Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2023-24 season

1. Purdue Boilermakers

2022-23 season record: 29-6 (15-5)

The undisputed best Big Ten Basketball team last season, Purdue is equipped to be even better in 2023-24. So far, they’ve only lost Brandon Newman to Western Kentucky. But his replacement is arguably even better on paper. Lance Jones is a transfer from Southern Illinois and was a four-year starter, averaging 13.8 ppg and 2.4 apg last season.

Also back are guards Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, two quality freshmen guards that overachieved in their first years. Any improvement by them will raise the floor of the Boilermakers and make them much less vulnerable to upsets. Having forwards Caleb Furst, Mason Gillis, and Trey Kaufman-Renn back keeps the frontcourt depth strong.

Ultimately, Purdue’s chances at being a Big Ten and national contender all come down to what Zach Edey does in the coming days. The 7’4 center led the team with 22.3 ppg and 12.9 rpg and was the National Player of the Year. He’s currently in the NBA Draft process and could be a second-round draft pick if he stays.

This is a solid roster without him that could very well be a top-25 caliber team and Big Ten Basketball contender next season. But if Edey is back, Purdue is the clear team to beat in this conference and the favorite to repeat.