DanL's Pre-B1G Basketball Lottsa Stuff Thread.

[DanL53]

Ok, it has been very quiet around here. Understandably. I've been digging into the B1G, our opponents, schedule, our Hawkeyes, using all my cognitive and especially precognitive skills to try to make something of the usual mess. I feel like I could write a freagin' Media Guide. But this thread will do. I'll post several things. A little at a time. Let's start with last year's standings and key personnel losses. (I'd like some help if I miss somebody important.)

Last Years Standings and Key Losses:

Indiana 15-3: Yogi Ferrell, 1st team All-B1G point guard, you should know the details or this thread isn't for you. Max Bielfeldt, Transfer from Michigan who gave a solid 17.5 mpg and deserves more credit than he got for being a "glue guy" on the team. Nick Zeisloft, 20.1 minutes of additional 3pt shooting and another guy who, like Bielfeldt, helped win games.

It could be said much of the teams maturity is gone. (These are all just my opinions)

Time out for a second...a big key to these is that won/loss record. Good teams want guys back, bad teams might just be better off saying bye bye to problem players.

Michigan State 13-5: Valentine, 1st team All-B1G wing, best player in the league before injury. Forbes, 2nd team All-B1G. Matt Costello, a 3rd team All-B1G by coaches poll and 2nd by the AP. Davis, as a Freshman he played 18.6 mpg and was good enough to be drafted in the first round of the NBA. Bess, sub who put in 11.4 mpg but never quite fit in. I was close to not even including him but he played in 31 games.

Now, FOUR teams tied for third.

Iowa 12-6: Uthoff, 1st Team All-B1G forward. (Getting a key here as to one thing it takes to finish well in this league?) Gesell and Woodbury, our lifetime starters at point and center. Each was Honorable Mention in the AP Poll. Clemmons, McCaffery always said we just played better when he was in the game.

Maryland 12-6: Stone, a 3rd team All-B1G freshman center who hit the road for the money. Layman, Sulaimon and Carter Jr, who were all Honorable Mention in both the Coaches and AP Polls. Represented here are four of their five starters off a team that has to be considered to have disappointed compared to preseason expectations.

Purdue 12-6: Hammonds, 1st team All-B1G center. Davis, their stopper on defense an AP Honorable Mention. Gone also are Stephens and Hill who played 14.2 and 17.7 mpg. Both guards.

Wisconsin 12-6: Not a single major contributor gone. ohhhhhhh sh...forgot, not supposed to cuss on here. I hate Wisconsin...

Ohio State 11-7: Essenitally they loose their 7th through 10th guys. All freshmen last year who transferred. Grandstaff, Giddens, Harris and Mitchell.

Michigan 10-8: Almost in the boat of Wisconsin as LaVert is gone but he was hurt so much of the year anyway, otherwise only reserve big Doyle who played 12.2 mpg.

Northwestern 8-10: Trey Demps, AP Honorable Mention and good scorer for them. Olah, a 24.0 mpg center who was a banger and could score.

Penn State 7-11: Tayler an Honorable Mention in the Coaches Poll. Jack 13.8 mpg, Foster 19.0 mpg and Dickerson 18.2 mpg.

Nebraska 6-12: Shields is finally gone. 2nd team Coaches, 3rd team AP All-B1G. White III, Honorable Mention All-B1G transferred. And gutsy guard Parker 25.8 mpg, graduated.

Illinois 5-13: The one team certainly harder to figure than Iowa due to all their injuries last year. But, players actually gone this time around include Nunn who was their big time scoring guard playing 35 mpg but received no Big Ten honors. And, Lewis who was part of their point guard tandem 23 mpg.

Minnesota 2-16: Four key guys gone. King 29.9 mpg, Morris 25.6 mpg, Dorsey 18.3 mpg, Buggs 24.0 mpg. That adds up to a lot of minutes, but again, off a 2-16 team is that such a bad thing?

Rutgers 1-17: Five key guys gone. Daniels 27.2 mpg, Foreman 26.2 mpg, Grier 21.0 mpg, Lewis 21.1 mpg, Goode 14.4 mpg (See comment about Minnesota.)

That's key players gone. Next up, Key players returning. And, watch how few All-B1G guys there are coming back...and how many freshmen made a dent in the All-B1G last year at all.

 

[perryhawk]

Good info, thanks for your time and effort. Can't wait for more.

 

[DanL53]

Next. The returning Big Ten AWARD winners. As above, based on the standings from last year:

Indiana 15-3: Bryant 3rd team All-B1G Coaches, Honorable Mention AP, All-Frosh team as well. Obviously an extremely promising center who could blow up this season. Troy Williams the inconsistent forward who shows one great play then rests on the court until ready for the next one. Somehow earned 3rd team All-B1G.

Michigan State 13-5: None

Iowa 12-6: Peter Jok, 2nd team All-B1G

Maryland 12-6: Trimble, 2nd team All-B1G. Had a pretty tough year last year.

Purdue 12-6: Vince Edwards, Honorable Mention All-B1G. Nice 6'8" 225 lb forward. Swannigan, All Frosh team and Honorable Mention AP.

Wisconsin 12-6: Hayes, only returning 1st team All-B1G. Koenig, 3rd team Coaches All-B1G, Honorable Mention AP. Happ, Frosh of year, Honorable Mention Coaches and 3rd team All-B1G AP.

