Player of the Week
Keaton Wagler (Fr., Illinois)
Wagler burst onto the national scene this week with a dominant 46-point performance in Illinois’ signature win over Purdue on Saturday. He drilled nine of 11 three-pointers, setting a school record, and helped the Illini extend their winning streak to nine games. The scoring outburst was no fluke either. Wagler has reached double figures in all but one game during the streak, as the game continues to slow down for the crafty freshman. His natural scoring instincts, confidence, and poise are off the charts for a player who was not ranked inside the top 150 by a number of services entering college. Wagler is currently busting myths about what a less heralded recruit is capable of, while also dispelling the notion that a perceived lack of elite athleticism can prevent a player from delivering the most dominant performance of the season through skill, shot creation, and competitive edge. The fact that the outburst came against one of the elite teams in the country, which had recently held the top spot in the national rankings, and that Illinois needed every one of Wagler’s points to pull off the win, only amplifies how impressive the performance truly was.
Who’s Hot
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Yes, it’s unconventional to place a team in the “Who’s Hot” section following a nationally televised loss, but Nebraska earned it this week. The Cornhuskers came up short against No. 3 Michigan on Wednesday, but proved they can compete at a high level despite missing two key contributors in Rienk Mast and Braden Frager. The three-point defeat marked Nebraska’s first loss of the season after opening the year 20–0, a run that included quality tests against Illinois and Michigan State. Rather than a setback, the loss felt like a statement. Nebraska showed it belongs on the national stage and solidified itself as a team no one will be eager to face come March.
Kam Woods (Sr., USC)
Woods popped onto the Big Ten radar seemingly out of nowhere this week, stepping up in the wake of a battered USC roster. Prior to his 33-point outburst against Iowa on Wednesday, Woods had yet to score in double figures this season. Now in his fourth school in four years, he appears to have found a home in his final season in Southern California. With USC losing leading scorer Rodney Rice for the year, Woods’ scoring punch and veteran leadership are exactly what the Trojans need down the stretch. Expect his name to remain in the conversation as the season progresses.
Who’s Not
Yaxel Lendeborg (Sr., Michigan)
Michigan faced its toughest test of the season Wednesday night in a top-five matchup against a depleted Nebraska squad. While Lendeborg has been one of the more intriguing prospects in the Big Ten, he struggled under the spotlight, failing to assert himself offensively. Though his athleticism remains a clear strength, his perimeter struggles were glaring, as he went 0-for-6 from three and 3-for-10 overall. Michigan instead leaned heavily on the frontcourt duo of Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara for scoring. After thriving as the focal point at UAB last season, Lendeborg has found himself increasingly overshadowed by the surrounding talent in Ann Arbor.
Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue has been one of the most reliable programs in the country in recent seasons, and that appeared to hold true following a 17–1 start. However, the Boilermakers are now firmly in a rough stretch after dropping three straight games to UCLA, Illinois, and Indiana. While the veteran trio of Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Trey Kaufman-Renn remains formidable, the offense has grown increasingly predictable. Purdue can outshoot almost anyone, but its heavy reliance on perimeter scoring has backfired in recent outings. Matt Painter will need to trust additional contributors beyond his experienced core if the Boilermakers hope to regain momentum.
Top 5 Seniors in the Big Ten
5. Cade Tyson (Sr., Minnesota)
A ruthless floor spacer who has found a home in Minnesota. Tyson thrives as a modern scorer both on and off the ball, offering outstanding positional size and shooting gravity.
4. Bruce Thornton (Sr., Ohio State)
A composed, downhill lead guard who has improved every season. Thornton’s strength, motor, and two-way impact make him a consistent challenge for opposing backcourts, and this could be his best year yet.
3. Nate Bittle (Sr., Oregon)
A highly skilled big who has been one of the lone bright spots for an underwhelming Oregon squad. Bittle embodies the modern center with rim protection, shooting touch, and versatility.
2. Bennett Stirtz (Sr., Illinois)
A steady, no-nonsense guard who keeps Illinois under control. With one of the deepest offensive bags in the conference, Stirtz has little trouble creating shots and should translate well to the next level.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg (Sr., Michigan)
A freight train athlete with dynamic versatility. Lendeborg can take over games through defensive playmaking and point-forward skills, and his ceiling will rise even further as his outside shot continues to develop.