Throw out all preseason predictions. With a full non-conference slate under each team’s belt, we now have a taste of what life will be like in Big Ten play. Things can change, and they most likely will, but before discussing what may happen, let’s first focus on what has happened.
Therefore, with conference play geared up to start New Year’s Eve, I decided to take a look back at the best of the non-conference season for the Big Ten.
Most Surprising Team
Wisconsin- Here’s a life lesson for you folks: never count out Bo Ryan. No one expected Wisconsin to be bad by any means (they were picked 20th in the preseason AP poll), but after losing two of their top three scorers to graduation they have exceeded expectations thus far. The emergence of Frank Kaminsky and improvement of Sam Dekker has helped the Badgers notch several quality wins (most notably over then No. 11 Florida), and end the non-conference season undefeated, sitting at No. 4 in the AP Poll. They have shown the ability to play both fast (103 points vs. North Dakota) and slow (48 points vs. Virginia).
Most Surprising Player
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin- It’s only fitting that my most surprising player plays for my most surprising team. The 7-foot junior who scored only 196 points combined in his first two seasons is averaging an astonishing 14.2 points per game. He has provided length inside for the Badgers (first on the team in blocks, second in rebounding) - and an outside shot as well. Kaminsky has made 43 percent of his three point attempts thus far and his 16 trey balls rank second on the team.
Honorable Mention:
Caris Lavert, Michigan- The sophomore has certainly taken advantage of the departures of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. With increased playing time and confidence, Lavert has seen his scoring average jump from 2.3 points to 13.1. He has been a bright spot for the four loss Wolverines.
Best Team Wins
Wisconsin over Florida (59-53), November 12th: The Badgers knocked off the then No. 11 Gators in their home opener. Florida has only one loss since that game, to UConn on a Shabazz Napier buzzer beater.
Michigan State over Kentucky (78-74), November 12th: Experience served youth in this one as the Spartans handed then No. 1 Kentucky its first loss.
Illinois over Missouri (65-64), December 21st: Thanks to two late free throws from Tracy Abrams, Illinois handed Missouri its first loss of the season in the annual Braggin Rights game.
Best Individual Performances
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin- 43 points vs. North Dakota, November 19th: Kaminsky’s 43 points were a school record. He went 16-19 from the field, including 6-6 from long distance. And oh yeah, he played just 28 minutes.
Adreian Payne, Michigan State- 33 points, 9 rebounds vs. Texas, December 21st: Tom Izzo called Payne’s performance the best of his Michigan State career. The senior went 10-13 from the field and knocked down 11 of his 12 free throws.
Top Impact Freshmen
Noah Vonleh, Indiana- Indiana’s coaching staff raved about Vonleh’s work ethic in the offseason, and the freshmen’s hard work is paying dividends on the court thus far. Vonleh leads all Big Ten freshmen in scoring (12 per game) and rebounding (9.5 per game). While having the tendency to disappear at times, Vonleh’s constant work around the rim has helped the young Hoosiers stay competitive in each game this season.
Making the Sophomore Leap
Yogi Ferrell, Indiana- On a team with four 1,000 point scorers, Ferrell was mainly relied upon as a facilitator last season. But Ferrell has embraced a scoring role this season for Indiana, averaging 16.8 points per game, up from 7.8 a year ago. An improved shooting stroke is the main reason why.
Honorable Mention:
Nik Stauskas, Michigan- Stauskas has proved he’s not just a one-dimensional player in his second year. His ability to attack the basket and shoot the three has helped him raise his scoring average nearly eight points.
Top Impact Transfer
Rayvonte Rice, Illinois- The Drake transfer has carried the scoring load for the Illini thus far. Rice is averaging 18.2 points per game, good for second in the Big Ten. His play has helped ease the losses of Brandon Paul and DJ Richardson and has given Illini fans a reason to believe this team can earn an NCAA tournament bid.
Honorable Mentions:
DeAndre Mathieu, Minnesota- Morehead State transfer is averaging 11.5 points per game.
Terran Pettaway, Nebraska- Texas Tech transfer leads Nebraska in scoring at 17.3 points per game.
Impact Transfer (That is Leaving)
Luke Fischer, Indiana- Just when it appeared Fischer was becoming more comfortable on the court (he had 10 points and 3 blocks in his last game), the freshmen decided to transfer on Monday. This leaves an already thin Hoosier frontcourt even thinner.
Comeback Player of the Non-Conference
Tim Frazier, Penn State- After missing virtually all of last season, Frazier has returned to his old self averaging 18.2 points and 7.5 assists. He and DJ Newbill lead an underrated backcourt for Penn State.
Honorable Mention: Drew Crawford, Northwestern- Crawford is averaging 16.4 points per game after returning from a torn labrum.
Impact Injury
Mitch McGary, Michigan- The sophomore opted for back surgery and will likely miss the remainder of the season. A major setback for the slumping Wolverines.
Best Finish
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame (64-61), December 21st: Lenzelle Smith Jr. scored 7 of his 9 points in the final 33 seconds to help Ohio State overcome an eight point deficit with 50 seconds left. Yes you read that right.
Honorable Mentions: Illinois over Missouri (65-64), December 21st and Iowa vs. Xavier (77-74 OT), November 28th
-Kevin Schaefer
