Although the SEC has grabbed the most headlines this year, the Big Ten has quietly emerged as one of basketball’s premier conference. The conference is packed with contenders that look capable of making deep pushes into March. Here is a midseason assessment and outlook of a few of the Big Ten’s top teams.
Michigan State is Alone at the Top of the Big Ten
Currently, one team is in sole possession on first place. Michigan State was not projected to be here at the beginning of the season, but they are currently the only undefeated team in the conference. After their recent victory over #19 Illinois in what was a hyper-competitive game, Sparty sits at #12 in the nation and will be on the rise when the new rankings debut.
A dominant start to @bigten play 🔥#B1GMBBall x @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/7R3aWaDfmo
— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 19, 2025
Michigan State’s depth was on full display against Illinois on Saturday. Tom Izzo got significant minutes out of 10 players in total, and went to the bench for big contributions in the scoring and rebounding columns. Both Frankie Fidler and Coen Carr scored 11, and Carson Cooper had 8 huge rebounds. Jase Richardson did not have his best game against the Illini, but it is hard to underrate how much Richardson has meant to the team overall this season.
Michigan State is currently last in the conference in team three-point percentage, a number that will certainly need to be improved heading into the postseason. A gauntlet is approaching on Michigan State’s schedule. Mid-February sees them rematch Illinois before playing Purdue and in-state rivals Michigan.
Defending Champions Purdue Are On a Roll
Purdue has won the Big Ten both of the last two years, largely thanks to their immense big man Zach Edey. This year, as the Boilermakers make do without the two-time Wooden Award winner, they have almost flown under the radar. Yet championship experience is still found in every corner of their roster, most prominently in their backcourt. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer have been improved even after a spectacular 2023-24 season and look determined to make it over the hump. Trey Kaufman-Renn has emerged as a leading scorer, silencing doubters to the tune of over 17 points per game. Matt Painter’s team looks more than capable of defending their title.
💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 FINAL
7 straight and a PNW SWEEP!
✅: TKR – 23 pts, 11 rebs
✅: Smith – 15 pts, 7 asts, 4 rebs, 4 stls
✅: Heide – 9 pts, 3 rebs
✅: Loyer – 6 pts, 2 rebs pic.twitter.com/Pzyx41zxps— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) January 18, 2025
The Boilermakers have won 7 games in a row. On Saturday, they eked out a win in a massive road performance against #13 Oregon. It was a defensive battle, but Purdue played steady, winning both the turnover and rebounding battles en route to an important 65-58 win. Despite a dismal day from the three-point line, Purdue powered through with strong defense and a veteran composure. Purdue faces Ohio State on Tuesday before welcoming #20 Michigan to West Lafayette on Saturday.
Michigan is Rounding Into Form
Michigan recently cracked the Top 25 rankings, sitting in 3rd in the Big Ten, and are beginning to demonstrate their full capabilities. They are led by a pair of 7-footers, namely Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. Goldin is a more traditional big man, bringing great experience to Ann Arbor after transferring from Florida Atlantic. He is averaging 15.6 points, 6 rebounds, and almost 2 blocks per game. Goldin exploded for 31 points in their recent game vs Northwestern, which Michigan won 80-76 in overtime.
Dub No. 14!
(It took a little extra time)#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/er8U120MSE— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) January 20, 2025
Wolf meanwhile, is earning praise from NBA scouts for his guard-like skillset despite his height. Wolf has been averaging 13 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1 steal, and 1.5 blocks, absolutely dominating in many aspects of the game. His versatility on both ends is impressive, although his turnovers have been a concern. Although the Wolverines are near the top of the conference in assists per game, they are also first in turnovers per game.
Michigan is going to go as far as their deadly pick and roll will take them. Affectionately known as “Area 50-1” due to Goldin (#50) and Wolf’s (#1) jersey numbers, Michigan also has a strong supporting cast that makes them a definite threat in the conference.
Wisconsin has Emerged as a Legitimate Threat
Meanwhile, Wisconsin has been even more of a sleeper team. After being mostly an afterthought in the preseason, the Badgers are looking like contenders. They are amidst a long winning streak that reached 7 games after a comfortable road win over USC. The team’s strength has also been their depth this season, with five players averaging double-figures.
Wisconsin stands out as a solid team with no standout weaknesses. They have a good mix of veterans like leading scorer John Tonje (17.2 points per game) and Kamari McGee (56% from deep), while also boasting some promising young talent such as John Blackwell (16.1 points per game) and Nolan Winter (the team’s leading rebounder).
Several Notable Upcoming Games in the Big Ten
Outside of the top four teams, there are still many strong teams in the conference. The aforementioned Illinois will take on Maryland on Friday. Both teams have shown that they have very high ceilings and will need to start re-building momentum following recent struggles.
Wisconsin will be finishing out their west coast road trip with a mid-week bout against a struggling UCLA team before welcoming Nebraska to Madison on Sunday. Michigan and Purdue will be the highlight of Saturday, but even more excitement awaits during the latter half of the Big Ten conference schedule. With many of the top teams still to face each other, there is truly everything to play for as the season winds down.
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