Player of the Week:
Ace Bailey (Fr., Rutgers)
Bailey has proven this season so far to be the total package on both ends of the floor, and when he struggles on one end, he’s sure to still impact the game in some way. Against one of the best teams in the Big Ten, Penn State, the Scarlet Knight wasn’t as potent on offense as usual. He couldn’t get his deep ball to fall once all game and missed shots in the interior that he would normally sink. However, Bailey didn’t let that stop him and he stayed aggressive, resulting in a 15 point double-double with 15 rebounds, his most in a game ever. He crashed the glass and created numerous opportunities for second chance points off his own misses and his teammates and was a defensive nightmare on the inside for the Nittany Lions. Then, you have Bailey’s most recent game against Seton Hall where he wrapped up the game with 21 points on 60% shooting from the field (9/15). His ability to knock down the toughest of shots with a hand in his face, when he’s off balance or fouled is his greatest asset when it comes to scoring the ball. Not only has Bailey only gotten better, but it’s translating to wins for Rutgers as it slowly but surely is climbing up the standings in the Big Ten.
Who’s Hot:
Brice Williams (Sr., Nebraska)
Williams is a prime example of why upperclassmen shouldn’t be looked down upon as prospects. The mixture of poise and patience as well as consistency and decision making make the Cornhusker one of the best players in the Big Ten this season. Williams put on a show against the Hoosiers with a season-high 30 point performance that led to an 85-68 win. His title as a big guard doesn’t take away from his skill set that would put other guards to shame. Williams keeps the ball on a string and is able to shift defenders to his liking and get to his spots at ease. Against Indiana, he made a living off taking advantage of one-on-one coverage whether it was attacking downhill to get to the rim or getting to the high post and using his footwork to step through for a close shot. Williams’ three ball keeps defenders on their toes at all times and his deep bag has allowed him to score double-digit points in every game this season. Not to mention, his 6’ 7 frame allows him to charge head first and finish through contact at the basket. William is a forward in a guard’s body, and it makes him one of the most versatile players in the conference.
Owen Freeman (So., Iowa]
Last week, Freeman made the Top 5 Sophomores in the Big Ten and this week he showcased exactly why. Against the No. 3 team in the country, Iowa State, Freeman played a pivotal role in keeping the game as close as it was until the very end. In 25 minutes of play, the Hawkeye dropped 16 points and three blocks on elite efficiency. His physicality paired with a shockingly good handle for someone of his size allows him to get downhill every possession and finish through traffic. Freeman is always active, whether with his feet, hands or eyes and has a great feel for the game that allows him to make great reads on defense and rack up blocks in the paint. And although he doesn’t take many, if you leave him open he will for sure knock down a three or two. With what we have seen from him this season, Freeman has the means to be a great two-way player in the NBA and sure to get the attention of teams across the nation.
Who’s Not
TJ Bamba (Sr., Oregon)
Bamba started his fifth year off on a high note, posting double figures in six of his first seven games for the Ducks and was one of their top contributors on both sides of the ball. However, ever since Oregon returned from the Players Era Festival, the game hasn’t come as smoothly to Bamba as it once did. He’s only scored in double figures once in the past four games and in one of those games he went scoreless and had five turnovers. Bamba in that four game stretch is shooting 20.6% from the field and 20% from deep. He hasn’t been able to find his rhythm offensively in any capacity and his performance against the Bruins is part of the reason they lost that game. Bamba is still solid defensively, but as a starter on potentially the best team in the Big Ten, the Ducks need more from him to keep that title.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes started off their season on top of the world with a 5-1 record and even earned a win against then No. 19 Texas. Things have taken a turn for the worse since then as Ohio State has lost three of its last four, including a 91-53 blowout loss to Auburn. The Buckeyes didn’t shoot well against the Tigers and that has been a common theme for them against non mid-major schools. In other recent losses against Maryland and Pittsburgh, the Buckeyes let the game get away from them and were unable to lock back in. Not to mention Auburn embarrassed them at the glass as Johni Broome with 20 rebounds, nearly out boarded the entirety of Ohio State, which finished with 23 rebounds. Ohio State has a roster with a blend of experience and young talent and even in the Big Ten, should be much higher in the standings than they are currently.
Top 5 Defenders in the Big Ten
5. Myles Rice (So., Indiana)
Rice has made noise this season as one of the best transfers in all of college basketball and that is in huge part because of his capabilities as a two-guard. He has recorded a steal in all but two games this season and excels at harassing opponents on the perimeter and finding openings in passing lanes. This season he has a defensive rating of 101.7, better than that of Ace Baldwin Jr. last season who won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Rice lets the game come to him with his high IQ and quick hands and has become one of the best perimeter defenders in the conference.
4. Oumar Ballo (Sr., Indiana)
The Hoosiers have quite the defensive duo between Myles Rice and Ballo, who has been an oppressing to any offense that dares to oppose him this season to say the least. He is anchoring a solid defense while putting up just about two blocks a game, a career best. Ballo earlier in the season had a six block performance against South Carolina where he was able to put his physicality and tenacity on full display. As one of the premier big men in the Big Ten, it was only right he earned a spot on the list.
3.Great Osobor (Sr., Washington)
Osobor is an interesting case as he has always been a great defensive player who could hold his own down low and up top, but this season, he’s taken his perimeter defense to the next level. The 6’ 8 forward is currently leading the Big Ten in steals with 2.6 per game, a mark that doubles his average of 1.3 steals last season. Osobor uses his frame to overpower and pressure opposing teams but still has the agility to pick pockets and force turnovers. Pair that with his 92.8 defensive rating, the best of his college career, and it’s clear to see the impact Osobor has as a defender.
2. Brooks Barnhizer (Sr. Northwestern)
The 2023-24 Big Ten All-Defense member hasn’t missed a beat this season and continues to show why he’s one of the best in the entire nation. Barnhizer has tallied three steals in four of his last seven games and averaged one block a game in that span as well. The defensive instincts of Barnhizer make him a force to be reckoned with, as he is capable of disrupting the game anytime from anywhere on the court. As the heart and soul of the Wildcats, Barnhizer is the ultimate enforcer that can guard 1-5 and excel at it.
1.Ace Baldwin Jr. (Sr., Penn State)
The former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has reached new heights that separate him from the rest of the competition. With a defensive rating of 93.5 and being third in the Big Ten in steals per game, it’s no surprise he tops off the list. The Nittany Lions held teams to an average of 67.4 points per game and held teams like Purdue to just 70 points, and Baldwin Jr. is almost the sole reason for that. His lateral quickness and defensive consistency make him the most reliable defender in the Big Ten and when he marks someone, you know they’re in for a rough night.