2022-2023 Big Ten Preseason Rankings Thread


Interesting place for Mich St, and no mention of Tre Holloman. I think we are better then 13th even without Fox but we shall see.
 

Thanks for posting it. Hoping for at least a few spots more than 13th.
 


This is a weird piece. Says s lot of positives....and then ranks us 13th ha. Feels like a "either way I'm right and I'll post that I was right on social media to look smart!"
 


Figured we could use a thread specifically for preseason rankings. Pretty good analysis by 247 sports... (though I disagree with Wisconsin).


13. Minnesota

Projected starting lineup: G Ta'lon Cooper, G Taurus Samuels, F Jamison Battle, F Dawson Garcia, F Isaiah Ihnen

Opposing Big Ten coaches think Minnesota is building something special under Ben Johnson. The second-year Gophers coach just gets it and has been very impressive. The addition of Garcia is enormous. The North Carolina transfer has NBA upside if he puts it all together, and Minnesota needed more high-end talent. Battle was one of the Big Ten's best players last year. His ability to get buckets in isolation is pretty uncommon. Both Battle and Garcia should put up big numbers, but after them, there are big questions about Minnesota's depth.

In the backcourt, mid-major transfers like Cooper and Samuels will get thrown into the fire right away. Minnesota added some nice freshmen who could figure into the rotation right away, including Braeden Carrington. Battle and Garcia should start at the 3 and the 4, respectively, but another season-ending knee injury to Parker Fox really stings. That forces even more pressure on Ihnen to knock the rust off quickly as he recovers from a season-ending injury. He certainly has some tantalizing tools.

Minnesota is going to play really hard under Johnson. They're going to be connected. If Garcia and Battle combine for 40 points a night, Minnesota could make a jump into a potential NCAA Tournament team.

Go Gophers!!
 

This group will need real leadership . I see no one on this roster to lead when things go south. Things could spin out of control an the portal door will open once again,unless a leader appears .
 


This group will need real leadership . I see no one on this roster to lead when things go south. Things could spin out of control an the portal door will open once again,unless a
This group will need real leadership . I see no one on this roster to lead when things go south. Things could spin out of control an the portal door will open once again,unless a leader appears .
Just curious how you dont see a leader on this team. Have you seen their practices? Just wondering since I'm guessing you arent around team so I'm guessing you really dont have any idea who's vocal in practice and who might be the leaders. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not around team and watching their summer workouts so I have no clue.
 