Ohio State 11-7: Three guys all Honorable Mention on both polls. Bates-Diop, Loving, Tate. Worthy of a note here, Loving is a senior and Bates-Diop and Tate are juniors. This will be their third year together and later we'll see that the sixth man and two other starters are retuning.

Michigan 10-8: Point guard Walton Jr, often hurt, earned 3rd team All-B1G by the Coaches and Honorable Mention by the AP. Zak Irvin was an Honorable Mention on both teams.

Northwestern 8-10: McIntosh, Honorable Mention on both squads.

Penn State 7-11: None

Nebraska 6-12: None

Illinois 5-13: Hill, 2nd team All-B1G

Minnesota 2-16: Murphy, All Frosh.

Rutgers 1-17: Sanders, Honorable Mention AP.

Now, something to think about. Last year between both the Coaches and AP polls there were a total of eighteen guys honored with at least a 3rd team spot on one poll. Of those eighteen, nine are back. Those nine:

Hayes, Wisconsin. 1st team All-B1G
Hill, Illinois. 2nd team All-B1G
Jok, Iowa. 2nd team All-B1G
Trimble, Maryland. 2nd team All-B1G
Williams, Indiana. 3rd team All-B1G
Happ, Wisconsin. 3rd team All-B1G AP, Frosh of Year, All-Defensive Team
Bryant, Indiana. 3rd team All-B!g Coaches, All Frosh team
Koenig, Wisconsin. 3rd team Coaches All-B1G
Walton Jr, Michigan. 3rd team Coaches All-B1G

Important to remember what we found about teams that finish high in the Big Ten. They have first team All-B1G ten type guys...quite often. We could argue that finishing at the top gets the votes for the players, or if the players that win the most games are actually the best. I don't know. But I see only five guys that made BOTH the Coaches and AP All-B1G teams. And I don't see many freshmen either still here or gone after one year that made the top. Stone, Happ, Bryant. Swannigan didn't get there, nor did Davis at Michigan State. I guess one has to be a dang good freshman to get votes?

Honorable mentions again:

Honorable Mention by both: Irvin, Michigan. McIntosh, Northwestern. Bates-Diop, Loving, Tate, Ohio State. Edwards, Purdue.
Honorable Mention by AP and All-Frosh Coaches, Swannigan, Purdue.
Honorable Mention by AP, Sanders, Rutgers.
All-Frosh Coaches, Murphy, Minnesota.

 

[perryhawk]

I feel like the Haas kid from Purdue is going to pick up right where Hammonds left off....in fact, I'm not sure he won't be better over the course of a game. Hammonds had immense talent that he didn't seem to use on a consistent basis. I think the ceiling is pretty high for Haas and when he is the starting center I think he could play with a level of confidence and intensity that will make him a very tough opponent.

 

[nu2u]

Are you sure Denzel Valentine is gone? I've grown a Taliban beard and developed rheumatoid arthritis waiting for him to graduate.

 

[CanadaHawk]

The biggest single loss for any particular team has got to be Yogi Ferrell. MSU lost Valentine but has a huge influx of talent coming in. Iowa lost Uthoff but Jok returns. MI lost LaVert but of course he was gone most of the season. I see IN taking a big step back as they can't replace Yogi as a scorer, facilitator, and coach on the floor to make up for Crean.

BTW, Hass might be more effective than Hammonds but you've got to wonder about his endurance.

 

[hawk-i bob]

I feel like the Haas kid from Purdue is going to pick up right where Hammonds left off....in fact, I'm not sure he won't be better over the course of a game. Hammonds had immense talent that he didn't seem to use on a consistent basis. I think the ceiling is pretty high for Haas and when he is the starting center I think he could play with a level of confidence and intensity that will make him a very tough opponent.

could be wrong...not sure if Haas can handle extended minutes. But when on the floor..certainly a handful. Run him and then run him some more.

 

[ZumaHawk]

This is fantastic info DanL. Thanks so much. Our Iowa team lost quite a bit no doubt about it but I am super excited for this team to make it happen. What a bunch of great players we have. Can't wait.

 

[DanHawkPella]

Good info.

Gut says 1) Wisconsin; 2) MSU; 3) a lot of teams vying for 10-6 here

Iowa's a bit too young to get 3rd imo - won't be able to get key stops you need in the Big 10. However, I do think freshman WHO START can make an All-Team list, and Cook will be one of those. Iowa ideally can steal a couple of reputable non-Conf games and go 9-9 in conference and get a 9 or 10 seed. Could beat that, but one wouldn't want to bet on it.

 

[DanL53]

More coming after I take my typing fingers out of ice. I agree that Haas is an excellent center. He only played 14.3 mpg though and a big part of that is panzer tanks get terrible mileage and they overheat fast. My opinion is Edwards was the forgotten guy last year of those bigs. He often played the three and was good enough but he's a four. It'll be him and Swannigan getting the lions share of the minutes and Haas will impress me if he can handle 18 mpg. Like Bob said, make him get in a horse race.

Thing about Purdue that interests me is they have only ten scholarship guys. (Pretty sure) One is the often injured transfer Spike Albrecht. Only one freshman, pg Carson Edwards who ranks out similar to Bohannon. Three guys of the ten 6' or shorter. Imagine the comments on here if this was McCaffery's situation. Still, they have three or four very good players.

