Player of the Week:
Nick Boyd (Sr., Wisconsin Badgers)
You might remember Nick Boyd from Florida Atlantic’s Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2023, but now in his sixth season, he has fully settled into Madison to cap off his career with the Wisconsin Badgers. Boyd delivered a near triple-double against Iowa and followed it with a strong road performance at Ohio State, showcasing poise and control in key moments. Beyond the numbers, his experience and leadership continue to anchor Wisconsin’s backcourt. This stretch reinforced his reputation as a dependable late-game scorer capable of taking over when needed.
Who’s Hot:
UCLA Bruins
Despite ongoing scrutiny surrounding Mick Cronin’s long-term outlook in Westwood, the UCLA Bruins quieted the noise with two significant wins that pushed them into the top half of the Big Ten standings. They dismantled the No. 10 Illinois Fighting Illini behind six double-figure scorers and handled rival USC convincingly. Senior guard Donovan Dent has spearheaded the resurgence, stabilizing the offense and lifting UCLA back onto the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.
Andre Mills (Fr., Maryland Terrapins)
Freshman Andre Mills has become the spark Maryland desperately needed. After limited opportunities early in the season, he has cemented himself in the Terrapins’ rotation and erupted for 60 combined points over his last two games, knocking down nine threes on just 15 attempts. His confidence, pace, and shot-making have shifted the team’s offensive rhythm and provided momentum during a crucial stretch.
Who’s Not:
Coen Carr (Jr., Michigan State Spartans)
While Michigan State has surged into title contention, Coen Carr has experienced a quiet offensive stretch. His explosiveness and defensive activity remain assets, but his inconsistency from beyond the arc has limited his ceiling. Carr is shooting just 28.1% from three this season, allowing defenses to sag off and shrink spacing. Though his rim-running and energy still provide value, the vision of a March breakout has cooled.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers saw early optimism under Darian DeVries stall this week as offensive inconsistency resurfaced. Heavy reliance on Lamar Wilkerson’s perimeter shooting has limited late-clock efficiency, and Indiana has been held under 70 points in three straight conference losses. Without a consistent offensive counter to defensive pressure, the Hoosiers have slipped outside the tournament picture with little margin for error remaining.
Top 5 NBA Draft Prospects in the Big Ten
1. Keaton Wagler (Fr., Illinois Fighting Illini)
A high-usage jumbo guard whose rapid rise has made him one of the nation’s most productive freshmen. Wagler blends size, pace, and advanced shot creation, operating comfortably as a primary initiator while scoring efficiently at all three levels. His poise and tempo control give Illinois a true offensive engine and legitimate lottery intrigue.
2. Yaxel Lendeborg (Sr., Michigan Wolverines)
A versatile, high-motor forward who contributes across the stat sheet. Lendeborg brings interior toughness, rebounding, and defensive versatility, while continuing to expand his perimeter skill set. His two-way production and physical maturity give him strong draft appeal as a rotation-ready forward.
3. Hannes Steinbach (Fr., Washington Huskies)
A smart, physical big with advanced feel for a freshman, Steinbach scores efficiently around the rim, facilitates from the high post, and anchors the paint with disciplined positioning and rebounding instincts. His interior skill level and long-term developmental curve make him an intriguing upside play.
4. Bennett Stirtz (Sr., Iowa Hawkeyes)
A steady lead guard who quarterbacks an offense with confidence and deep shooting range. Stirtz’s ability to control tempo, stretch defenses well beyond the arc, and generate efficient offense projects him as a reliable scoring guard with pro potential.
5. Morez Johnson Jr. (So., Michigan Wolverines)
An energetic, physical frontcourt presence who impacts games with toughness, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Johnson has reportedly grown since arriving on campus and is beginning to show improved shooting touch, expanding his offensive profile. With his motor, size, and defensive upside, he is trending into legitimate late first-round consideration.