If I had to pick today.
1) Ohio State, I like Sueing and Key and I like the transfers they brought in, they have a great coach who I think will do the best job of mixing everyone in.
2) Michigan State I like their Guard depth, really think it's being underestimated, between Atkins, Hall Hauser and Sissoko they can figure out in the front court.
3) Iowa Good starting five, I'm not sure if Kris can turn into Keagan, but if him, McAffery and Sandfort each take a step they'll be right there
4) Illinois I think it'll take sometime to mesh, I think Shannon and Meyer are good, but not great players. Not sure if Skyy Clark is legit one and done, or a today's era one and done, the Illini hope for the former. AFter two years will finally see what Dain Daija can do.
5) Indiana Great front court, but can they shoot and can the five star freshman pick it up right away on defense? They'll be a tough out, but if they have the same issues and you can make shots, you can stuff the paint against them.
6) Wisconsin I don't think Wahl the best four in the league, but him, Crowl and Chucky are nice returning three headed monster, not a big fan of Neath, but will see if Jordan Davis can take a step and if the transfers help right away. Could see it going alot of ways for them.
7) Purdue Lost alot of shooting, still have the big man Edey, but Painter one of the best in the business, they've recruited well and I trust that they'll figure it out
8) Minnesota. Losing Parker Fox stinks, but I really like how the transfer portal pieces are going to mesh. Dawson Garcia is an NBA talent, I also think he's going to be the best portal pick up in the conference, pairing him with Battle is going to give the gophers one of the best forward duos in the conference. Cooper the perfect type of PG with his assist numbers at Moorhead State to get them and others the ball. Samuels, a two year starter in the Ivy League is a good find for the back up PG role.. Without Fox, I can see some issues in the paint when Payne is not on the floor, but there's enough to like about this team to fight for the Tourney birth.
9) Michigan Hunter Dickenson is a beast, but I see alot of issues with guard play and the ability to make shots around him. The Princeton kid is a nice add, but I don't like it for them at the expense of Frankie Collins, they were a better team once Juwan gave him the keys to the offense.
10) Penn State Pickett, Dread and Lundy will win them some games, truth be told I could see them being a top half of the league team if they figure out the front court.
11) Rutgers I like Cliff in the middle, Mularchy and McConnell are nice pieces, but after that lot of ??? With Pickel I know they'll defend like gangbusters and be a tough out at home, but I don't see where the offense is coming from for them be more than a group that pisses in someone's cheerios a couple times next year
12) Maryland. Scott a good player, I think Young, the transfer from Charlotte will put up good numbers. Hakeem Hart has a nice shooting stroke and is a decent defender, after that, just not a lot for Kevin Willard to work with in year one. I think he can turn it around sooner rather than later, but year one will be tough.
13) Nebraska Griesel will be a great addition to the Huskers, but with the McGowan brothers gone I just don't see a whole lot that the incoming transfers are joining. If they can play better team ball, like they were at the end of last year they can make some noise, but I think it's going to take time to get there and it always feel like Fred starting over each season.
14) Northwestern, for Chris Collins, there's something to be said for taking NW to their first dance and winning a game, he id the de facto greatest NW coach of all time. But this is going to be the 6th year in a row where they have not been competitive on a consistent basis. Losing Nance and young is a disaster for them, I know Beran, Bouie, Berry and Audige have all logged alot of minutes, but they've all proven to be in efficient on offense and play matador defense and I just don't see those mind sets changing.
 

If I had to pick today.
1) Ohio State, I like Sueing and Key and I like the transfers they brought in, they have a great coach who I think will do the best job of mixing everyone in.
2) Michigan State I like their Guard depth, really think it's being underestimated, between Atkins, Hall Hauser and Sissoko they can figure out in the front court.
3) Iowa Good starting five, I'm not sure if Kris can turn into Keagan, but if him, McAffery and Sandfort each take a step they'll be right there
4) Illinois I think it'll take sometime to mesh, I think Shannon and Meyer are good, but not great players. Not sure if Skyy Clark is legit one and done, or a today's era one and done, the Illini hope for the former. AFter two years will finally see what Dain Daija can do.
5) Indiana Great front court, but can they shoot and can the five star freshman pick it up right away on defense? They'll be a tough out, but if they have the same issues and you can make shots, you can stuff the paint against them.
6) Wisconsin I don't think Wahl the best four in the league, but him, Crowl and Chucky are nice returning three headed monster, not a big fan of Neath, but will see if Jordan Davis can take a step and if the transfers help right away. Could see it going alot of ways for them.
7) Purdue Lost alot of shooting, still have the big man Edey, but Painter one of the best in the business, they've recruited well and I trust that they'll figure it out
8) Minnesota. Losing Parker Fox stinks, but I really like how the transfer portal pieces are going to mesh. Dawson Garcia is an NBA talent, I also think he's going to be the best portal pick up in the conference, pairing him with Battle is going to give the gophers one of the best forward duos in the conference. Cooper the perfect type of PG with his assist numbers at Moorhead State to get them and others the ball. Samuels, a two year starter in the Ivy League is a good find for the back up PG role.. Without Fox, I can see some issues in the paint when Payne is not on the floor, but there's enough to like about this team to fight for the Tourney birth.
9) Michigan Hunter Dickenson is a beast, but I see alot of issues with guard play and the ability to make shots around him. The Princeton kid is a nice add, but I don't like it for them at the expense of Frankie Collins, they were a better team once Juwan gave him the keys to the offense.
10) Penn State Pickett, Dread and Lundy will win them some games, truth be told I could see them being a top half of the league team if they figure out the front court.
11) Rutgers I like Cliff in the middle, Mularchy and McConnell are nice pieces, but after that lot of ??? With Pickel I know they'll defend like gangbusters and be a tough out at home, but I don't see where the offense is coming from for them be more than a group that pisses in someone's cheerios a couple times next year
12) Maryland. Scott a good player, I think Young, the transfer from Charlotte will put up good numbers. Hakeem Hart has a nice shooting stroke and is a decent defender, after that, just not a lot for Kevin Willard to work with in year one. I think he can turn it around sooner rather than later, but year one will be tough.
13) Nebraska Griesel will be a great addition to the Huskers, but with the McGowan brothers gone I just don't see a whole lot that the incoming transfers are joining. If they can play better team ball, like they were at the end of last year they can make some noise, but I think it's going to take time to get there and it always feel like Fred starting over each season.
14) Northwestern, for Chris Collins, there's something to be said for taking NW to their first dance and winning a game, he id the de facto greatest NW coach of all time. But this is going to be the 6th year in a row where they have not been competitive on a consistent basis. Losing Nance and young is a disaster for them, I know Beran, Bouie, Berry and Audige have all logged alot of minutes, but they've all proven to be in efficient on offense and play matador defense and I just don't see those mind sets changing.
Extremely well done. Thank you.
 

