Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings

Dec 10, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon (left) looks on in the second half against the North Carolina Central Eagles at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 of Big Ten play is underway and this is a time where many teams are finally starting to play against quality opponents. If teams are planning to make a case to the NCAA Tournament selection committee, they will have to be successful within their conference. It’s still somewhat early to read some of these teams, but here is where they all stand as of today.

1. Wisconsin (14-1, 2-0, AP #4)

The Badgers should be a given at the top. Well, for now at least. Their only loss has come at the hands of everyone’s beloved Duke Blue Devils. Wisconsin currently has no major wins notched on their belts, their biggest victory coming against a 9-4 Georgetown team. However, this team must still be respected. They have a great coach in Bo Ryan and a host of talented ball players. Frank Kaminsky leads the conference with seven double-doubles. The Badgers don’t seem like they’ll be challenged until Jan. 2o when they host the Iowa Hawkeyes.

2. Maryland (14-1, 2-0, AP #11)

One might be tempted to place the Terps in the top spot, but I won’t be biased. The Badgers have earned that spot until they prove otherwise. But don’t look now. Maryland is coming, and fast. Mark Turgeon has this team exceeding the expectations that experts all around the country had. For such a young team, they have exhibited great poise thus far this season, especially in their conference opener on the road against Michigan St. When the big three of Melo Trimble, Dez Wells, and Jake Layman are on their game, this team is very hard to beat.

3. Iowa (10-4, 1-0)

Without a doubt, this is one of the most underrated teams in all of college basketball. The Hawkeyes recently knocked off a ranked Ohio State squad on the road. Had it not been for a tough loss at home to Northern Iowa, they would probably be ranked themselves. Iowa is led by Aaron White and Jared Uthoff, who give them solid offensive production. When this team gets hot, they are tough to beat. With upcoming games against Michigan St. and Minnesota, the Hawkeyes could make a case to be in the Top 25.

4. Ohio St. (12-3, 1-1, AP #22)

This Buckeyes team is full of talent, but they have yet to play up to the expectations set for them. They have gotten off to a few slow starts, something that plagued them in their loss to Iowa. They bounced back with a convincing win against Illinois, so it’s not time to worry yet. The Buckeyes are led by freshman sensation D’Angelo Russell, who is averaging 17.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game this season.

5. Michigan St. (9-5, 1-1)

This is a very different Spartans team than we are used to seeing. After graduating the “Big Three” of Keith Appling, Gary Harris, Jr., and Adreian Payne, Tom Izzo’s squad has struggled to find their identity. They are still a very tough team, led by seniors Travis Trice and Branden Dawson, as well as junior Denzel Valentine. After the tough loss against Maryland, Sparty bounced back with a 20-point drubbing of Indiana.

6. Purdue (10-5, 2-0)

The Boilermakers have probably been the surprise of the year in the Big Ten thus far. They have outplayed both Minnesota and Illinois, two teams that have underperformed to this point. Their defense is a reason why they have been so successful. Unfortunately for them, their next two games are against Wisconsin and Maryland. Ouch.

7. Indiana (11-4, 1-1)

Up until their blowout loss to Michigan St., the Hoosiers had been playing surprisingly well. They knocked off both SMU and Butler when those teams were ranked. They also pulled off a nail-biter against Georgetown. They are led by a talented backcourt duo of Yogi Ferrell and James Blackmon, Jr., both of whom are averaging just over 16 points a game.

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Power Rankings

By Brandon Austin | Jan 7, 2015