Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball Tournament: Michigan, Purdue and Michigan State fight for the crown

By Eddie Herz

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 04: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-66 during the championship game of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 04: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-66 during the championship game of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 19: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tries to shoot the ball as he is closely guarded by Zach Norvell Jr. (L) #23 and Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of the game at Lahaina Civic Center on November 19, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 19: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tries to shoot the ball as he is closely guarded by Zach Norvell Jr. (L) #23 and Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of the game at Lahaina Civic Center on November 19, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Other players to watch

Ignas Brazdeikis, F, Michigan

15.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 41.7 3-point %

Michigan’s team-oriented style makes it hard to separate the individual pieces that contribute most to its success. I’ll single out Brazdeikis because watching him pour his emotions into every game is entertaining for everyone, not only Michigan fans. The talented freshman leads the Wolverines in scoring and shoots the ball extraordinarily for a big man. The 6-foot-7 freshman’s 3-point efficiency ranks ninth in the conference. Look for Brazdeikis to make some noise in his first Big Ten Tournament appearance.

Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois

14.1 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.3 SPG

Speaking of emerging freshmen, watching Illinois’ former ESPN Top 100 guard get hot is beyond thrilling. Streakiness plagues Dosunmu at times, and his shot selection isn’t always the greatest. Both of which are typical for first-year players though. When Dosunmu is clicking, it doesn’t matter how many hands you put in his face to disrupt his shot. The guard’s potential could lead him to the NBA after this season. So, ending his first and potentially final collegiate season with a bang would be huge for his draft stock.

Romeo Langford, G, Indiana

16.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.3 APG

Let’s keep the NBA-driven freshmen train rolling with Indiana’s stud guard. Granted, I would have liked to see the former top-five recruit distribute the ball a little better with the Hoosiers. Still, everyone and their moms know the ceiling for Langford is higher than the United Center’s roof. Whether or not an at-large bid is feasible for Indiana, no one in Bloomington will feel safe if a BTT title isn’t achieved. Stellar guard play initiated by Langford is essential for the 17-14 Hoosiers.

Anthony Cowan Jr, G, Maryland

15.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.7 RPG

Only in the Big Ten can Cowan somewhat be considered an off-brand Cassius Winston, which speaks to the depth of guard talent within the conference. Don’t let that statement upset you too much if you are a Maryland fan. Cowan didn’t take as big of a step as he could have this season, but he is still a vital difference-maker. The Terps’ rhythm is difficult to interrupt when Cowan is on. Mark Turgeon and company have to hope the junior doesn’t endure a cold stretch in the Big Ten Tournament since Maryland is 3-3 this season when Cowan scores 10 or fewer points.

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