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Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 returning players for 2018-19

By Jerran Anderson

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 18: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers dunks the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena on February 18, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 18: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers dunks the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena on February 18, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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5. Jordan Murphy, Minnesota

The Minnesota Golden Gophers saw 6-foot-6 forward Jordan Murphy develop into quite the double-double machine in his junior season. Murphy turned in a career-high 24 double-doubles in 32 appearances for Minnesota during the 2017-18 season. Despite their 4-14 finish in Big Ten play, Murphy was their lone bright spot.

He averaged 16.8 points, 11.3 rebounds 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game last season. Murphy set the school’s single-season record for rebounds (361) this past season. He was one rebound shy of recording the second 20-rebound performance of his career against Penn State. He snagged 19 rebounds against Penn State back on Jan. 15.

Murphy shot 52.5 percent from the field while not take a lot of 3-pointers last season, leaving a lot of room for him to grow in 2018-19. With Nate Mason out of eligibility, Murphy’s role is sure to change this upcoming season as the Golden Gophers look to improve.

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