Big Ten basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

Players who can Lead their Teams to a Title

Tony Carr, G, Penn State

19.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.6 RPG

It’s coming down between he and Keita Bates-Diop for the Big Ten scoring crown. Two guys that probably weren’t thought of to be in this situation are taking over the conference. What makes Carr scary is that he will be back next season.

In the two victories over Ohio State, Carr scored 28 and 30. He’s been in double-figures every game since Jan. 25. Carr has the ability to takeover a game by himself because of what he can do in every phase of the game.

Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State

19.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.6 BLKPG

Here’s the second guy who is trying to win the Big Ten scoring title. Keita Bates-Diop has been the main igniter for the Buckeyes this season. It needs to be mentioned again how Holtmann put trust in C.J. Jackson to run the point. From then on, Jackson and Bates-Diop have found a connection.

There’s no doubt if Ohio State makes deep run into the Big Ten Tournament, Bates-Diop will be the reason. He’s only been in single-digits twice this season. The second time came recently against Rutgers, but he’s known to perform great in big games. Bates-Diop recorded a double-double against Purdue and dropped 32 vs. Michigan State.