Big Ten Basketball: Final Team Grades and Rankings for 2017-19

Now that the 2017-18 season is over, it’s time to take one last look at Big Ten Basketball. Here are the final rankings and grades for each team.

14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 15-19 (3-15)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: C

They made have finished in last place once again in the league, but Rutgers really did show well at times. Besides a regional foe in Seton Hall that was ranked at the time, the Scarlett Knights nearly defeated Florida State, Michigan State, and Purdue. For the first time, they weren’t a guaranteed win for opponents.

13. Minnesota Gophers 15-17 (4-14)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: F

After a 13-3 start, the Gophers were making plans for the NCAA Tournament. But once again off the court issues plagued them, losing a key player. They went on to win just two of their final 14 contests, including losing 10 in a row.

Minnesota wasted a quality season by junior Jordan Murphy, as well as outgoing senior Nate Mason. Like his father, Richard Pitino has once again dealt with issues outside of basketball. But he hasn’t consistently shown that he’s good enough to overcome it. Will the Gophers continue to put up with this much longer?

12. Illinois Fighting Illini 14-18 (4-14)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: D

Even when programs have rough seasons, they can at least fall back on an accomplishment or thing that happened – no matter how big or small. A win over Missouri in the “Braggin’ Rights” rivalry was the only positive note for the Illini, which also prevents a failing grade for this season.