Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season

16. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Not much was expected for Minnesota after facing a mass exodus of departures, but Ben Johnson (quietly) rebounded well this offseason. Out of all players from last year’s NIT group, one player who HAD to return was Dawson Garcia, the team’s leader in both points (17.6) and rebounds (6.7). 

With Garcia back in the frontcourt, Ben Johnson has a staple, floor-stretching anchor to build off of alongside its vast collection of guards: Mike Mitchell Jr., Charlotte transfer Lu’Cye Patterson, Oregon transfer Brennan Rigsby, NMSU transfer Femi Odukale and four-star PG Isaac Asuma.

I’m cautiously optimistic about this group -- especially with its guards -- but given the high volume of losses, there are far more questions than answers regarding the Gophers’ identity. With a weak non-conference slate, it's hard to make a case for Minnesota’s long-term success this season. But don’t expect the Gophers to be an easy out, either.

15. Northwestern Wildcats

Chris Collins has taken Northwestern -- yes, Northwestern -- to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. That deserves leaps and praises of its own. But now Northwestern will have to do so without its star player, Boo Buie.

Brooks Barnhizer, who averaged 14.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 2.6 APG on 35+ MPG, is in line for another productive season with a greater load offensively on his plate. Barnhizer has the intangibles to be a top player in the Big Ten this season. A healthy Ty Berry alongside Fairfield transfer Jalen Leach is a formidable backcourt. Matthew Nicholson returning in the frontcourt is a plus, too.

If one thing is assured with this group, Northwestern will be a tough out in 2024-25, especially in Welsh Ryan Arena with Barnhizer running the show. But I question if this team has enough “pop” on both ends of the floor to establish itself as another NCAA Tournament-level team in Evanston.