Big Ten Basketball: Biggest needs for each team's 2021 recruiting classes

Big Ten Basketball: Biggest needs for each team’s 2021 recruiting classes

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Zavier Simpson #3, Isaiah Livers #4, and Colin Castleton #11 of the Michigan Wolverines look on in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – FEBRUARY 01: Kaleb Wesson #34 talks to CJ Walker #13 of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Northwestern Wildcats

Biggest needs: Power forward and center

The Wildcats have made great process in this class, landing three perimeter players all ranked in the top-150 overall. That includes top-100 shooting guard Casey Simmons who could help land top-3 overall recruit Patrick Baldwin Jr., who is seriously considering Northwestern at the moment.

If they can’t land him, adding another frontcourt piece or two would round up the class nicely. The Wildcats already have juniors Pete Nance and Miller Kopp but having their replacements on the roster would be a big help in Northwestern’s quest to get back into Big Ten contention. But most importantly, keeping Simmons’ commitment to the program is huge for the next year.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Biggest needs: Center

Even with a number of senior guards on the roster for next season, the Buckeyes already have top-100 point guard Meechie Johnson and top-30 shooting guard Malaki Branham part of the 2021 class. Wings Justice Sueing and Seth Towns will be around for another two years, handling that position as well.

The real need is at center, with Kyle Young leaving after next season and just Ibrahima Diallo on the roster right now at that spot. Five-star prospects Efton Reid and Charles Bediako are the two to watch, with Ohio State hoping to land either one to finish off an already great class.

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