If I had to pick today.
1) Ohio State, I like Sueing and Key and I like the transfers they brought in, they have a great coach who I think will do the best job of mixing everyone in.
2) Michigan State I like their Guard depth, really think it's being underestimated, between Atkins, Hall Hauser and Sissoko they can figure out in the front court.
3) Iowa Good starting five, I'm not sure if Kris can turn into Keagan, but if him, McAffery and Sandfort each take a step they'll be right there
4) Illinois I think it'll take sometime to mesh, I think Shannon and Meyer are good, but not great players. Not sure if Skyy Clark is legit one and done, or a today's era one and done, the Illini hope for the former. AFter two years will finally see what Dain Daija can do.
5) Indiana Great front court, but can they shoot and can the five star freshman pick it up right away on defense? They'll be a tough out, but if they have the same issues and you can make shots, you can stuff the paint against them.
6) Wisconsin I don't think Wahl the best four in the league, but him, Crowl and Chucky are nice returning three headed monster, not a big fan of Neath, but will see if Jordan Davis can take a step and if the transfers help right away. Could see it going alot of ways for them.
7) Purdue Lost alot of shooting, still have the big man Edey, but Painter one of the best in the business, they've recruited well and I trust that they'll figure it out
8) Minnesota. Losing Parker Fox stinks, but I really like how the transfer portal pieces are going to mesh. Dawson Garcia is an NBA talent, I also think he's going to be the best portal pick up in the conference, pairing him with Battle is going to give the gophers one of the best forward duos in the conference. Cooper the perfect type of PG with his assist numbers at Moorhead State to get them and others the ball. Samuels, a two year starter in the Ivy League is a good find for the back up PG role.. Without Fox, I can see some issues in the paint when Payne is not on the floor, but there's enough to like about this team to fight for the Tourney birth.
9) Michigan Hunter Dickenson is a beast, but I see alot of issues with guard play and the ability to make shots around him. The Princeton kid is a nice add, but I don't like it for them at the expense of Frankie Collins, they were a better team once Juwan gave him the keys to the offense.
10) Penn State Pickett, Dread and Lundy will win them some games, truth be told I could see them being a top half of the league team if they figure out the front court.
11) Rutgers I like Cliff in the middle, Mularchy and McConnell are nice pieces, but after that lot of ??? With Pickel I know they'll defend like gangbusters and be a tough out at home, but I don't see where the offense is coming from for them be more than a group that pisses in someone's cheerios a couple times next year
12) Maryland. Scott a good player, I think Young, the transfer from Charlotte will put up good numbers. Hakeem Hart has a nice shooting stroke and is a decent defender, after that, just not a lot for Kevin Willard to work with in year one. I think he can turn it around sooner rather than later, but year one will be tough.
13) Nebraska Griesel will be a great addition to the Huskers, but with the McGowan brothers gone I just don't see a whole lot that the incoming transfers are joining. If they can play better team ball, like they were at the end of last year they can make some noise, but I think it's going to take time to get there and it always feel like Fred starting over each season.
14) Northwestern, for Chris Collins, there's something to be said for taking NW to their first dance and winning a game, he id the de facto greatest NW coach of all time. But this is going to be the 6th year in a row where they have not been competitive on a consistent basis. Losing Nance and young is a disaster for them, I know Beran, Bouie, Berry and Audige have all logged alot of minutes, but they've all proven to be in efficient on offense and play matador defense and I just don't see those mind sets changing.

