Busting Brackets
Fansided

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

By Tristan Freeman

Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle
Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 14
Next
Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Mike Rhoades Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Commonwealth Rams head coach Mike Rhoades Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Penn State Nittany Lions

2022-23 season record: 23-14 (10-10)

It was a breakout year for the program, winning 20+ games for just the third time in the past 22 years and making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011. But it was going to be a tough offseason no matter what, as All-American guard Jalen Pickett was one of several key players that had no eligibility left.

And once Coach Micah Shrewsberry opted to leave for Notre Dame, he took with him the remainder of the underclassmen and incoming freshmen that could’ve come back. Penn State still managed to make a solid hire in Mike Rhoades from VCU, who was able to bring with him, Ace Baldwin Jr.

The point guard averaged 12.7 ppg and 5.8 apg last season and was named both the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and top defender as well. He’s part of a completely rebuilt roster, including UMKC guard Mayquawndis Mitchell (17.3 ppg on 35% shooting), Lafayette transfer Leo O’Boyle (11.6 ppg on 41% 3PT), and VCU guard/wing, Nick Kern.

It’s a roster that has potential but a lot of these newcomers are going to have to elevate their games to be successful in Big Ten Basketball. One player to watch is Puff Johnson, who had his moments at North Carolin but didn’t have a ton of playing time. If he breaks out, this team could be a sneaky threat.

Home/Big Ten