Player of the Week:
Kris Murray, F, Iowa Hawkeyes
In a slow week for most Big 10 schools, Kris Murray had the performance of the week. In his lone game this week against Omaha, Murray dropped an astounding 25 points in the first half on his way to a 30- point outing in a 36-point win. Murray had his first shot blocked in the game, and then proceeded to smoothly hit 11 consecutive shots. Murray added 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in the winning effort. When asked about his now NBA brother Keegan, Kris responded: “…I’m doing my own thing in Iowa.”It’s safe to say he’s making his point this season, averaging just under 24 points per game thus far and flashing a similar if not better scoring prowess to his twin brother’s fantastic final year as a Hawkeye. If Murray keeps rolling and the rest of the roster continues to improve, watch out for these birds in March.
Who’s Hot?
Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, No.11 Indiana Hoosiers
The star big man for the Indiana Hoosiers has not disappointed yet this season. TJD is averaging 20.8 points along with 8.8 rebounds this year, and has the No.11 Hoosiers rolling this season, 3 of their 4 wins have come by way of double digits, and Trayce hasn’t scored less than 15 points in any game yet this season. Not only is Jackson-Davis scoring the ball at a high rate, he’s doing it with out-of-this-world efficiency, shooting the ball at north of 75% this season, while improving his FT% to 71.4. He’s been playing solid defense and passing out of a lot of double teams while making simple reads. Davis just makes the game easier for his teammates and should continue to do so during his senior campaign.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes have started this year off 5-1, going 2-1 this week, and picked up a ranked win in Maui against the No.21 Texas Tech Red Raiders. Led by a 33-point outing by fifth-year Justice Sueing in his home state, the Buckeyes were able to fend off Tech in the last 10 minutes of the game every time they made a run at retaking the lead. Ohio State didn’t miss a free throw and only committed 10 turnovers against a defense that caused 31 of them in their previous two games combined.
Despite losing in their opening round match up with San Diego State, it was a solid performance in Maui finishing 2-1. Look out for the Buckeyes to continue building on this week, they might just surprise a few people come Big Ten tournament time.
Who’s Not?
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans have plenty of time to right the ship, but after a Thursday night loss to No.18 Alabama, there is some cause for concern with Tom Izzo’s squad facing ranked opponents. Their win against No.4 Kentucky was a showing of what the Spartans can do when they play great, however they currently sit at 3-2 to start the year and sit near the bottom of the Big Ten in terms of points scored, FTA, FTM, RPG, and are turning the ball over nearly 14 times per game.
Boo Buie, G, Northwestern Wildcats
The senior guard for the Wildcats has played heavy minutes since he was a freshman, however his FG% has shown barely any increase over his four years, always hovering around 37%. Buie had an abysmal week, scoring 11 total points over 2 games while shooting 17.8% from the field and adding 3 turnovers each game. Buie is a primary ballhandler for a Northwestern team that has started off well and just played an excellent defensive battle against a very good Auburn team, however he needs to finally make his stride as an efficient scorer if the Cats want to do anything significant come March.
Top Five Teams in the Big Ten thus far
1. Indiana Hoosiers (No. 11)
The Hoosiers are 5-0, winning most of their games by double digits, and are at the top of the conference in most major statistics. Their prowess on defense, leading the Big Ten in blocks, leads me to put them ahead of Iowa by a smidge. Look out for their huge matchup against No.1 UNC on November 30th, as this will be their first real challenge and will give us a good look at what Indiana is all about this year.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 25)
The Hawkeyes look like a well-oiled machine at the start of this young season. They’re 4-0 and although they haven’t had any challenges yet, they have done more than taken care of business thus far. Sporting an absurd point differential of +31 per game and averaging almost 100 points per game. Regardless of
the opponents, neither of those things are easy to do. Their matchup with the No.8 Blue Devils in December will be a huge test for Kris Murray and the Hawkeyes.
3. Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 16)
The Illini are playing great basketball so far this season, sporting a +21-point differential and averaging 83.2 ppg. Illinois sits at 4-1 following a loss to a very good Virginia team, however they picked up a huge win against No.9 UCLA the game prior. The Illini have four players averaging double-digits so far this
year, led by Terrance Shannon Jr.’s 21.2. Their three-game stretch of Syracuse, No.23 Maryland, and No.4 Texas should give good indication of how good this squad can be.
4. Maryland Terrapins (No. 23)
The Terps are allowing just 57.8 ppg so far this season, good for 4th in the Big Ten. They have four players averaging double digits and have started their season off 5-0, their most recent win being against a great Miami team. Their two starting forwards, Donta Scott and Julian Reese, lead the team in scoring and have helped push Maryland to a great start. A four game stretch in December of Illinois, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and UCLA will be a good test for this team.
5. Michigan State (No. 12)
While the Sparts are not my “Who’s Not” list above, there is no denying how good this roster can be when healthy and playing well. Their win against Kentucky and battle against the Zags were a good early test, and I have little to no doubt in my mind that come March Michigan State will be rolling. However, a 3-2 start is still a 3-2 start. MSU has gotten the hardest part of their schedule out of the way, however key matchups with in-conference teams throughout the season will be key to watch to see how much improvement is made over the season’s course.