Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 30, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena. Boilermakers won 81-78. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena. Boilermakers won 81-78. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Northwestern Wildcats

Despite the talent, it ended up being a disappointing season overall for the Wildcats, finishing under .500 overall. And so far this offseason, they’ve gotten worse, not better. 6’10 forward Ryan Young has entered the transfer portal while leading scorer and rebounder Peter Nance is a four-year senior and could very well go pro this offseason.

If he’s gone, Northwestern will have to scramble to remake the frontcourt. But if he’s back, the trio of Nance, Boo Buie (14.1 ppg and 4.3 apg), and Chase Audige is solid enough to be competitive in the Big Ten. But they’re going to need a lot more help to be a real NCAA Tournament threat and head coach Chris Collins’ job is going to depend on it.

9. Penn State Nittany Lions

It was a fairly good first year for head coach Micah Shrewsberry, as Penn State was much more competitive than expected. But they’ll be without double-double machine John Harrar, who has no eligibility left. And Sam Sessoms, the team’s third-leading scorer, has entered the transfer portal.

On the positive side, point guard Jalen Pickett has elected to come back for one more year, along with guard Myles Dread. As of now, junior forward Seth Lundy (11.9 ppg) is set to come back as well, joined by a top-25 incoming recruiting class, led by four-star center prospect Kebba Njie. They’ll need to find more offensive firepower in the portal this offseason but they’re a solid group on paper.

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