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

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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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 08: Former Michigan Wolverines player Juwan Howard greets Michigan fans in the stands against the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 08: Former Michigan Wolverines player Juwan Howard greets Michigan fans in the stands against the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

6. Michigan

Last Season’s Record: 30-7

Key Losses:  Jordan Poole, Ignas Brazdeikis, and Charles Matthews

Key Returners: Zavier Simpson, Jon Teske, Isaiah Livers, David DeJulius, Adrian Nunez, Brandon Johns, and Eli Brooks

Impact Freshmen and Immediate Eligible Transfers: Cole Bajema and Franz Wagner

No team in the Big Ten collectively lost as much as the Wolverines this spring. They lost their top three scorers from last seasons team to the NBA draft and arguably lost the best x’s and o’s coach in the Big Ten to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the bring back their leader and defensive specialist in Zavier Simpson, three point specialist in Isaiah Livers, and leading rebounder in  Jon Teske. Michigan also has a group of sophomores who are looking to step up and contribute.

No disrespect new head coach Juwan Howard, but John Beilein was by many considered a top 10 coach in all of college basketball. He lead Michigan to two national championship game appearances and he will be missed in Ann Arbor. Former Wolverine and Fab Five member Howard has a difficult task ahead of him, but he will look to make the best of the situation and will do all he can to have Michigan compete for a Big Ten title.

5. Purdue

Last Season’s Record: 26-10

Key Losses: Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline, and Grady Eifert

Key Returners: Matt Haarms, Nojel Eastern, Evan Boudreaux, Trevion Williams, and Aaron Wheeler

Impact Freshmen and Immediate Eligible Transfers: Brandon Newman and Jahaad Proctor

Not only did Purdue lose their top scorer and player in Carsen Edwards but they also lost their second leading scorer in Ryan Cline. The Boilermakers lose three of their top five scorers from last season but they will bring back a young talented core especially on the front line.  Big man Matt Haarms and Nojel Eastern will look to have a break out season along with sophomore Trevion Williams and incoming freshmen Brandon Newman. Transfer Jahadd Proctor looks to bring some scoring and coach Matt Painter will have the Boilermakers ready to compete in the Big Ten this upcoming season.