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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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 08: Eric Hunter Jr. #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Penn State Nittany Lions

Biggest needs: Center and Power forward

An under the radar story this offseason was top JUCO center commit Valdir Manuel parting ways with the Nittany Lions, deciding to play for New Mexico instead. That leaves a giant hole inside for the team, leaving just senior forwards John Harrar and Trent Buttrick on the roster.

That’s not to say that Penn State hasn’t handled the situation already, landing 2021 frontcourt players Elijah Hutchins-Everett and TaQuan Woodley. With the backcourt in pretty solid shape and no current scholarships available (unless someone transfers), finding one more center would be good to round out the 2021-22 roster.

Purdue Boilermakers

Biggest needs: Point guard

With no seniors on the roster for next season, there isn’t much the Boilermakers can do for the 2021 class. They already have top-40 power forward Caleb Furst committed and is a contender for five-star wing Harrison Ingram.

The one position that needs an upgrade is at point guard, now that Nojel Eastern has transferred out. Junior guard Eric Hunter Jr. will be the lead facilitator this time around but Purdue will have to find a replacement and true point guard either in the 2021 or 2022 class. But as long as there isn’t another exodus on the roster next offseason, Purdue will be fine.

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