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Big Ten Basketball: Where were the former stars selected in the NBA Draft?

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Big Ten Basketball had a good night overall, with eight players from six different teams getting drafted. How will they all do in the NBA with their new teams?

The Big Ten isn’t the kind of basketball league that is filled with “one and done” players. Instead, they develop college athletes who become good enough to get selected in the NBA Draft. The following list contains those who were part of the 2018 NBA Draft, who’ll now be receiving paychecks as professional basketball players.

Round 1, Pick 4 (Memphis Grizzlies) – F/C Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State

The Grizzlies still have a small shot at contending right now with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol around. But they’ll need to look towards the future which Jackson represents. He’s also arguably the best overall defender in the draft, which fits the “grit and grind” mentality Memphis still employs as a team.

Round 1, Pick 12 (Los Angeles Clippers) – F Miles Bridges, Michigan State

The Clippers are in the midst of a rebuilding/retooling effort for next season. Adding the versatile scoring wing is a good mood for them, especially if they don’t want to resign Tobias Harris or Danilo Gallinari to a long-term deal. The biggest issue was whether he could play on the perimeter in the NBA, so watching him early on will be key.

Round 1, Pick 19 (Atlanta Hawks) – G/F Kevin Huerter, Maryland

Atlanta used their first pick on Oklahoma point guard Trae Young and went quickly to bring him supporting assets. Huerter can guard multiple positions on defense while shooting nearly 45% from three-point range last season. If Young is as good offensively as the Hawks hope he is, Huerter will be wide-open for a bunch of shots.

Round 1, Pick 25 (Los Angeles Lakers) – F/C Moritz Wagner, Michigan

The great postseason performances the last two years propelled Wagner to the first-round, as the modern-day game suits him perfectly. He can create mismatches on the perimeter while displaying a good post touch. His rebounding and defense may be an issue, but the Lakers at least have a rotation big for the future.

Related Story: Breakdown of each 2018 Big Ten recruiting class

Round 2, Pick 43 (Orlando Magic) – F Justin Jackson, Maryland

Despite missing most of this past season with a serious injury, Jackson was still able to get drafted. The forward is an outstanding defender and rebounder with hidden offensive potential. He could end up as a steal after slipping in the draft.

Round 2, Pick 48 (Minnesota Timberwolves) – F Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State

The Big Ten Player of the Year fell farther than expected, due to his “tweener” status as a forward. But his offensive game can exploit opponents on the perimeter and help a Timberwolves bench who was among the worst in terms of production.

Round 2, Pick 51 (New Orleans Pelicans) – G Tony Carr, Penn State

The elite combo guard out of Penn State goes to another team who had no bench production to speak of. Rajon Rondo is a free agent and might not come back, so Carr might have an early opportunity to get playing time along with Jrue Holiday.

Round 2, Pick 52 (Houston Rockets) – F Vince Edwards, Purdue

The upcoming free agency will have a huge impact on the Rockets, potentially affecting nearly everyone but James Harden. Regardless of what happens, Edwards has a good shot to remain with the team. He’s a great defender with an ability to hit a three-point shot which goes well with Houston’s style of play.

Next: Big Ten Power Rankings for 2018-19

Although the Big Ten did lose some talent via either the draft or graduation, a ton still remains. Teams like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Iowa return just about everyone, so there’s a very chance the number of draftees from this conference reaches double-digits next year.

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