 

[hawksense]

Late game players. Late game free throw shooters. Late game decision making. Late game depth. Late game defense.

We need all of these to win the close games that could go either way and decide whether you're good or a "dangerous team I wouldn't want to face".

In other words, unlucky and irrelevant.

 

[Wyominghawk]

Thanks Dan, really appreciate your contributions.

 

[DanL53]

A correction. Troy Williams of Indiana did go pro. Went undrafted, signed with Grizzlies.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Great information. Lots of changes for most teams, so predictions won't be easy. Hawks look like a middle of the pack team with the potential to be in the top 5.

 

[DenverTurtle]

Great information. Lots of changes for most teams, so predictions won't be easy. Hawks look like a middle of the pack team with the potential to be in the top 5.

I think their schedule is a lot easier than last year's and that should help this young team quite a bit. I'm optimistic, I think they have the weapons to make the NCAA's for a 4th year in a row.
They have shooters and play makers. Will they be able to play enough D and take care of the basketball (10 TO's or less per game)? If so then they'll finish top half of the B1G and be back in the tourney. If not they'll be lower middle of the pack and make another NIT run.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

I'm more worried about Indiana's big guys than Purdue's. They have Bryant, Anunoby (who is going to be amazing), and a highly regarded freshman Davis. That's a formidable threesome that will own the paint. Overall, it looks like a down year for the B1G while teams reload/recruit some talent.

 

[spbc7]

I'm more worried about Indiana's big guys than Purdue's. They have Bryant, Anunoby (who is going to be amazing), and a highly regarded freshman Davis. That's a formidable threesome that will own the paint. Overall, it looks like a down year for the B1G while teams reload/recruit some talent.

I think the B1G looks better top to bottom than it did last year

 

[ScoutRefugee]

Indiana has a lot of talent and a lot of depth. I expect them to be back in the top 3 at the end of the year.

 

[DanL53]

Should have my next thing...all other returning players, before the weekend. Then the new guys.

Indiana's bigs are impressive. The question to me is if Robert Johnson and/or Josh Newkirk can give them anything like Ferrell did at point. Question two is how does Blackmon Jr come back after injury and does he decide defense is something he is interested in. And, they don't have the easiest schedule in the league this year.

 

[wphoops]

Very much looking forward to this team. Fran when he came in had to recruit the talent he could sign. My opinion is the original recruits were not truly the type of player Fran wanted to get. Still good players just not the type he prefers. I think this team is more of that type of player. 6"5 to 6'10" athletic and can play multiple positions. Being able to switch all screens on defense because we don't have a real bad mismatch. I am very hopeful that by the end of this year we are playing Iowa basketball at a level that we can consistently expect during Fran's tenure.

 

[DanL53]

Ok. Decided to change things up a bit. Let's look at Rival's top 150 players still on, or joining, their Big Ten teams.

2011:
Illinois. Tracy Abrams: Rivals #58. Injured the last two years. PG

2013:
Michigan. Zak Irvin: Rivals #24, 5* 6'6" G, SF (Honorable Mention Coaches)
Michigan. Derrick Walton Jr: Rivals #37, 6' PG (3rd Team All B1G Coaches)
Illinois. Malcolm Hill: Rivals #62, 6'5" G/SF (2nd Team All-B1G Coaches)
Ohio State. Mark Loving: Rivals #68, 6'8" F (Honorable Mention Coaches)
Wisconsin. Bronson Koenig: Rivals #73, 6'3" Combo Guard (3rd team All-B1G Coaches)
Ohio State. Kameron Williams: Rivals #79, 6'2 SG
Michigan. Mark Donnal. Rivals #111, 4*, 6'9" PF/C
Michigan State: Gavin Schilling. Rivals #125, 6'9" PF/C

2014:
Indiana. James Blackmon: Rivals #22, 5*, 6'4" SG
Ohio State. Jaquan Lyle. Rivals #24, 5*, 6'5" Combo Guard
Ohio State. Keita Bates-Diop: Rivals #26, 4*, 6'7" SF (Honorable Mention Coaches)
Illinois. Leron Black: Rivals #38, 6'7" PF
Maryland. Romelo Trimble. Rivals #39. 6'3" Combo Guard (2nd Team All-B1G Coaches)
Indiana. Ronald Johnson. Rivals #48. 6'3" Combo Guard
Michigan State. Lourawls Nairn: Rivals #62, 5'11" PG
Purdue. Isaac Haas: Rivals #71, 7'2" C
Ohio State. JaeSean Tate: Rivals #79, 6'5" SG/WF/PF (Honorable Mention Coaches)
Michigan. D.J. Wilson: Rivals #86, 6'8" PF
Northwestern. Victor Law: Rivals #103, 4*, 6'6" SF
Maryland. Jared Nickens: Rivals #106, 3*, 6'6" SF
Wisconsin. Ethan Happ: Rivals #123, 6'9" PF/C (3rd Team All-B1G and Freshman of the year, redshirted one year, and All Defensive Team)
Purdue. Vince Edwards: Rivals #124, 6'8" SF/PF (Honorable Mention Coaches)
Purdue. Dakota Mathias: Rivals #147, 6'4" SG

