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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 Ohio State Buckeyes forward Brice SensabaughJoseph Scheller-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Mbk Minnesota Minnesota At Ohio State
Big Ten Basketball Ohio State Buckeyes forward Brice SensabaughJoseph Scheller-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Mbk Minnesota Minnesota At Ohio State /

2. Braden Smith, Purdue

Stats: 29.2 MPG, 9.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 46% FG

You could pick and choose between Loyer and Smith for this No. 2 spot, but I choose the latter for his ability to impact the game every time he steps on the court. Smith isn’t a player that’s going to go out and drop 30 points every night, but there are few freshmen in the nation who contribute in the way Smith does. He’s their top assist guy, and is third on the team in both points and rebounds, all while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from deep. It’s been an incredible run for a freshman who came in with some fanfare but wasn’t expected to be this good, this early.

1. Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State

Stats: 24.0 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 51% FG

There shouldn’t be much debate for the top spot, as Brice Sensabaugh has outpaced every other first-year player in the Big Ten this winter. He’s the top-scoring freshman in the conference at 17.6 PPG and also proven to be an effective rebounder and decent on-ball defender. When you consider his per-40 numbers, the stat-line becomes even more jaw-dropping, as Sensabaugh would be averaging over 29 points per and nearly 10 boards. Unfortunately for Ohio State fans, it doesn’t feel like they will be able to enjoy Sensabaugh’s game for years to come. He’s certainly caught the attention of NBA scouts and feels like a good bet to be a lottery selection this summer.

Next. Latest top-25 power rankings. dark

Purdue may be out ahead in the Big Ten race by a wide margin, but there’s still plenty to play for in the league. From teams battling it out for better seeding and bubble teams looking to cement their spot in the NCAA Tournament field, expect there to be plenty of fireworks yet to come in conference action. These 13 players mentioned should not only have a major impact in the conclusion of 2022-2023, but many will be important contributors on their respective teams for the next several years.

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