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Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 impact freshmen of 2022-23 season

By Tommy McGowan

Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Bruce Thornton, Ohio State

Stats: 28.7 MPG, 8.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 41% FG

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Ohio State, but Bruce Thornton has been a constant, putting together a quality first season in Columbus. He’s been asked to play big minutes from the get-go, but hasn’t shied away from the opportunity, averaging over 8 points per game and shooting a nice percentage from the field and three-point territory. The Buckeye loss to North Carolina earlier in the season felt like a breakthrough moment for Thornton, as he dropped 17 points and added five boards and five assists each.

7. Connor Essegian, Wisconsin

Stats: 24.9 MPG, 10.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 43% 3-point

Connor Essegian has the look and feel of a guard that’s going to torment the Big Ten for years to come. The sharpshooter is among the top scoring freshman guards in the conference, and he’s doing it efficiently. He’s shooting 43% from three-point territory and 89% from the free-throw line, while taking care of the ball. Expect him to continue to play an outsized role in a Wisconsin offense that has cooled down in recent weeks.

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