CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The halfway mark of the Big Ten men's basketball season is here, and the mighty Big Ten is trudging along this season.
So far, only three Big Ten foes appear poised to easily earn a March Madness birth, having been mainstays in the national rankings this season. Purdue, Illinois and Wisconsin have been great, while other squads have entered the rankings but fallen out throughout the season.
Let's take a look at some of the Big Ten's top performers at mid-season with 10 to 12 games remaining in the conference.
Most Improved Players
Illinois: Coleman Hawkins
Indiana: Malik Reneau
Nebraska: Keisei Tominaga
Freshman of the Year
Iowa: Owen Freeman
Wisconsin: John Blackwell
Minnesota: Cam Christie
Coach of the Year
Wisconsin: Greg Gard
Illinois: Brad Underwood
Northwestern: Chris Collins
Defensive Player of the Year
Illinois: Coleman Hawkins
Rutgers: Clifford Omoruyi
Penn State: Ace Baldwin Jr.
Top Transfers
OSU: Jamison Battle
Indiana: Kel'el Ware
Illinois: Marcus Domask
Most Underrated Player
Wisconsin: AJ Storr
Iowa: Tony Perkins
Michigan: Dug McDaniel
Player of the Year
Maryland: Jahmir Young
Purdue: Zach Edey
Northwestern: Boo Buie
Keep in mind this is a mid-season analysis; these are subject to change as the season continues to unfold. As of now, Sporting News College Analyst Mike DeCourcy projects six Big Ten teams to make this year's NCAA tournament: Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
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