2015:
Purdue. Caleb Swannigan: Rivals #19, 5*, 6'8" C/PF (All freshman team)
Indiana. Thomas Bryant: Rivals #27, 4*, 6'10" C (3rd Team All-B1G Coaches & All Freshman Team)
Illinois. Jalen Cleman-Lands: Rivals #39, 6'3" SG
Rutgers. Corey Sanders: Rivals #75, 6'1" PG
Wisconsin. Brevin Pritzl: Rivals #79, 6'3" SG
Nebraska, Glynn Watson: Rivals #82, 5'11" PG
Michigan State. Matt McQuaid: Rivals #84, 6'5" SG
Northwestern. Aaron Falzon: Rivals #92, 6'4" SG
Illinois. Aaron Jordan. Rivals #95, 6'4" SG
Nebraska. Ed Morrow: Rivals #105, 4*, 6'7" PF
Indiana. Juwan Morgan: Rivals #109, 3*, 6'7" PF
Minnesota. Jordan Murphy. Rivals #113, 6'7" PF (All freshman team)
Illinois. D.J. Williams. Rivals #118, 6'7" SF
Penn State. Mike Watkins: Rivals #126, 6'9" PF/C
Minnesota. Dupree McBrayer: Rivals #135, 6'4" SG
Purdue. Ryan Cline: Rivals #141, 6'4" SG
Penn State. Josh Reeves: Rivals #143, 6'4" Combo Guard
Wisconsin. Alex Illikainen: Rivals #146, 6'9" PF/C

2016:
Michigan State. Miles Bridges: Rivals #10, 5*, 6'6" SF
Michigan State. Joshua Langford: Rivals #20, 5*, 6"6" SG
Michigan State. Cassius Winston: Rivals #29, 4*, 6'0", PG
Indiana. DeRon Davis: Rivals #35, 6'10" PF/C
Michigan State. Nick Ward: Rivals #41, 6'9" PF/C
Maryland: Anthony Cowan: Rivals #45, 5'10" PG
Penn State. Tony Carr: Rivals #46, 6'5", Combo Guard
Minnesota. Amir Coffey: Rivals #52, 6'6", SG/SF
Maryland. Kevin Huerter: Rivals #59, 6'5" Combo Guard
Michigan. Xavier Simpson: Rivals #65, 5'11" PG
Indiana. Curtis Jones: Rivals #69, 6'4", Combo Guard
Iowa. Tyler Cook: Rivals #74, 6'8" PF
Ohio State. Derek Funderburk: Rivals #77, 6'9" C
Purdue. Carson Edwards: Rivals #91, 5'11" PG
Penn State. Lamer Stevens: Rivals #96, 6'6", SF
Northwestern: Rapolas Ivanauskas: Rivals #97, 6'8", PF
Maryland, Micah Thomas: Rivals #100 6'7", SF
Michigan. John Teske: Rivals #108, 4*, 6'10", C
Nebraska. Isaiah Roby: Rivals #113, 4*, 6'8" SF
Northwestern. Barret Benson: Rivals #118, 4*, 6'9", C
Nebraska. Jeriah Horne: Rivals #122, 6'6", SF
Minnesota. Eric Curry: Rivals #142, 6'8", PF
Illinois. Te'Jon Lucas: Rivals #148, 5'11", PG
Nebraska. Jordy Tshimanga: Rivals #150, 6'11", C

2013 Not ranked:
Wisconsin. Nigel Hayes: Only returning 1st Team All-B!G
Iowa Peter Jok: 2nd Team All-B1G

 

[DanL53]

Next. We' finally get to the full teams. In the last look I provided 66 names off of 14 Big Ten teams that came into the league with a Rivals ranking of 150 or better, and included accolades from the Coaches Poll of All-B1G teams. Two guys, Nigel Hayes, and Peter Jok, made that list despite having a lower recruit ranking. Obviously there are still plenty of guys to look at including 3*'s and transfers. I'm going to start popping some opinions in so make of them what you want. We'll go alphabetical this time around and hit a team per post.

Illinois (* Projected Starters):
*Tracy Abrams: PG, 6'2", 185, back after two years of injury. His last full year stats: 28.7 mpg, 10.6 ppg, 3.4/2.6 a/t, .394, .748, .272 (That's fg's, ft's, 3pt%) SENIOR
Jaylon Tate: PG, 6'3" 170, 18.1 mpg, 1.9 ppg, 2.6/.8, .367, .630, .182 (SENIOR)
Te'Jon Lucas: PG, 6', 160, Ranked 148 by Rivals. FROSH
*Malcolm HIll: SG/SF, 6'6" 220, Returning 2nd Team All-B1G, 35.1 mpg, 18.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, .436, .821, .314 (SENIOR)
*Jalen Coleman-Lands: SG, 6'3" 180, 26.1 mpg, 10.3 ppg, .412, .750, .422 ( SOPHOMORE)
Aaron Jordan: SG/SF, 6'5", 190, 11.8 mpg, 3.4 ppg, .326, .826, .344 (SOPHOMORE)
D.J. Williams: SG/SF, 6'7", 200, 11.0 mpg, 2.1 ppg, .400, .579, .167 (SOPHOMORE)
Kipper Nichols: SF, 6'6", 220, REDSHIRT FROSH
Leron Black: PF, 6'7" 220, 12.9 mpg, 3.0 ppg, 3.9 rpb, .417, .500 (RS SOPH, only played 8 games last year.)
*Michael Finke: PF, 6'10", 230, 20.3 mpg, 7.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, .435, .651, .367 (RS SOPH)
Maverick Morgan: C, 6'10" 245, 21.1 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, .564, .739 (SENIOR)
*Mike Thorne Jr.: C, 6'11" 270, 21.4 mpg, 12.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, .473, .600 (RS SENIOR played in only 8 games last year.)

