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Big Ten Basketball: Ranking of top 25 players entering 2023-24 season

Feb 12, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) defends Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) defends Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball
Big Ten Basketball Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Payton Sandfort – Iowa

Sandfort is a talented Hawkeyes guard who may be next in line for a major step forward in production next season. A reserve each of his first two seasons, he was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year last season, averaging 10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game off the bench, with decent shooting figures as well.

If Sandfort can keep developing as a shooter, he can become that next elite offensive weapon for the Hawkeyes. He really struggled early in the year, but found his 3-point shot again and ended up at 34% for the year. Already a top-notch free throw shooter, the big question is how Sandfort’s game develops as a starter for Iowa; they’ll need to him to take another step forward this season as a junior, now with past stars like Kris Murray gone from the program.

17. Bruce Thornton – Ohio State

An impressive combo guard originally from Georgia, Thornton was a Top 50 recruit last year that had a pretty decent freshman campaign. While Ohio State struggled as a team, Thornton put up 10.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, already developing as the top ball distributor for the Buckeyes. What does year two hold for him and this program?

Thornton isn’t really considered a star in this league, but that could change with a productive sophomore season. He made 37% of his 3-pointers last year and showed the ability and talent to score from all over the court for the Buckeyes. If Thornton has a good year, this season should go better for Ohio State, as he’ll put the players around in position for success.