Through six weeks, who is Big Ten men’s basketball’s biggest surprise, and who is the biggest disappointment?
Well, some morons had Penn State as low as No. 17 in their preseason polls. Idiots. Ace Baldwin and the Nittany Lions are a top-35 team across the major analytics sites and already chewed up and spat out Purdue.
On the other, you have Indiana. Maybe I felt some peer pressure to put the Hoosiers No. 5 to start the year. Surely all that transfer portal talent had to equal an uptick in performance, right?
Although, to quote myself: “The roster looks good on paper, but it’s more than fair to hang back and see whether or not it actually comes together. “
Still hanging as we speak.
(Records through games of Dec. 19)
1. UCLA (10-1, 2-0)
Prev: 1
Finally leaves the West Coast on Saturday for that traditional Big Ten venue, Madison Square Garden.
2. Illinois (7-3, 1-1)
Prev: 3
Couldn’t quite win the orangest matchup ever against Tennessee, but can claim Braggin’ Rights Sunday against Missouri.
3. Purdue (8-3, 1-1)
Prev: 2
Don’t get swept up in Johni Broome’s status. Saturday’s game at Auburn a tough one regardless.
4. Maryland (9-2, 1-1)
Prev: 6
Derik Queen’s 3-pointers: vs. Purdue 2-5, vs. Everyone else 0-11.
5. Michigan State (9-2, 2-0)
Prev: 5
Since we’ve by and large ditched the suits, can Tom Izzo wear that Grinch sweater the rest of the year?
6. Oregon (10-1, 1-1)
Prev: 4
Let the other Ducks have the Nike money. Supreme Cook will look to Blue Apron and Cuisinart for his NIL deals.
7. Michigan (8-3, 2-0)
Prev: 7
Three neutral-court losses by a combined five points enough to have Dusty May longing for Conference USA days.
8. Penn State (9-2, 1-1)
Prev: 8
Bryce Jordan Center could use a rebrand. How about “Den of Thieves” for these takeaway artists?
9. Wisconsin (9-3, 0-2)
Prev: 10
Badgers take care of the ball and hit their free throws. Boring but effective.
10. Iowa (8-3, 0-2)
Prev: 13
Allowing 80.7 points per game against Power Four opponents and 65 points per game against the rest of the schedule.
11. Ohio State (7-4, 1-1)
Prev: 9
One wonders if this roster finds some stability if and when it finally comes together.
12. Northwestern (8-3, 1-1)
Prev: 12
Chris Collins vs. Chris Holtmann in the battle for Chicago on Saturday.
13. Nebraska (7-2, 1-1)
Prev: 14
Indiana won’t be the last Big Ten team Brice Williams scorches this season.
14. Indiana (8-3, 1-1)
Prev: 11
Even on the road it should be hard to win offensive rebounds 15-6, turn the ball over five fewer times than your opponent … and lose.
15. Rutgers (7-4, 1-1)
Prev: 15
Kings of New Jersey after beating Seton Hall, but not a contender for any other thrones right now.
16. USC (8-4, 1-1)
Prev: 16
Is 1-4 against teams ranked higher than 149 by KenPom, and that one win was (see below).
17. Washington (8-3, 0-2)
Prev: 17
Just because you’re the best win on USC’s resume doesn’t mean you’re a good win.
18. Minnesota (6-5, 0-2)
Prev: 18
No games happening in Target Field this time of year, but sneak over there anyway for a pint at Fulton Brewing.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings: Who is on top in updated poll?
