Big Ten Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 12, 2023

Mar 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) posts up against Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Branden Dawson (22) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) during the first half in the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big Ten Basketball Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

13. D’Angelo Russell

A five-star recruit, Russell was a one-and-done prospect for Ohio State but made his season count with the Buckeyes. A 6’5 guard from Louisville, he spent the 2014-15 season in a starring role under Thad Matta’s leadership before beginning a long NBA career.

In his lone collegiate season, Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, clearly establishing himself as Ohio State’s best offensive player. He also had solid steals numbers and was important all over the court. Russell had a few 30-point performances during that freshman year and had a triple-double in a win against Rutgers as well. He scored 28 points in the NCAA Tournament in a first-round win over VCU, though saw his collegiate career end in the second round.

Russell’s talent and productivity shined for all to see and he was named a First Team All-American. He also brought home the Jerry West Award and was one of the best shooters in the nation. It can be hard to judge a one-and-done, especially when the Buckeyes didn’t have a deep postseason run, but Russell was an impressive talent and Ohio State would’ve loved to have had him for more than that one season.

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