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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers rising senior forward Ethan Happ is another Big Ten Player of the Year candidate to consider for 2018-19. He’s an established name across the conference with 105 starts under his belt through three seasons. Happ averaged 17.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game as a junior in 2017-18.

The 6-foot-8 forward shot 52.8% from the field last season, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors despite the team’s 15-18 overall record. In spite of team results, Happ still recorded 11 double-doubles and put up double figures in all but two games during the season. He is arguably the best post player in the entire country considering he does almost all of his scoring within five feet. Even though he is not the best shooter from outside of the lane (including being poor at the free throw line), Happ consistently gets the job done for the Badgers.

Wisconsin is returning all of their starters, something that should work in Happ’s favor this upcoming season. He’ll be relied upon heavily and should fill up the stat sheet. The do-it-all forward is set to lead Wisconsin in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals once again after doing so last season as a junior.

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