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 /

6 of 7

Big Ten Basketball Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Michigan State Spartans – Grade: A-

Last offseason, Michigan State didn’t do anything in the transfer portal, to the dismay of some fans. This time, Coach Tom Izzo is doing the same thing but no one has an issue with it. That’s because they return just about all of their production from a Sweet 16 team, including leading scorer Tyson Walker. More importantly, the team has a top-5 recruiting class coming in to provide more depth.

A case can be made that they could upgrade at the center position but Mady Sissoko proved he can be a starter in the Big Ten. They’re not waiting to see what both Jaden Akins and AJ Hoggard do with the NBA Draft process. If they both return, look for the Spartans to have an “A” when it’s all said and done.

3. Indiana Hoosiers – Grade: B-

It’s been an interesting offseason, with a lot of movement that has gone both ways for them. On the positive end, the Hoosiers landed three frontcourt transfers, including former five-star center from Oregon, Kel’el Ware. Most importantly, starting guard Xavier Johnson is back for a 6th year.

Considering that they lost Jalen Hood-Schifino (pro) and Tamar Bates (portal) are gone, Indiana is still in need of backcourt help. The problem is that they’ve missed out on several targets and time is starting to run out. They’ve rebuilt the frontcourt to replace Race Thompson and Trayce Jackson-Davis so that job is done but they have some work to do.

Home/Big Ten