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 Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Purdue Boilermakers

Coming into the offseason, there were some givens as to what Purdue was going to have to deal with. One was that Trevion Williams, a former All-Big Ten big man was going to go pro instead of playing behind Zach Edey. The other was that leading scorer and star guard Jaden Ivey was going to go pro as a projected top-10 NBA Draft pick.

But it should’ve also been expected that the Boilermakers would be bringing in at least one more guard to the roster to offset not only the loss of Ivey’s production, but also Sasha Stefanovic and departing transfers, Isaiah Thompson and Eric Hunter Jr. That leaves Ethan Morton, Brandon Newman, and Mason Gillis, along with a trio of incoming freshmen guards.

The team reportedly tried to land top point guard targets, Nijel Pack and Tyrese Hunter but failed to get either. And with not much available that can make an impact at the Big Ten level, the team does have some major question marks in the backcourt.

That leaves everything to Edey, who averaged 14.4 ppg and 7.2 rpg last season in limited minutes after splitting the center position with Williams. Now on his own, look for Edey to have some major numbers next season. But unless a couple of guards steps up in a big way, it’ll be difficult to see how they get anywhere near 29 wins in 2023.

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