Big Ten Basketball: Iowa rises, Michigan State falls in updated WTE 2024-25 rankings

13. Northwestern Wildcats

In its 119-year history, Northwestern has made three total trips to the NCAA Tournament. Two of them have come in the last two seasons, thanks to star guard and All-Big Ten performer, Boo Buie. He led the team with 19.0 ppg and 5.0 apg, including 22 points and five steals in the Round of 64 win over Florida Atlantic.

The Wildcats haven’t had many players like Buie in the past and it’s going to be nearly impossible to replace him and his production. The loss of starting guard and lethal three-point shooter Ryan Langborg is an underrated roster departure that’s also going to hurt.

Northwestern does bring back two all-conference caliber players in Ty Berry and Brooks Barnhizer. Berry, who shot over 43% from deep, missed the last part of the season due to injuries but should be 100% by November. Barnhizer (14.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg), could be a breakout star with an even larger role on the team and they’ll need an all-league star to help offset to loss of Buie.

The biggest question to watch is whether Fairfield transfer Jalen Leach can be the team’s starting point guard. If he’s not the answer, they’re going to struggle. But if he is, the offense should be fine to complement the strong frontcourt interior defense, led by Matthew Nicholson and Nick Martinelli.