Haven't heard anything bad about the recoveries of Thorne and Black. Coleman-Lands just broke his hand and is out eight weeks, should put him back by the exhibition games, at least one. This team finished 5-13 in the Big Ten last year. They finished dead last in the Big Ten in rebounding and need Thorne to have a banner year on the boards.

 

[Vbeachawk]

When is Iowa's basketball media day? Tx.

 

[DanL53]

When is Iowa's basketball media day? Tx.

Don't know. Usually about Mid-October.

 

[spbc7]

On paper, Illinois looks better than Iowa. Let's hope Groce ruins that.

 

[Ronman]

On paper, Illinois looks better than Iowa. Let's hope Groce ruins that.

Yes, it seems they always do, and yes, it seems he always does.

 

[CanadaHawk]

On paper, Illinois looks better than Iowa. Let's hope Groce ruins that.

"On paper", Illinois almost always looks better than they actually are.

 

[DanL53]

Indiana (* Projected Starters)
Josh Newkirk: PG, 6'1", 185, a transfer from Pitt where he was dealing with a knee injury. His Dad says he is no drop off from Yogi. (JUNIOR)
*Robert Johnson: Combo Guard, 6'3", 195, 24.9 mpg, 8.1 ppg, .449, .639, .447 (JUNIOR)
Curtis Jones (Cujo): Combo Guard, 6'4", 175, Rivals #69, (Frosh)
*James Blackmon Jr: SG, 6'4", 195, 24.5 mpg, 15.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, .480, .852, .463, (Injured knee, played in 13 games) Rivals 5* (JUNIOR)
DeVonte Green: SG, 6'3", 175, (FROSH)
Grant Gelon: SG/SF, 6'6", 180, (FROSH)
Colin Hartman: SF, 6'7" 213, 21.9 mpg, 5.0 ppg, .451, .842, .358 (SENIOR)
Freddie McSwain: SF, 6'6", 220, Juco Transfer, former 3*, (JUNIOR)
*O.G. Anunoby: SF/PF, 6'8", 215, 13.7 mpg, 4.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, .569, .476, .448 (SOPH)
Tim Priller (forget it, I'm only doing guys I think could play)
*Thomas Bryant: C/PF, 6'10, 245, 22.6 mpg, 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, .683, .706., .333 (5-15), (SOPH) Earned 3rd Team All-B1G Coaches
Juwan Morgan: PF, 6'7", 205, 9.1 mpg, 2.4 ppg, .512, .800, .455 (Played 30 games battling shoulder issues) (SOPH)
DeRon Davis: PF/C, 6'10", 240, (FROSH) Rivals #35. Has potential to be a bookend with Bryant.

Blackmon Jr. is supposed to be healed up. Question is will he play defense. And, watch to see if he doesn't follow half his shots to the basket, way out of position. I only projected four starters as Crean is unexplainable. This was a super solid team last year that finished 15-3, but they also had the leagues easiest,, maybe 2nd easiest, schedule. I don't like the maturity level of this bunch but I love Bryant as a leader and suspect he'll have a great year.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Indiana (* Projected Starters)
Josh Newkirk: PG, 6'1", 185, a transfer from Pitt where he was dealing with a knee injury. His Dad says he is no drop off from Yogi. (JUNIOR)
*Robert Johnson: Combo Guard, 6'3", 195, 24.9 mpg, 8.1 ppg, .449, .639, .447 (JUNIOR)
Curtis Jones (Cujo): Combo Guard, 6'4", 175, Rivals #69, (Frosh)
*James Blackmon Jr: SG, 6'4", 195, 24.5 mpg, 15.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, .480, .852, .463, (Injured knee, played in 13 games) Rivals 5* (JUNIOR)
DeVonte Green: SG, 6'3", 175, (FROSH)
Grant Gelon: SG/SF, 6'6", 180, (FROSH)
Colin Hartman: SF, 6'7" 213, 21.9 mpg, 5.0 ppg, .451, .842, .358 (SENIOR)
Freddie McSwain: SF, 6'6", 220, Juco Transfer, former 3*, (JUNIOR)
*O.G. Anunoby: SF/PF, 6'8", 215, 13.7 mpg, 4.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, .569, .476, .448 (SOPH)
Tim Priller (forget it, I'm only doing guys I think could play)
*Thomas Bryant: C/PF, 6'10, 245, 22.6 mpg, 11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, .683, .706., .333 (5-15), (SOPH) Earned 3rd Team All-B1G Coaches
Juwan Morgan: PF, 6'7", 205, 9.1 mpg, 2.4 ppg, .512, .800, .455 (Played 30 games battling shoulder issues) (SOPH)
DeRon Davis: PF/C, 6'10", 240, (FROSH) Rivals #35. Has potential to be a bookend with Bryant.

