Big Ten Basketball: Top 5 rising seniors in 2018-19

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates the 59-54 win over the Maryland Terrapins during the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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4. Jordan Murphy, Minnesota

The Minnesota Gophers finished with a 15-17 record in 2017-18, but those prospects should change with the return of forward Jordan Murphy. Murphy returns for his senior season after putting up 16.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as a junior. While averaging this double-double, he set a new single-season record for double-doubles in a season with 24.

He snagged a school-record 361 rebounds this past season, despite measuring in at just 6-foot-6. Murphy also led the conference in rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game (4.0). Besides having a nose for snagging boards, Murphy has an opportunity to be one of best players in Minnesota history before it’s all said and done. He had quite the breakout season in 2017-18, shooting 52.5% and finishing as an All-Big Ten selection by coaches and media.

Look for him to make more waves in his final season of college basketball. After all, Minnesota might need it. The Golden Gophers generally underachieved last season despite Murphy’s outstanding play. In order for Richard Pitino’s team to succeed this year, Murphy is going to need to excel again while also getting some help from his teammates.

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