10. G Tyson Walker – Michigan State Spartans
2020-21 stats: 18.8 ppg and 4.8 apg at Northeastern
The 6’0 guard was a breakout star last season offensively, including a career-high 36-point effort in a win over Towson on the road. But Walker is more known for his defense, winning CAA Defensive Player of the Year last season and was one of the nation’s leaders in steals.
Walker is a proven true point guard and will be an upgrade over Rocket Watts and Foster Loyer from last season for the Spartans. His defense should translate but will he be a 15 ppg scorer at the Big Ten level? That may be needed for Michigan State to get back into the top-15 nationally this season.
9. F Qudus Wahab – Maryland Terrapins
2020-21 stats: 12.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg at Georgetown
The 6’11 big man was much improved as a sophomore last season, including averaging over 15 ppg in the final seven games during the Hoyas miracle Big East Tournament title run. Wahab is a very good interior defender and solid rebounder and adds to the already loaded number of talented Big Ten for this season.
Maryland was playing from behind in the frontcourt last season since they didn’t a true center of their own. Wahab slides right in perfectly and paired with Donta Scott gives them bigs that can play against the top-tier of the conference.
8. G DeVante Jones – Michigan Wolverines
2020-21 stats: 19.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg at Coastal Carolina
The 6’1 guard won Sun Belt Player of the Year last season after putting up major stats in every big category. That includes scoring, with three games of at least 30 points and back-to-back efforts of 33+. Jones is a good defender and capable playmaker as well and efficient from the field despite taking plenty of shots.
The Wolverines lost a ton of talent from the perimeter this offseason, including another undersized guard in Mike Smith. Eli Brooks is back for another year and he and Jones are a compatible pairing in the backcourt. Jones won’t need to go for 20 a game but 12-14 ppg will give Michigan the offensive balance to be a national title contender.
7. F Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky Wildcats
2020-21 stats: 8.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg at West Virginia
The center left the Mountaineers early last season after seeing his production decline as forward Derek Culver emerged as the clear top big. But Tshiebwe is a quality center that can rebound and defend at a high level and can average double figures over a season.
Kentucky didn’t do well with Olivier Sarr last season at the five-spot but Tshiebwe should fit much better since he doesn’t need the ball. The supporting cast is filled with shooters and scorers so as long as the 260-pound big man handles the boards and deals with opposing bigs in the SEC, Tshiebwe will be a fan favorite and impactful presence.
6. G Marcus Carr – Texas Longhorns
2020-21 stats: 19.4 ppg and 4.9 apg at Minnesota
The 6’2 guard had one of the highest usages in NCAA Basketball last season but when Carr is on, there are few guards in the country that can keep up with him. Carr has a number of 20+ point games and several above 30 points as well. His assist rate also is near the top of the country and that was with a lackluster supporting cast at Minnesota.
That won’t be an issue with the Longhorns, where Carr joins one of the most talented rosters in the country. He’ll be the lead facilitator and have plenty of room to operate but don’t expect volume attempts and overall numbers from the All-Big Ten guard. However, a more efficient version of Carr is just as good in this case.