10. Ohio State Buckeyes
Last year was a bit of a disappointment with an NCAA Tournament-level roster in Jake Diebler’s first full year at the helm. The biggest question in Columbus: Will Bruce Thornton be a Buckeye next year after not being invited to the NBA Draft Combine? If he elects to return, Thornton is a serious contender for Big Ten Player of the Year. (Yes, even if Braden Smith and TKR will likely be frontrunners in the POY race.)
While the Buckeyes lose Sean Stewart and Aaron Bradshaw, which ultimately hurts their length, their backcourt should be outstanding with Thornton (tentatively), Devin Royal and John Mobley Jr. leading the way.
However, all hope is not lost in the frontcourt. The name to watch in the paint is Santa Clara transfer Christoph Tilly. The seven-footer averaged 12.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 2.0 APG as a stretch-big option. Herb Sendek has produced some high-level players at Santa Clara. Tilly is another one on the list, who should be in line for a big season in Columbus.