Big Ten Basketball: Top 25 non-freshmen players for 2022-23 season
When it comes to the upcoming season, there are some questions as to how strong Big Ten Basketball will be from top to bottom. In some recent preseason top-25 rankings, programs such as Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois have been getting consideration but even then there hasn’t been a clear consensus for all three.
So why is the Big Ten projected to have a “down” year? Could it be because of the potential lack of veteran talent? I decided to take a look at that, ranking the top-25 players in the conference that are not freshmen; mainly because I don’t know where to put a Skyy Clark and Jaxon Kohler on a list without seeing what they can do in college. It also will affect the incoming transfers, especially those from mid-major schools.
Here’s how I would rank the players.
Honorable Mention: Isaac Likekele – Ohio State Buckeyes
2021-22 stats (at OK State): 7.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.4 apg
What the 6’5 playmaker lacks in scoring ability, Likekele makes up for in all-around play. He’s been the de-facto point guard at Oklahoma State whenever Cade Cunningham wasn’t around and is a very good defender. Look for him to be the lead ball-handler for the Buckeyes and stabilize the backcourt.
HM: RJ Melendez – Illinois Fighting Illini
2021-22 stats: 3.8 ppg and 1.7 rpg
The 6’7 guard/wing didn’t play much last season but he has plenty of potential that depending on the lineups could have a breakout sophomore campaign. Melendez showed that his size and athleticism are things that will work for him in the Big Ten, he just needs a bigger role to showcase it.
HM: Seth Lundy – Penn State Nittany Lions
2021-22 stats: 11.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg
The 6’6 forward has been a double-digit scorer for the past couple of years at Penn State and had a few big scoring outings last season. That includes three games of 23 points, with one of them coming in league play against Northwestern. When Lundy is efficient from the field, he can be a leading option for the Nittany Lions.
25. Derrick Walker – Nebraska Cornhuskers
2021-22 stats: 9.5 ppg and 6.0 rpg
The 6’8 forward is entering his 6th-year of college and 3rd with the Cornhuskers. He established himself as the lead option in the frontcourt, shooting 68% from the field and nine games of at least 14 points. His consistency on offense (and Nebraska guards giving him the ball more) is a factor but Walker has shown that he can be a real threat in the conference.