Big Ten Basketball: 5 biggest takeaways from 2019 recruiting classes

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes meets with Duane Washington Jr. #4 and Keyshawn Woods #32 in the first half against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 14: Head coach Fred Hoiberg of the Iowa State Cyclones waves to the crowd after their 70 to 66 win over the Kansas Jayhawks during the championship game of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 14, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Nebraska hopes to find a star within their class

There’s no more important recruiting class to observe this upcoming season than Nebraska’s, who essentially has a brand new roster. Most of the top players for the Cornhuskers were already seniors, while the role players opted to transfer this offseason. New head coach Fred Hoiberg brought in 10 new players, including four transfers.

While talented, those transfers aren’t sure bets of being All-Big Ten performers since they’re coming from the mid-major ranks. Cornhusker fans have been impressed with the incoming recruiting class that includes a pair of Junior College transfers in Jervay Green and Cam Mack. These are guards who can come in and make an impact and hopefully become the next successful JUCO products by Coach Hoiberg.

Shooting guard Samari Curtis provides needed backcourt depth and an ability to put the ball in the basket. Small forward Akol Arop is an intriguing three-star recruit with long-term potential. But the guy with the highest potential is Yvan Ouedraogo, a 6’8 power forward ranked as a four-star prospect. The French frontcourt piece is a great rebounder and can produce on the offensive end. There’s very little size on Nebraska’s current roster so Quedraogo could easily start next season.

He may end up being Nebraska’s best hope of avoiding the basement of the Big Ten in 2020, as they work on building the roster. The Frenchman could be nice building block for the program going forward.

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