Blackmon Jr. is supposed to be healed up. Question is will he play defense. And, watch to see if he doesn't follow half his shots to the basket, way out of position. I only projected four starters as Crean is unexplainable. This was a super solid team last year that finished 15-3, but they also had the leagues easiest,, maybe 2nd easiest, schedule. I don't like the maturity level of this bunch but I love Bryant as a leader and suspect he'll have a great year.

Thanks for the information. Should be an interesting year in the league. Fran will have his work cut out for him, in terms of competing based on pure talent. Wisconsin would have to be the prohibitive favorite, with OSU and MSU next (maybe Michigan). Rest of the teams up for grabs. Some questions I have:

Is Northwestern ready to seriously compete for a NCAA berth? Perhaps.
Penn State has recruited far above their historic levels. Does that translate into more wins?
Pressure is on Richard Pitino at Minny. Can they put off-court issues behind them?
Can Groce coach at Illinois?

 

[spbc7]

Wisconsin would have to be the prohibitive favorite, with OSU and MSU next (maybe Michigan). Rest of the teams up for grabs.

???
The consensus seems to be Wisconsin, MSU, Indiana, and Purdue as the top 4

 

[nagemj02]

I can give some info. and corrections regarding Purdue. A.J.'s last name is spelled Hammons, not Hammonds. There is no D in Hammons (literally, not metaphorically). I'm not sure why everyone (not just Iowa fans) that posted on college hoops boards the past four years (sometimes even Purdue fans) always wrote/write "Hammonds". It's one of those things that cannot be explained. Wing Rapheal (pronounced ray-fell) Davis and PG Johnny Hill are the other two significant losses for Purdue.

Kendall Stephens' transfer (son of '80's Purdue PG Everette, but not nearly the same caliber of competitor) won't be a significant loss: he was not a good passer or defender (NEVER stopped any fast-break points when he'd get the ball stolen from him). The best defensive contribution he ever made was when he accidentally bumped into Aaron White a couple of seasons ago in Mackey and White had to miss the rest of the game. He was really just a 3PT chucker and that's about it.

Freshman guard Carsen Edwards will be an immediate-impact player for Purdue. He is definitely underrated. I don't think Michigan grad transfer Spike Albrecht will be able to return to his old form after having hip surgery last year, but I will be happy if I'm wrong about that. I think he will be a role player, at best (if healthy enough). Also, someone that has been forgotten about for Purdue, junior wing/forward Basil Smotherman, returns from a redshirt season (sat out to work on his game). After C. Edwards, Smotherman is the most athletic player on the team, followed by the unrelated Vince Edwards. C. Edwards has been doing things like dunking over Isaac Haas in scrimmages and he is very quick with the ball, as well as a good shooter with a quick release. Besides lack of experience, the only thing that might hinder him as a freshman versus top competition is his height/length (about 6' even).

Dan, I agree with you that Purdue should have tried to add a couple more players this offseason so that they wouldn't only have 10 true scholarship players. Painter and staff decided not to pursue anyone else in the transfer or HS market after bringing Albrecht aboard because they were/are banking the remaining spots for what they believed would be their great 2017 class (they've already missed on their top two targets and on about seven or eight other targets as well). They have not yet gotten a single 2017 commitment. So now, two walk-ons are essentially getting the 11th and 12th scholarships for 2016-2017. The Boilers should be pretty good this season, but they might have been even better had more players (traditional, JC, or grad transfer) been pursued and brought in by the staff this offseason.

 

[Ronman]

I'm not sure why everyone (not just Iowa fans) that posted on college hoops boards the past four years (sometimes even Purdue fans) always wrote/write "Hammonds". It's one of those things that cannot be explained.

Heck, there were some Iowa fans that spent the last four years spelling Gesell's name wrong.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Yeah you wouldn't had thought it would have taken 4 years to get Gessells name right

 

[DanL53]

Maryland (* Projected Starters, and I presume we don't need me listing Iowa.)
Jaylon Brantley: PG 5'11", 170, Former 3* Juco transfer (JUNIOR)
Anthony Cowan: PG, 6', 170, Rivals #45 (FROSH)
*Melo Trimble: Combo Guard, 6'3", 185, 32.8 mpg, 14.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.9/2.6, .410, .868, .315, Coaches All-B1G 2nd team. (JUNIOR)
*Dion Wiley: 6'4", 210, SG, Frosh#'s: 13.5 mpg, 4.1 ppg, .381, .639, ..329 (Redshirt due to torn meniscus, word is doing well.) (SOPH)
Kevin Huerter: 6'7", 190, SG/SF, Rivals #59, (FROSH)
Jared Nickens: SF, 6'7", 205, 19.5 mpg, 5.4 ppg, .367,.800, .347, (JUNIOR)
*Micah Thomas: SF, 6'7", 195, Rivals #100, (FROSH)
*Justin Jackson: SF/PF, 6'7", 225, (FROSH)
L.G. Gill: PF, 6'8" 230, Grad transfer, 30 mpg, 10.1 pgg, 6.5 rpg, 43.9 fg% for Duquesne, (SENIOR)
Ivan Bender, PF, 6'9", 235, saw little time on court, (RS SOPH)
Joshua Tomaic: PF, 6'9", 220, (FROSH)
*Damonte Dodd:, C, 6'11", 250, 15.6 mpg, 2.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 6.31, .667 (SENIOR)
Michal Chekovsky, C, 8.6 mpg, 2.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, .558, 514 (JUNIOR)

Lost four starters and returning Trimble had a terrible year, imo. In his case that's good news as if I'm right he should be the best point guard in the B1G. Two subs moving up that were caught playing behind guys much like many of Iowa's youth. I expect good years from them. And, at forward are two very athletic freshmen that I'm predicting will start. Good news/bad news, anytime that happens. Of note, Justin Jackson missed Rivals Top 150 but by Scout I believe he was #36. 12-6 was a disappointment, or should have been, some predictions had them as high as #3 in the nation last year. Look for Cowan, Huerter, Nickens, Gill and Chekovsky to see minutes and challenge for time.

