Busting Brackets
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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 /
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Big Ten Basketball Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Clifford Omoruyi Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2022-23 season record: 19-15 (10-10)

When starting forward Mawot Mag went down with an injury, Rutgers season went into freefall, eventually missing the NCAA Tournament. The good news is that he’s back but the team has lost a couple of key pieces this offseason. Caleb McConnell had no eligibility left, while Cam Spencer, who tied for the team lead with 13.2 ppg on 43% three-point shooting, entered the transfer portal.

The Knights are still actually waiting on their two best players to decide on their NBA Draft moves. Star big man Cliff Omoruyi (13.2 ppg and 9.6 rpg) and point guard Paul Mulcahy (8.3 ppg and 4.9 apg) could either stay or go and their decisions will ultimately determine whether this team has a shot next season.

Who is back is Mag, Aundre Hyatt, and guard Derek Simpson, who has a chance to have a big sophomore campaign after averaging 7.1 ppg in his first year. The team also added Noah Fernandes, who averaged 14.9 ppg and 5.3 apg in his lone fully healthy year as a junior at UMass two years ago. He’s a legit scorer but only played 11 games this past season.

Rutgers also has top-50 guard Gavin Griffiths coming in and the hope is that he can help offset to loss of Spencer. There are more offensive weapons on this roster to work but again, it depends on what the two key starters decide in the next few days.

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