Big Ten Basketball: Power rankings heading into 2022-23 conference play
By Ryan Kay
This is the second Big Ten Basketball power rankings of the season and with each team playing at least six games, let’s look at how and why these 14 teams are ranked in these power rankings before conference play begins.
What are the four ranking systems used in these Big Ten power rankings?
The Formulas used to determine these power rankings and the five systems of rankings are shown below. The teams with the lowest overall point totals will be ranked the highest in these rankings as these rankings are data-driven by the numbers provided by the various ranking systems. Ranking based on all games played through 11/30/22.
Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings
The College Basketball Power Index (BPI)
Sagarin’s College Basketball Ratings
Are these ranking subjective and up for debate?
Yes, there are no power rankings that are flawless and perfect and these Big Ten power rankings were created on certain chosen criteria from five ranking systems that are different and unique from other college basketball power rankings. Ranking the individual 14 Big Ten teams is always difficult, challenging and arduous and open for conversation and debate among readers and those who watch, host podcasts, and write about Big Ten basketball programs.
Is the formula for these power rankings that is used for these Big Ten Basketball power rankings and the total points the only variable to determine these rankings?
For the most part yes, but if two teams are very close in total points, other factors may be used like strength of schedule. Also, especially in the beginning of the season when many of these teams have not even played their eighth game of the season, a main contributing factor for these power rankings is determined by the five individual ranking systems that have been explained and displayed in these Big Ten power rankings.
A team’s strength of schedule especially in non-conference play early in the season is a contributing factor in these rankings if a team is within ten points from each other. Certain teams like Michigan State, Purdue, and Illinois each played two top-25-ranked teams on neutral courts this season. So if a team like Purdue is within ten points of a team like Indiana that has not had a tough of a non-conference schedule as the Boilermakers, Purdue may be slightly ranked higher than the Hoosiers in these Big Ten power rankings.
Let’s now take a look at the second Big Ten power rankings for the 2022-2023 season beginning with the tier four teams in the conference.
487. . 4-3. Previous: 14th. Golden Gophers . 13. team
Minnesota
Best Wins: Cal Baptist (62-61) and 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), UNLV (62-71), and at Virginia Tech (57-67)
Non-Conference Record: 4-3
RPI Ranking: 129
NET Ranking: 109
KenPom Ranking: 149
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 139
Sagarin Ranking: 138
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: Zero
Total Points from Rankings: 664
Cornhuskers . 13. team. 488. . 5-3. Previous: 13th
Nebraska
Best Wins: Maine (79-66) , Florida State (75-58), and Boston College (88-67)
Number of wins over a power five conference teams: Two
Number of victories over high tier mid major teams not in a Power Five conference: Zero
Notable Defeats: At St. Johns (50-70), Oklahoma (56-69), and Memphis (61-73)
Non-Conference Record: 5-3
RPI Ranking: 110
NET Ranking: 145
KenPom Ranking: 97
College Basketball Power Index Ranking: 98
Sagarin Ranking: 88
Quadrant 1 Wins: Zero
Quadrant 2 Victories: Zero
Total Points from Rankings: 538