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

12. Xavier Johnson – Indiana

With all that Indiana lost in the offseason, Johnson is actually the top scorer back this year. He was actually knocked out by injury back in mid-December, but averaged 9.9 points and 4.9 assists in those eleven games before his season came to an early end. Former a three-year guard at Pittsburgh, Johnson had averaged double figures in his first four collegiate seasons and could be due for a bounce back.

With his foot back to normal, Johnson is back on the court as a major leader for the Hoosiers. He’s averaged right around 5.0 assists per game for his entire career and may be the Big Ten’s best point guard. He certainly has the veteran experience that Mike Woodson is looking for on a team replacing much of their talent from last year; expect great things from Johnson in his final collegiate shot.

11. Fletcher Loyer – Purdue

There was a lot to like about Loyer’s game last season. Even more impressively, he was just a freshman, though he played a significant role for a very talented Purdue squad. Loyer averaged 11.0 points and 2.4 assists a game in the Boilermakers’ young backcourt and is back this year, hoping for a sophomore leap in what could be an unforgettable season in West Lafayette.

Loyer fought against inconsistency and a leg injury late in the year but still put up some very impressive numbers for a true freshman. It’s all about how he develops this season after shooting 32% from outside the arc, struggling a bit in the final month of the year. This Purdue team projects as perhaps the best in the nation and Loyer was a major part of that success last season. No longer a freshman, could this be a breakout campaign for him?