Big Ten Basketball: What each team is thankful for so far in 2019-20
By Ryan Kay
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, let’s take a look at what each Big Ten Basketball team is currently thankful for this season.
It is not even halfway through the season but it is indeed the start to the holiday season and every Big Ten Basketball team has something to be thankful for. Some teams have more than a couple of things to be thankful for while others not so much. It is the holiday season so let’s get to what one particular thing that each Big Ten team is thankful.
Nebraska – Third-place finish in the Cayman Islands Classic
Who would celebrate a third place finish in a lesser known holiday tournament? The 2019 Nebraska Cornhuskers that is who. After losing their first two regular season non-conference games to lesser known teams, Nebraska beat Washington State and South Florida to capture a third place finish in the Cayman Islands. When you lose to UC Riverside Highlanders at home by 19, earning a third place finish after some early season hiccups is something to defiantly be thankful for.
Minnesota – Never giving up during a game against quality opponents
Yes, the Gophers are .500 on the season but in their three loses, they have competed in each game. The teams Minnesota have lost to are a combined 17-3 and each of the three loses were in the single digits. The Gophers have defeated each of their lesser known opponents and hope to use their tough early non-conference schedule experience and turn it into a positive moving forward.
Wisconsin – Owning bragging rights within the state of Wisconsin
The Badgers have lost some close games this season and have already three loses on the season. However, Wisconsin has dominated in-state opponents defeating Marquette 16 points and beating Green Bay by 18. They have one more in-state game coming up before Big Ten play and they look to go 3-0 against in-state opponents.
Purdue – The good consistent play of Jahaad Proctor
The Boilermakers lost both of their marquee games thus far losing to both Texas and Marquette and have defeated their three inferior non-conference opponents thus far. However, Proctor who is a transfer from High Point, has scored in double figures for all five game this season. The Boilermakers know what they will get from players like Matt Haarms, but to have a transfer as your leading scorer through the first five games of the season is something to definitely =be thankful for.