Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings: Taking stock as conference play begins this week

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With Big Ten play beginning this week, we can finally add a head-to-head element to these theoretical comparisons.

Everyone plays two league games over the next two weeks — one at home, one on the road. Those programs who have hidden from competition in the first month of the season must come out of hiding.

1. Purdue (7-1)

Prev: 1

Matt Painter’s confident predictions about Trey Kaufman-Renn starting to come true already.

‘Right place at the right time.’ Myles Colvin maturing into Purdue’s invaluable instigator

2. Oregon (8-0)

Prev: 12

What matters more: Needing overtime to beat Portland or beating Texas A&M and Alabama on a neutral court by any score? I’m leaning to the latter.

3. Illinois (6-1)

Prev: 5

What’s up with all these Canadians suddenly taking over the Big Ten? Illini freshman Will Riley’s the latest invader.

4. UCLA (6-1)

Prev: 6

Opponents are putting up Wooden-era scores — as in Johnny Wooden, at Martinsville High School —  surpassing 50 only twice in seven games,

5. Wisconsin (8-0)

Prev: 3

Not saying it’s been consistently pretty, but the record remains spotless.

6. Ohio State (5-2)

Prev: 2

The good news about that one-point OT home loss to Pitt? It’s the last thing anyone in Columbus cares about right now.

7. Nebraska (6-1)

Prev: 4

Anyone checked with Fred Hoiberg on his pregame handshake policy?

8. Michigan State (6-2)

Prev: 11

Spartans are paying homage to Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Along Came Polly” from 3 right now — you know the .gif — but picked up big OT win over North Carolina anyway.

9. Michigan (6-1)

Prev: 7

Has combined with Wolverines football coach Sherrone Moore to go 4-0 against the state of Ohio this fall.

10. Maryland (7-1)

Prev: 8

Doesn’t really get to ease into Big Ten play this week. Plays host to Buckeyes before traveling to Mackey Arena.

11. Rutgers (5-3)

Prev: 10

Older Scarlet Knights need to pick it up soon. These fabulous freshmen may not stick around long.

12. Indiana (5-2)

Prev: 9

“Actually could you not Google me?” — Mike Woodson…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-power-143245615.html

Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-12-02 14:32:00

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