Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season
6. Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State basketball is in a compelling spot entering its 30th season under Tom Izzo. It lost three sure-fire starters, including its go-to scorer Tyson Walker, on a team that underachieved relative to its talent last season. Yet the Spartans have three sophomore breakout candidates ready to fill that void: Jeremy Fears Jr., Xavier Booker and Coen Carr.
Adding 6-foot-7 forward Frankie Fidler -- who averaged over 20 PPG at Nebraska-Omaha -- adds much-needed scoring on the wings and its three-guard backcourt in Fears/Holloman/Akins can hold its own in the Big Ten.
Over the summer, big man Jaxon Kohler has molded into a stretch-five option. If his impressive early returns can mold into fruition come November, the Spartans may have figured out its frontcourt issues over the past few seasons. And this isn’t even including the tentative breakout season for Booker).
Can the Spartans turn the corner and break out of the middle of the pack in the Big Ten despite its lack of a go-to scorer? If there is one sure thing in CBB, instilling doubt in Tom Izzo is ill-advised.
5. Oregon Ducks
One name to circle, highlight and bookmark to the top of your screen when watching Oregon basketball this season? That name is Jackson Shelstad.
Shesltad was among the top freshmen in the country last season, averaging 12.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 2.0 APG in over 32+ MPG. That’s a hefty load for a freshman and an even bigger season is in store for the sophomore guard. Paring Shelstad alongside Villanova transfer TJ Bamba -- who was listed as the most important team transfer for the Ducks -- is an excellent starting backcourt duo for Dana Altman’s Ducks.
The Ducks are strong in the wings with Kwame Evans Jr. (another breakout name to watch) and Stanford transfer Brandon Angel, making this well-rounded group a competitive foe in the Big Ten. How Oregon adjusts its frontcourt without N’Faly Dante is a question mark. But a healthy Nate Bittle may be the answer. Keep an eye out for the Ducks this season.