⬆️ Not a dink
 

Thanks for posting it. Hoping for at least a few spots more than 13th.
I think, pretty sure, we are tied for first right now! We may surprise some people! Go Gophers!
I don't see any body that's "Oh my gosh, we'll never beat them."
 
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This roster is so thin. I'm not sure it improves record wise on the team from last year.


13 players, 14 with the addition of Betts.

5 Freshman
1 out for the year (Fox)
2 walk-ons (Purcell & Ramberg)
1 Soph who needs to take a huge step forward (Thompson)
2 possible impact upper classman (Battle & Garcia)
2 who are you and why are you here transfers (Samuels & Cooper)
1 coming back from a major injury, who was a question mark before the injury (Ihnen)

Hopefully the 5 newcomers are the seeds of the future and Johnson continues moving forward and upward.

Go Gopher
 

This roster is so thin. I'm not sure it improves record wise on the team from last year.


13 players, 14 with the addition of Betts.

5 Freshman
1 out for the year (Fox)
2 walk-ons (Purcell & Ramberg)
1 Soph who needs to take a huge step forward (Thompson)
2 possible impact upper classman (Battle & Garcia)
2 who are you and why are you here transfers (Samuels & Cooper)
1 coming back from a major injury, who was a question mark before the injury (Ihnen)

Hopefully the 5 newcomers are the seeds of the future and Johnson continues moving forward and upward.

Go Gopher
Calling Battle a possible impact player isn’t fair. He’s going to be a top 15 player in the conference. He was close to that last year imo. Garcia is a little bit more of a wild card, but it’s hard to believe he’s not a top 15-20 player as well. That at least equals the impact Willis and Battle gave last year. I was a big Loewe guy, but I think it’s not unreasonable to think Cooper can equal that or be an upgrade. The fact that we have more guys who can play will help too.

Here is my guess on minutes

1. Cooper 30-32 mins
2. Carrington 20-25 mins
3. Battle 32-35 mins
4. Garcia 32-35 mins
5. Payne 20-25 mins

Bench
6. Ihnen 20-25 mins
7. Samuels-10-15 mins
8. Thompson/Betts 10-15 mins
9. Henley 5-8 mins.

That line up is way deeper and imo more offensively skilled than last years roster. I think they have to be better defensively too since they won’t be so wore down. I don’t think a top 10 finish is unreasonable considering what else the conference has added/lost
 

Calling Battle a possible impact player isn’t fair. He’s going to be a top 15 player in the conference. He was close to that last year imo. Garcia is a little bit more of a wild card, but it’s hard to believe he’s not a top 15-20 player as well. That at least equals the impact Willis and Battle gave last year. I was a big Loewe guy, but I think it’s not unreasonable to think Cooper can equal that or be an upgrade. The fact that we have more guys who can play will help too.

Here is my guess on minutes

1. Cooper 30-32 mins
2. Carrington 20-25 mins
3. Battle 32-35 mins
4. Garcia 32-35 mins
5. Payne 20-25 mins

Bench
6. Ihnen 20-25 mins
7. Samuels-10-15 mins
8. Thompson/Betts 10-15 mins
9. Henley 5-8 mins.

That line up is way deeper and imo more offensively skilled than last years roster. I think they have to be better defensively too since they won’t be so wore down. I don’t think a top 10 finish is unreasonable considering what else the conference has added/lost
I would agree with your "more guys who can play" line. I say thin simply because going to battle, no pun intended, with 5 frosh, none of which of 5*, 2 are high 3* is asking an awful lot. God bless your optimism. I think a lot will depend on what they get from Garcia, who hasn't played all that much in over a year and Ihnen who hasn't played much either. Bottom line you can't count of freshman.
Johnson got a ragtag group to play hard and together last year hopefully the trend will continue.
 

