Big Ten Basketball Tournament: Michigan, Purdue and Michigan State fight for the crown
By Eddie Herz
Top players who can lead their team all the way
Cassius Winston, G, Michigan State
19.0 PPG, 7.6 APG, 3.1 RPG
Tom Izzo developed his guard perfectly, as Cassius Winston has made tremendous leaps each season in East Lansing. When Winston isn’t lighting up the scoreboard through efficient shooting, he’s making sure his teammates are eating too. The guard has found a great balance between scoring the rock himself and spotting an open teammate. Winton’s season of exceptional play appropriately resulted in Big Ten Player of the Year honors.
Carsen Edwards, G, Purdue
23.4 PPG, 3.0 APG, 1.5 SPG
Carsen Edwards’ sharp-shooting capabilities alone could guide Purdue to a BTT title. Purdue is tough to beat when the guard goes off, as he often does. The unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection does so much more than score as well. Edwards is an acute facilitator and also features swift hands defensively, as the guard’s 46 steals rank third in the conference.
Ethan Happ, F, Wisconsin
17.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.7 APG
Let’s see what Ethan Happ has in store for his fourth and final Big Ten Tournament appearance. Happ’s weakness is at the free throw line, where he shoots only 47 percent. But when the clock is running, it has been nearly impossible for any team to contain Happ. The forward’s low-post game is virtually automatic, and his vastly improved ability to find the open man could help Wisconsin string together a few wins at the United Center.
Bruno Fernando, F, Maryland
14.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG
Bruno Fernando substantially upped his game following a promising freshman season and has become even more of a determining factor to Maryland’s success. Fernando’s rebounding provides the Terps with the second-best glass production in the conference. The sophomore totaled 20 double-doubles this season and looks to keep it rolling with a statement to the selection committee at stake.