Big Ten Basketball: Maryland, Purdue among top teams early in 2022-23
By Ryan Kay
These are the first Big Ten Basketball power rankings of the season but let’s look at how and why these 14 teams are ranked in the order that they are in.
Is the formula used for these Big Ten Basketball power rankings and the total points the only variable to determine these rankings?
No, and if two teams are close in total points, other factors are used. Also, especially in the beginning of the season when many teams have not even played their sixth game of the season, a main contributing factor for these power rankings is determined by the four ranking systems that will be explained and displayed in these Big Ten power rankings.
Defeating a traditional power five conference team on a neutral court like how Michigan State beat Kentucky and Illinois defeated UCLA or how a team defeats a high-tier mid-major team on the road like Indiana beating Xavier and Iowa defeating Seton Hall carries more weight in these rankings than a team not winning a true road game or not defeating a top tier team but being undefeated.
A team’s strength of schedule especially in non-conference play early in the season is a big factor in these rankings. Teams like Michigan State and Illinois each played two top-25-ranked teams on neutral courts this season Neither team one of those teams are ranked in the top three in these initial power ranking but their strength of schedule as they play more games may get them ranked in the top three in the next Big Ten power rankings.
Are these ranking subjective and up for debate?
Yes, 100% they are as no power rankings are flawless and perfect and these power rankings were created on certain chosen criteria that are unique and different from other college basketball power rankings. Ranking the 14 Big Ten teams is always challenging and difficult and open for debate and conversation among fans and those who watch, podcast, and write about Big Ten basketball programs.
What are the four ranking systems used in these Big Ten power rankings?
The Formulas used to determine these power rankings and the four systems of rankings are listed below. The teams with the lowest overall point totals will more than likely be ranked the highest in these rankings. Ranking based on all games played through 11/22/22.
Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings
The College Basketball Power Index (BPI)
Sagarin’s College Basketball Ratings
487. . 3-1. . Golden Gophers . 14. team
Minnesota
Best Win: Central Michigan (68-60)
Number of wins over a power five conference teams: Zero
Number of victories over high tier mid major teams not in a Power Five conference: Zero
Notable Defeats: DePaul (53-69)
Non-Conference Record: 4-1
RPI Ranking: 156
KenPom Ranking: 148
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 121
Sagarin Ranking: 132
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: Zero
Total Points from Rankings: 557
team. 488. . 3-1. . Cornhuskers . 13
Nebraska
Best Win: Maine (79-66)
Number of wins over a power five conference teams: Zero
Number of victories over high tier mid major teams not in a Power Five conference: Zero
Notable Defeats: At St. Johns (50-70)
Non-Conference Record: 3-1
RPI Ranking: 71
KenPom Ranking: 112
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 90
Sagarin Ranking: 105
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: Zero
Total Points from Rankings: 378
Wolverines . 12. team. 485. . 4-1.
Michigan
Best Win: Pittsburg (91-60)
Number of wins over a power five conference teams: One
Number of victories over high tier mid major teams not in a Power Five conference: Zero
Notable Defeats: Arizona State (62-87)
Non-Conference Record: 4-1
RPI Ranking: 131
KenPom Ranking: 44
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 86
Sagarin Ranking: 40
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: Zero
Total Points from Rankings: 301
490. . 4-1. . Buckeyes . 11. team
Ohio State
Best Win: Cincinnati (81-53)
Number of wins over a power five conference teams: Zero
Number of victories over high tier mid major teams not in a Power Five conference: One
Notable Defeats: San Diego State (77-88)
Non-Conference Record: 4-1
RPI Ranking: 177
KenPom Ranking: 25
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 20
Sagarin Ranking: 33
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: One
Total Points from Rankings: 255