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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Iowa guard Tony Perkins 230131 N Western Iowa Mbb 040 Jpg /

9. Iowa Hawkeyes

2022-23 season record: 19-14 (11-9)

Every year under head coach Fran McCaffery, the Hawkeyes have not only one of the top offenses in Big Ten Basketball but nationally as well. But that’s going to be tested a bit next season, as they lost both of its top scorers, Kris Murray, and Filip Rebraca. They also lost its two lead passers in guards Connor McCaffery and Ahron Ulis.

What’s interesting is that to this point, Iowa has only focused on upgrading the frontcourt. They added Ben Krikke, who averaged 19.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg at Valpo and is a three-time All-MVC player. Joining him is Even Brauns, who produced 7.0 ppg and 5.3 rpg at Belmont and is a 6’9 and 250-pound big man.

The backcourt is now going to be all about Tony Perkins, the team’s top returning scorer. He averaged 12.3 ppg and 2.8 apg this past season, including a career-high 32 points against Illinois. Dasante Bowen and Josh Dix are going to have much larger roles in the backcourt, joined by incoming three-star recruit, Brock Harding.

Look for Payton Sandfort to have a big role as well, after averaging 10.3 ppg in 21 mpg, mostly coming off the bench. He has the potential to be an explosive scorer and maybe even the next 20 ppg scorer to lead Iowa on offense. If that happens, the team won’t even need a true point guard.

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