 

[DanL53]

Michigan (* by now makes sense...projected starters):
*Derrick Walton Jr: PG, 6'1", 190, 33.6 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.5/2.0, .377, .813, .387 Coaches 3rd team All-B1G, (SENIOR)
Xavier Simpson: PG, 6', 180, Rivals #65 (FROSH)
*Muhammed-Ali Abdur-Rahkman: Combo Guard, 6'4" 190, 27.8 mpg, 8.6 ppg, .435, .706, .365 (JUNIOR)
Ibi Watson: SG, 6'5", 185 (FROSH)
*Zak Irvin: SG/SF, 6'6" 215, 32.9 mpg, .11.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1/1.9, .407, .658, .298, (SENIOR)
*Duncan Robinson: SF/PF 6'8" 215, 28.9 mpg, 11.2, ppg, .3.5 rpg, .457, .886, .450, (JUNIOR)
*Mark Donnal: PF/C, 6'9", 240, 19.4 mpg, 7.8 ppg, .3.7 rpg, .575, .712, .303 (JUNIOR)
D.J. Wilson: PF/C, 6'10" 240, (RS SOPH) Played sparingly
Moritz Wagner: PF/C, 6'10" 234, (SOPH) Played sparingly
Austin Davis: PF/C, 6'10" 240, (FROSH)
John Teske: C, 7', 245, Rivals #108 (FROSH)

Aubrey Dawkins transferred (missed that earlier). Basically the starters are back. LeVert was too hurt to matter much. I don't know, they weren't that young last year and managed 10-8. But I notice they only won two games against teams that finished higher than them in the B1G. Something was off. And I notice they were 109th in Kenpom's Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. I don't see them curing that up.

 

[DanL53]

Michigan State:
Lourawls Nairn Jr: PG, 5'10" 170, 18.7 mpg, 2.8 ppg, 3.3/.9, .379, .435, .188 (JUNIOR)
*Cassius Winston: PG, 6', 185, Rivals #29, (FROSH)
*Eron Harris: SG, 6'3" 175, 20.9 mpg, 9.3 ppg, .434, .798, .439 (SENIOR)
Matt McQuaid: SG, 6'4", 200, 15.8 mpg, 3.5 ppg, .389, .727, .409, (SOPH)
*Josh Langford: SG, 6'5", 210, Rivals #20, 5*, (FROSH)
Alvin Ellis III: SF, 6'4", 205, 7.6 mpg, 2.6 ppg, .424, .708, .400, (SENIOR)
Kyle Ahrens: SF, 6'5", 205, Played sparingly (SOPH)
*Miles Bridges: SF, 6'7", 230, Rivals #10, 5*, (FROSH)
Kenny Goins: PF, 6'6", 215, 10.2 mpg, 2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, .690, .571 (RS SOPH former walk-on)
Ben Carter: PF/C, 6'9", 225, Grad Transfer from UNLV where he avg'd 8.0 ppg and 6.5 rpg. (SENIOR)
Gavin Schilling: PF/C, 6'9", 240, 12.5 mpg, 3.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, .500, .615 (SENIOR)
*Nick Ward: PF/C, 6'8". 250, Rivals #41 (FROSH)

I don't really think four freshmen will start, Nairn, McQuaid, Schilling will all get a chance to hold or earn a start. CBS has this team ranked #8 in the country, highest of any B1G team. I disagree, because although Izzo has a little mini-Kentucky recruiting class coming in, I think his system requires quite a bit of understanding. Before I look at schedules, I would say they belong in the top four with Wisconsin, Indiana, and to an extent Purdue. One thing to note. Izzo still has his big bodies to toss in and shove guys around. Finished second last season , 13-5.

 

[DanL53]

Minnesota:
Why?

They were 2-16 in the Big Ten.
12th in scoring at 68.0 ppg
12th in rebounding with 34.5 pg
14th in FG% at .405
tied for 9th with FT% at .707
14th in 3PT% at .310

OK...worthy of note:
*Nate Mason: PG, 6'1", 185, 32.5 mpg, 13.8 ppg, 4.5/1.7, .389, .796, .302 (JUNIOR)
Dupree McBrayer: SG, 6'4", 175, 18.3 mpg, 5.9 ppg, .326, .621, .250 (SOPH)
*Jordan Murphy: SF, 6'6", 230, 26.7 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, .461, .612, .220 (SOPH)
*Amir Coffey: SF, 6'8", 190, Rivals #52, (FROSH)
*Eric Curry: PF, 6'9", 220, Rivals #142, (FROSH)
Bakare Konate: C, 6'11, 235, 21.7 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, .505, .679 (JUNIOR)
*Reggie Lynch: C, 6'9", 260, transfer from Illinois State, 9.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, (JUNIOR)
The rest....Played sparingly or 2* transfer, or 3* frosh

The problem I've got is I don't see many guards. I don't see ANY three point shooting. And to play both Murphy and Coffey somebody is out of position. Maybe I got lazy. Didn't even list Akeem Springs, Ahmad, Gilbert, Michael Hurt, Gaston Diedhiou..well, there, I did.

