x
Breaking News
More () »

Big Ten Men's Basketball Mid-Season Report Card

The halfway mark of the Big Ten men's basketball season is here and so far only three Big Ten foes have been mainstays in the national rankings.
Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) looks to pass over Iowa forward Ben Krikke (23) and forward Owen Freeman.

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

  1. Illinois: Coleman Hawkins

  2. Indiana: Malik Reneau

  3. Nebraska: Keisei Tominaga

Freshman of the Year

  1. Iowa: Owen Freeman

  2. Wisconsin: John Blackwell

  3. Minnesota: Cam Christie

Coach of the Year

  1. Wisconsin: Greg Gard

  2. Illinois:  Brad Underwood

  3. Northwestern: Chris Collins

Defensive Player of the Year

  1. Illinois: Coleman Hawkins

  2. Rutgers: Clifford Omoruyi

  3. Penn State: Ace Baldwin Jr.

Top Transfers

  1. OSU: Jamison Battle

  2. Indiana: Kel'el Ware

  3. Illinois: Marcus Domask

Most Underrated Player

  1. Wisconsin: AJ Storr

  2. Iowa: Tony Perkins

  3. Michigan: Dug McDaniel

Player of the Year

  1. Maryland: Jahmir Young

  2. Purdue: Zach Edey

  3. 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. 

Download the WQAD News 8 App 
Subscribe to our newsletter 
► 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel 

Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel

Before You Leave, Check This Out