Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season
8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
It’s the most highly-anticipated season in Rutgers basketball history, headlined by the dazzling five-star duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. We all know what they can bring to the table, but it's supporting cast will be essential for the Scarlet Knights in 2024-25.
After falling to St. John’s in its preseason exhibition game, one thing that became abundantly clear: lack of a frontcourt presence. Losing its rim protector Cliff Omoruyi hurts which can make Rutgers ill-positioned to match up against physical bigs in the Big Ten.
Thankfully, its overall scoring depth looks much improved with Jordan Derkack, PJ Hayes and Jamichael Davis helping supplement its scoring. Rutgers will be hot. Rutgers will be cold. But as long as a pair of NBA-ready freshmen lead the way, the Scarlet Knights will be a dangerous out.
7. Maryland Terrapins
I fully expect a bounce-back year for Kevin Willard and Maryland basketball even if it lost its heartbeat, Jahmir Young.
Its perimeter woes *should* be much improved. Last year, Maryland shot a woeful 28.9% from behind the arc and was a sub-300 team in effective field goal percentage (46.7). Those numbers should change for the better, and with the additions of Maryland's perimeter woes, they should be much improved. Last year, Maryland shot a woeful 28.9% from behind the arc and was a sub-300 team in effective field goal percentage (46.7). Those numbers should change for the better with the additions of Ja'Kobi GIllespie (Belmont) and Selton Miguel (USF), who shot 39% from three.
Add another year of experience for DeShawn Harris-Smith, (Belmont) and Selton Miguel (USF), who shot 39% from three. Add another year of experience for DeShawn Harris-Smith and the Terps have the makings to be a formidable unit on the perimeter.
Of course, one cannot forget the daunting frontcourt that lies ahead with double-double machine Julian Reese and five-star freshman Derik Queen running the paint. If Willard can find a way to maximize that fit, look out for the Terps, who will once again be among the Big Ten’s top defensive teams.