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 /

7 of 26

Big Ten Basketball Purdue Boilermakers guard Jaden Ivey Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Jaden Ivey

A 6’4 guard from South Bend, Indiana, Ivey was a fringe Top 100 recruit who became far more than that during his collegiate career. He played a pair of seasons at Purdue and turned into a star for the Boilermakers during that time, later becoming the 5th pick of the 2021 NBA Draft as a result.

In his freshman season, Ivey averaged 11.1 points per game and was one of the best young guards in the conference. He scored a season-high 26 points in Purdue’s final game, a Tourney loss to North Texas, though year two would be far better in every regard. Ivey would average 17.3 points and 4.9 rebounds and even more impactful role for the Boilermakers. He showcased his talent at Purdue as a breakout star and led the program to the Sweet Sixteen.

Ivey’s freshman year was very solid but his sophomore season was simply elite. He earned Second Team All-American honors and was First Team All-Big Ten, emerging as a top scorer and overall contributor in the conference. He earned that high draft selection with his dynamic play throughout his career, especially during that standout sophomore season, and he was truly missed this past year with Purdue struggling in the Big Dance.

Home/Big Ten