Big Ten Basketball: Early grades for each teams 2023 offseason moves

Jan 21, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Nebraska 76-65. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big Ten Basketball Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Wisconsin Badgers – Grade: B

Technically, the Badgers had landed two transfers. But one of them de-committed, as Wyoming transfer Noah Reynolds ended up at Green Bay. But the guy that did stay was AJ Storr, a former top-50 prospect that averaged 8.8 ppg as a freshman at St. John’s and gives them an athlete that can shoot as well.

Although Wisconsin hasn’t done anything else, they’ve been able to retain all of its key pieces from last season. That includes forward Tyler Wahl for a 5th year after dealing with injuries from this past season. With guards Chucky Hepburn and Connor Essegian back and with another year of experience under their belts, the Badgers should be fine for next year.

11. Nebraska Cornhuskers – Grade: B+

Considering the current status of their program, you can’t expect Nebraska to get the top-tier talent out of the portal. But they’ve managed to land four solid pieces that all could start next season next to returning leading scorer, Keisei Tominaga. Bradley transfer forward Rienk Mast should have a nice impact in the frontcourt next to former New Mexico forward Josiah Allick, while Charlotte guard Brice Williams is one of the best shooters the team could’ve asked for.

Maybe I could dock them for only having Iowa transfer Ahron Ulis, who only averaged 6.0 ppg at Iowa as their projected starting point guard. But he’s a proven and solid power conference player and helps stabilize the backcourt. Compared to a Big Ten Basketball team in a similar situation in Minnesota, they’ve had a drastically different offseason and it should look that way in the standings next season.

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