 

[Deathclutch]

Minnesota:
Why?

They were 2-16 in the Big Ten.
12th in scoring at 68.0 ppg
12th in rebounding with 34.5 ppg
14th in FG% at .405
tied for 9th with FT% at .707
14th in 3PT% at .310

OK...worthy of note:
*Nate Mason: PG, 6'1", 185, 32.5 mpg, 13.8 ppg, 4.5/1.7, .389, .796, .302 (JUNIOR)
Dupree McBrayer: SG, 6'4", 175, 18.3 mpg, 5.9 ppg, .326, .621, .250
*Jordan Murphy: SF, 6'6", 230, 26.7 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, .461, .612, .220 (SOPH)
*Amir Coffey: SF, 6'8", 190, Rivals #52, (FROSH)
*Eric Curry: PF, 6'9", 220, Rivals #142, (FROSH)
Bakare Konate: C, 6'11, 235, 21.7 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, .505, .679 (JUNIOR)
*Reggie Lynch: C, 6'9", 260, transfer from Illinois State, 9.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, (JUNIOR)
The rest....Played sparingly or 2* transfer, or 3* frosh

The problem I've got is I don't see many guards. I don't see ANY three point shooting. And to play both Murphy and Coffey somebody is out of position. Maybe I got lazy. Didn't even list Akeem Springs, Ahmad, Gilbert, Michael Hurt, Gaston Diedhiou..well, there, I did.

Murphy is a PF and Coffey is a SG/SF. There is absolutely no issues with them playing together.

The starting lineup will likely be:

PG: Nate Mason
SG: Akeem Springs
SF: Amir Coffey
PF: Jordan Murphy
C: Reggie Lynch

Akeem Springs will be a huge part of the team. He averaged 13.2ppg at UW-M and is a really good rebounder for a SG.

Shooting concerns are valid. Nate Mason had a down year last year but he shot 39% his freshman year. McBrayer got off to a horrid shoiting start but shot it alot better in conference play. Akeem shot a decent 35% from three at UW-M. Davonte Fitzgerald, Texas A & M transfer whom was not listed, should also help in the shooting department. Freshman Michael Hurt may also get some run as he was a really good shooter in high school. We aren't going to be a grat shooting team, but I believe we have enough to get by.

Where we should see a significant improvment is in the defense and rebounding department. Our D will be anchored by one of the top shot blockers in the country, Reggie Lynch. He was a national DPOtY finalist as a Sophomore at Illinois State.

Rebounding wise this should be far and away the best team Pitino has had since he has been here. Spri.gs averaged over 5 boards a game as a SG at UW-M. Coffey has really good size on the wing at 6-8 with over a 7 foot wingspan. Murphy is one of the leading returning rebounders in the Big Ten and Lynch is a significant upgrade over Joey King in the rebounding department.

I honestly think we will be one if the most improved teams in the country. I know that isn't hard to do when we were so bad last season but an 8-10 win improvment is not out of the question.

 

[DanL53]

Nebraska:
*Tai Webster: PG, 6'4", 196, 27.7 mpg, 7.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.9/2.1, .474, .740, .350 (SENIOR)
*Glynn Watson Jr: PG, 6', 165, 24.3 mpg, 8.6 ppg, 2.4/1.0, .389, .792, .267
Evan Taylor: Combo Guard, 6'5", 205, juco transfer from Odessa, 17 mpg, 7.1 ppg, 18% from 3, (JUNIOR)
Anton Gill: SG, 6'3", 191, transfer from Louisville, 2014/15: 9.4 mpg, 2.5 ppg, .353., .368, .256 (RS JUNIOR)
Nick Fuller: SF, 6'7", 204, Played sparingly, (RS JUNIOR)
Jack McVeigh: SF, 6'8", 210, 17.0 mpg, 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, .350, .690, .340 (SOPH)
*Isaiah Roby: SF, 6'8", 205 Rivals #113 (FROSH)
*Ed Morrow: PF, 6'7", 225, 13.7 mpg, 4.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, .639, .571 (SOPH)
Jeriah Horne: PF, 6'7", 220, Rivals #122, (FROSH)
*Michael Jacobson: PF/C, 6'8", 222, 18.3 mpg, 4.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, .433, .776, .188 (SOPH)
Jordy Tshimanga: C, 6'11", 270, Rivals #150 (FROSH)

6-12 last year and I think they will be pressed hard to equal that. Anton Gill has been suffering Chronic Knee pain (tendinitis) for months. Roby has a "stress reaction" in his pelvis, whatever that means. I just don't see a whole bunch of help here.

 

[DanL53]

Murphy is a PF and Coffey is a SG/SF. There is absolutely no issues with them playing together.

I honestly think we will be one if the most improved teams in the country. I know that isn't hard to do when we were so bad last season but an 8-10 win improvment is not out of the question.

Thanks for the response. Always fun to read posts. Best of luck.