Big Ten Basketball: Updated early power rankings for 2022-23 season

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Big Ten Basketball Boo Buie Northwestern Wildcats (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

13. Northwestern Wildcats

The Wildcats were somewhat better than its record suggests, considering how many games they were in at the end that unfortunately went against them. Of course, that only matters if the entire roster is back for another year and in this case, that’s not happening.

After a breakout campaign, leading the team in both points and rebounds this past season, 6’10 forward Pete Nance entered the transfer portal. He’s still available, with programs such as North Carolina, Illinois, and others reportedly after him. In a conference that features a lot of quality big men, not having Nance is a massive blow for Northwestern.

Making matters worse, 6’10 forward Ryan Young also left the team this offseason, landing with the Duke Blue Devils. He only averaged 9.0 ppg in 17 mpg off the bench but he would’ve been great to replace Nance in the frontcourt and give the team a good offensive option down low.

Now, look for Robbie Beran and UTEP transfer Tydus Verhoeven to get the lion’s share of the minutes in the frontcourt. The incoming 6’9 forward averaged just 6.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg this past season at the Conference USA level but at least he’s a body and five fouls for Northwestern to use.

That effectively puts all the pressure on returning guards, Boo Buie, Ty Berry, and Chase Audige, to supply the majority of the offensive production in 2023. They’re a solid core but unless someone in the frontcourt has a big season, the Wildcats aren’t going to be in many close games next season, and for a bad reason.

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