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5 questions entering the Big Ten

College basketball season is almost here!

Between now and Nov. 4th, we’ll take an in-depth look at different conferences around the country.

Today’s focus is on the Big Ten:

1. How much will increased travel affect the Big Ten’s four new teams?
We’ll find out at the end of the season. The Big Ten will expand to 18 teams in 2024-25 following the additions of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington and all four programs will play plenty of league games in the Midwest and on the East Coast during the regular season. The Big Ten Tournament in March could also be a major factor travel wise for these four new teams because of the timing of the event. The Big Ten Tournament title game is always the last game during Championship Week on Selection Sunday prior to the release of the bracket for the NCAA Tournament. If one of the four teams that’s based on the West Coast advances to the title game, it will then have to make a decision if it’s going to return to campus for a few days or ultimately opt to just stay on the road and be closer in proximity to its first NCAA Tournament site. This aspect of realignment is going to be fascinating to follow in the Big Ten.

2. What will Purdue look like without Zach Edey?
Probably not quite as physically as imposing as the past few seasons, but this still has the makings of a very good basketball team. The Boilers return a pair of starters — Braden Smith (12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds) and Fletcher Loyer (10.3 points) — in the backcourt from last season’s team that went to the national title game and lost to UConn. 6-9 junior Trey Kaufman-Renn (6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds) is set for a major jump. Matt Painter also brings back a slew of talented veterans in Cam Heide, Myles Colvin, and Caleb Furst. Barring something unforeseen, it should be business as usual in West Lafayette.

3. Is Indiana back?
The Hoosiers have the most talented roster in the Big Ten, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be the league’s best team. Indiana added three notable transfers — Oumar Ballo (Arizona), Myles Rice (Washington State), and Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford) — along with a sharpshooter in Luke Goode (Illinois). Former five-star prospect Mackenzie Mgbako (12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds), Malik Reneau (15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds), and reliable veteran Trey Galloway (10.6 points, 4.6 assists) are also back as known commodities. The 6-8 Mgbako should take a significant step forward as a sophomore. Anything less than a trip to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament will be a major disappointment in Bloomington.

4. Will Rutgers live up to expectations?
It all depends on the supporting cast. The Scarlet Knights are entering their most anticipated season in recent memory thanks to the additions of two five-star freshmen — Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey — who are both projected to be lottery picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. But Rutgers’ ancillary pieces are also very, very important. Steve Pikiell returns two perimeter players — Jeremiah Williams (12.2 points, 3.4 rebounds) and Jamichael Davis (5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds) — who averaged 23 minutes or more last season and also adds several transfers — Jordan Derkack (Merrimack), Zach Martini (Princeton), PJ Hayes (San Diego), and Tyson Acuff (Eastern Michigan) — who will be factors in the Scarlet Knights’ rotation. 6-10 junior Emmanuel Ogbole is also expected to make a significant jump at center. There’s no denying the talents of Harper and Bailey, but college basketball is a sport that’s based on experience. Rutgers needs its role players to be really good if it’s going to play in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

5. Who is the sleeper?
Iowa. The Hawkeyes were 18-12 and firmly on the bubble before a regular season loss to Illinois sent them to the Postseason NIT instead of the NCAA Tournament. Things should be different in 2025. All-Big Ten wing Payton Sandfort (16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds) headlines a strong returning nucleus which also features reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Owen Freeman (10.6 points, 6.6 rebounds) and promising junior guard Josh Dix (8.9 points). Two transfers — Drew Thelwell (Morehead State) and Seydou Traore (Manhattan) — are also potential starters. There’s more than enough in Iowa City for Fran McCaffery to take this team to March Madness.

Leftovers