I would agree with your "more guys who can play" line. I say thin simply because going to battle, no pun intended, with 5 frosh, none of which of 5*, 2 are high 3* is asking an awful lot. God bless your optimism. I think a lot will depend on what they get from Garcia, who hasn't played all that much in over a year and Ihnen who hasn't played much either. Bottom line you can't count of freshman.
Johnson got a ragtag group to play hard and together last year hopefully the trend will continue.
I don’t think predicting a 7-10 finish in conference is that big an ask or being that optimistic. I agree on not counting on freshman and we won’t be. They will be the 4th or 5th option when they are out there. That’s not asking a ton imo. If they defend and take care of the ball it’s an improvement record wise over last year and a they will be a bubble team
 

I don’t think predicting a 7-10 finish in conference is that big an ask or being that optimistic. I agree on not counting on freshman and we won’t be. They will be the 4th or 5th option when they are out there. That’s not asking a ton imo. If they defend and take care of the ball it’s an improvement record wise over last year and a they will be a bubble team
Who will be the first 2-3 players off the bench? I count 14 players currently on the roster which includes Fox as well as 2-3 walk-ons, therefore roughly 1/2 of your playing roster is made up of Freshman. That IMHO is a big ask in a power 5 conference.

I certainly didn't expect much last year in his first year. I was truly surprised at the product Johnson put on the floor. I hope he can get this group going together by years end to do the same. Possibly an NIT bid will be there for them
 

Who will be the first 2-3 players off the bench? I count 14 players currently on the roster which includes Fox as well as 2-3 walk-ons, therefore roughly 1/2 of your playing roster is made up of Freshman. That IMHO is a big ask in a power 5 conference.

I certainly didn't expect much last year in his first year. I was truly surprised at the product Johnson put on the floor. I hope he can get this group going together by years end to do the same. Possibly an NIT bid will be there for them
My earlier post showed it. It depends on the starting line up. If Ihnen starts then first two off the bench will be Samuels and Carrington. If Carrington starts then Ihnen and Samuels.

Unless injuries ravage the roster and Thompson and Ihnen are worthless, I doubt our freshman play more than 35% of the minutes. Garcia, Cooper, and Battle will play 90 of the 200 minutes. Samuels and Ihnen will play 30 most likely. If Thompson plays 5 mins a game then that’s 35% left for Payne, Carrington, Henley, Betts, and JOJ. Imo that’s not reliant especially cause that 35% will be all in supporting roles
 

Jon Rothstein chimes in with his Big Ten predictions...


13. Minnesota
Projected Starting 5:
G
Taurus Samuels
G Ta’lon Cooper
G/F Jamison Battle
F Dawson Garcia *Needs NCAA Waiver
C Pharrel Payne
Projected Bench: Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Treyton Thompson, Will Ramberg, Kadyn Betts, Isaiah Inhen (injured), Parker Fox (injured)
Key Losses: Sean Sutherlin, Danny Ogele, Eylijah Stephens, Luke Loewe, Eric Curry, Payton Willis, Charlie Daniels, Abdoulaye Thiam
Key Newcomers: Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Taurus Samuels (Dartmouth), Dawson Garcia (Minnesota), Ta’lon Cooper (Morehead State), Kadyn Betts
 

Jon Rothstein chimes in with his Big Ten predictions...


13. Minnesota
Projected Starting 5:
G
Taurus Samuels
G Ta’lon Cooper
G/F Jamison Battle
F Dawson Garcia *Needs NCAA Waiver
C Pharrel Payne
Projected Bench: Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Treyton Thompson, Will Ramberg, Kadyn Betts, Isaiah Inhen (injured), Parker Fox (injured)
Key Losses: Sean Sutherlin, Danny Ogele, Eylijah Stephens, Luke Loewe, Eric Curry, Payton Willis, Charlie Daniels, Abdoulaye Thiam
Key Newcomers: Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Taurus Samuels (Dartmouth), Dawson Garcia (Minnesota), Ta’lon Cooper (Morehead State), Kadyn Betts
I think Carrington starts ahead of Samuels...
 

