Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Illinois roster losses, Penn State commits among offseason updates

By Trevor Sinodhinos

Dec 18, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) hugs teammate Da'Monte Williams (20) during the second half against the Saint Francis Red Flash at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) hugs teammate Da'Monte Williams (20) during the second half against the Saint Francis Red Flash at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Woodson New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Mike Woodson New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

A couple of 4-star freshmen commits for Big Ten Basketball

Malik Reneau 

In case you missed it, the 6’7 power forward from Montverde Academy – who many consider as a five-star recruit – was an addition to an already very impressive  Indiana Hoosiers recruitment class. Despite being labeled as a power forward the 195-pound Reneau played a lot of the five-spot in high school.

Playing as a post player allowed Reneau to show off his footwork in the paint while being able to take his defenders off the dribble when he finds himself on the perimeter. As he enters the Big Ten Head Coach Mike Woodson will not be afforded the opportunity to play Reneau in the post, but his ball-handling and passing skills will be enough to challenge Miller Kopp –  who did not go through senior night festivities –  for a starting role.

Noah Batchelor

When the 6’6 guard committed to Maryland on Apr.19, 2022, Noah Batchelor became the first recruit to do so for new Head Coach Kevin Willard.  As a spot-up shooter playing alongside Keyonte George and Jarace Walker at IMG Academy, Batchelor did just that – spot up and shoot -, mostly from the corner. At 6’6 he did not look overmatched switching onto a smaller ballhandler on the perimeter.

Without rebounding responsibilities the Maryland native will be able to get out in front of the ball in transition in order to spot up for an outside shot. If left open Batchelor will be able to improve upon the Terrapins from the No.  8 ranked three-point team in the Big Ten.

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