimeter who could have major development. The backcourt needs to have good production another player who could develop is Jamari Wheeler with his defensive ability.

Key Returners- Joe Wieskcamp, Luka Garza, Jordan Bohannon, Ryan Kreiner, Michael Baer, Connor McCaffery, CJ Frederick

Key Additions- Patrick McCaffery

Fran McCaffery has a solid roster, but the question of if Jordan Bohannon missing the time is vital to their success. Next, Joe Wieskcamp is one of the best shooting guards in the country with his ability to score at a high level. Also, Luka Garza is one of the best big men in the country as he’s dominant inside and developing on the outside as well. Furthermore, Michael Baer and Ryan Kreiner will need to develop to give Iowa more production on the wings and frontcourt. In addition, the McCaffery brothers Connor and Patrick will be major contributors as well. Iowa’s ceiling will depend on the health of Jordan Bohannon.

Key Returners-Zavier Simpson, Jon Teske, Isaiah Livers, Eli Brooks, Brandon Johns, Austin Davis

Key Additions- Franz Wagner, Cole Bejema

Year one for Juwan Howard will be difficult to produce the way Michigan does with turning over the roster. In addition, Zavier Simpson’s great feel at point guard will help ease the transition of keeping the success on both ends for Michigan. Jon Teske will have a tall task to continue to develop and become a go-to big man. Also, Isaiah Livers needs to reach his potential and be a go-to on the wings. Franz Wagner will be a developmental piece who could give help in the frontcourt. Juwan Howard will set the culture at Michigan in year one.

Key Returners- De’Ron Davis, Aljami Durham, Devonte Green, Rob Phinisee, Justin Smith

Key Additions-Joey Brunk, Trayce Jackson-Davis

Archie Miller needs to deliver in year three and he will have major pressure to do so. Devonte Green and Rob Phinisee can give the backcourt very solid production with continued development. Trayce Jackson-Davis will need to be a major force in the frontcourt along with the transfer Joey Brunk. Now, the x-factor is De’Ron Davis when he’s healthy he’s one of the best bigs in the Big Ten. Aljami Durham needs to develop to give depth on the perimeter. Archie Miller needs to deliver this season for Indiana.

Key Returners- Cam Mack

Key Additions- Derrick Walker, Hannif Cheatham, Thorir Thorobjarnarson, Shamiel Stevenson, Dachon Burke, Jervay Green, Matej Kavas

Fred Hoiberg in year one has the opportunity to surprise teams in the Big Ten. The influx of transfers will begin in year one for Nebraska as the only returner who will see the floor is Cam Mack. Next, Derrick Walker will give major minutes in the frontcourt. Also, Hannif Cheatham will have the opportunity to be a very good player in on the perimeter. Shamiel Stevenson and Matej Kavas will give depth and production to the wings as well. Fred Hoiberg is setting the tone with his transfers in year one.

Key Returners- Geo Baker, Caleb McConnell, Myles Johnson, Mamadou Doucoure, Shaq Carter, Ron Harper Jr.

Key Additions- Akwashi Yeboah, Jacob Young

Rutgers has been slowly building an environment of stability under Steve Pikiell. Further, they have a go-to scorer in Geo Baker who will continue to evolve. The graduate transfer in Akwashi Yeboah will give really good help in the frontcourt. Also, Mamadou Doucoure will need to take the next step in order to lead the frontcourt. Jacob Young the transfer from Texas will give a major boost as a veteran to the backcourt. Ron Harper Jr. will continue to develop as the backcourt will be strongly led by Geo Baker. Rutgers will again compete every night and be a tough out.

Key Returners- Gabe Kalscheur, Eric Curry, Daniel Oturu, Jarvis Omersa,

Key Additions- Marcus Carr, Payton Willis, Isaiah Ihnen, Tre Williams

Richard Pitino will have a young team but has two players on the cusp of being special. Further, Gabe Kalschuer is a knockdown shooter and can score at any level. Also, Daniel Oturu is very smooth around the basket and athletic can be a force in the frontcourt. Eric Curry brings toughness and consistency in the frontcourt. In addition, the backcourt will need players to step up two transfers in Marcus Carr and Payton Willis have the ability to fill that void. Next, Isaiah Ihnen will bring another piece in the frontcourt. Minnesota is young and will need time to develop.

Northwestern under Chris Collins since making the NCAA tournament has struggled to keep that momentum. Further, Anthony Gaines and A.J. Turner return who will bring consistency to the backcourt. Also, Miller Kopp has the chance to develop into a very solid piece in the frontcourt. Pat Spencer the graduate transfer should be able to give solid minutes as the point guard. Chris Collins is building the roster back up and will have another tough season ahead.