I think Carrington starts ahead of Samuels...
I agree. Samuels is the 12-15 min guard off the bench. Carrington is in for 20-25 mins a game now that Ihnen is out
 

Jon Rothstein chimes in with his Big Ten predictions...


13. Minnesota
Projected Starting 5:
G
Taurus Samuels
G Ta’lon Cooper
G/F Jamison Battle
F Dawson Garcia *Needs NCAA Waiver
C Pharrel Payne
Projected Bench: Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Treyton Thompson, Will Ramberg, Kadyn Betts, Isaiah Inhen (injured), Parker Fox (injured)
Key Losses: Sean Sutherlin, Danny Ogele, Eylijah Stephens, Luke Loewe, Eric Curry, Payton Willis, Charlie Daniels, Abdoulaye Thiam
Key Newcomers: Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Taurus Samuels (Dartmouth), Dawson Garcia (Minnesota), Ta’lon Cooper (Morehead State), Kadyn Betts
I also don’t get why Kris Murray gets more love than Battle. Honestly Iowas best player will be Pat McCaffery imo.
 

I agree. Samuels is the 12-15 min guard off the bench. Carrington is in for 20-25 mins a game now that Ihnen is out
So you're good with starting 2 freshman in a power 5 conference? Or are you waiting to see how the non conference plays out with the freshman?

I don't think he (Johnson) forces the issue with starting a freshman if he doesn't have to.
 

So you're good with starting 2 freshman in a power 5 conference? Or are you waiting to see how the non conference plays out with the freshman?

I don't think he (Johnson) forces the issue with starting a freshman if he doesn't have to.
No it’s not my favorite scenario. What happens when you lose two starters in before August. I think Carrington and Payne are both going to be plenty serviceable as the 4th and 5th starters by the end of the season. We will see though. Samuels May start and I could be wrong, but it’s just my guess
 

So you're good with starting 2 freshman in a power 5 conference? Or are you waiting to see how the non conference plays out with the freshman?

I don't think he (Johnson) forces the issue with starting a freshman if he doesn't have to.
If it's close between the two, the tie should go to the potential. Let's get the future going.
 

If it's close between the two, the tie should go to the potential. Let's get the future going.
Last year Johnson rode the experience, not only starting but almost exclusively playing the transfers. We finished 14th. He learned his lesson. This year he gives the youth some run and get some experience. We may still finish 14th, but at least the fans can get a glimpse of the future (kind of like 2015, when Murphy and McBrayer were FR and Mason was a SO).
 

Last year Johnson rode the experience, not only starting but almost exclusively playing the transfers. We finished 14th. He learned his lesson. This year he gives the youth some run and get some experience. We may still finish 14th, but at least the fans can get a glimpse of the future (kind of like 2015, when Murphy and McBrayer were FR and Mason was a SO).
Lol lesson? He had two freshman. One was unplayable and transferred. The other had moments, but defensively just couldn’t hang. Carrington and Payne are way better than last years freshman. This team is still way better than 2015. We have Garcia and Battle who will be top 15 players in the conference. We also have an experienced PG. We still won’t be that “young”. 70% of our minutes will be played by players with guys with at least 2 years of college experience.
 

Last year Johnson rode the experience, not only starting but almost exclusively playing the transfers. We finished 14th. He learned his lesson. This year he gives the youth some run and get some experience. We may still finish 14th, but at least the fans can get a glimpse of the future (kind of like 2015, when Murphy and McBrayer were FR and Mason was a SO).
Good Post
 

Key Losses: Sean Sutherlin, Danny Ogele, Eylijah Stephens, Luke Loewe, Eric Curry, Payton Willis, Charlie Daniels, Abdoulaye Thiam
Key Newcomers: Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braden Carrington, Jaden Henley, Taurus Samuels (Dartmouth), Dawson Garcia (Minnesota), Ta’lon Cooper (Morehead State), Kadyn Betts
I’m not sure Jon has a great idea of the definition of “Key”…
 




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