Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Michigan State, Maryland leads updated early 2019-20 rankings

By Ryan Kay

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his team against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the United Center on March 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his team against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the United Center on March 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

8. Wisconsin

Last Season’s Record: 23-11

Key Losses: Ethan Happ and Khalil Iverson

Key Returners: D’Mitrik Trice, Brad Davison, and Nate Reuvers

Impact Freshmen and Immediate Eligible Transfers: Tyler Wahl and Micah Potter

The middle of the Big Ten is the most difficult to predict. You have traditional proven programs like Michigan and Wisconsin competing with up and coming teams like Penn State and Illinois. The Badgers lost arguably the 2nd best and most productive play in Ethan Happ to graduation. The 5th leading scorer Iverson graduated as well and the Badgers missed out on some impact transfers this off-season. D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison coming back help and incoming freshmen Tyler Wahl looks to contribute. Ohio State transfer Micah Potter will help down low but the Badgers may struggle on offense if their outside shots are not falling. However, Wisconsin has suprised many in the Big Ten before by playing above preseason expectations.

7. Penn State

Last Season’s Record: 14-18

Key Losses:  Josh Reaves and Rasir Bolton

Key Returners: Lamar Stevens, Myles Dread, Mike Watkins, and Myreon Jones

Impact Freshmen and Immediate Eligible Transfers: Curtis Jones and  Seth Lundy

Had Rasir Bolton not transferred, the Nittany Lions could have had an argument for a top 5 preseason Big Ten ranking. Losing their second leading scorer from last season’s team hurts but Penn State returns Lamar Stevens who is projected to be Big Ten 1st team this upcoming season. The Nittany Lions also bring back Myles Dread after a promising freshmen year as well as veteran Mike Watkins and sophomore Myreon Jones.

Curtis Jones comes as a graduate via Oklahoma State and Penn State brings in Seth Lundy who will be a true freshmen. The Nittany Lions showed flashes of being an up and coming team with wins versus Virginia Tech, Michigan, and Maryland. Penn State will look to Stevens to lead them to a strong finish in Big Ten play and this may be the season that ends in a NCAA tournament berth.

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