Top 10 Big Ten basketball players entering 2023-24 season

Honorable mention

Coleman Hawkins, F, Illinois

Hawkins just narrowly misses being in the top 10 on this list, but he is one of the most indispensable players in the Big Ten for a talented Illinois squad. Last year, Hawkins averaged just shy of 10 points, 6.3 rebounds and three assists. The 6-foot-10 forward also provides a big impact on defense, and recorded 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per contest in 2022-23.

A.J. Hoggard, G, Michigan State

Like Hawkins, Hoggard is another veteran of the league that is hard to keep outside of the top 10. The 6-foot-4 senior guard has been a valuable player in Tom Izzo’s backcourt at Michigan State for several years, but really came into his own last season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists.

Julian Reese, F, Maryland

It can be argued that Reese’s breakout for Maryland came as a sophomore last season, but there is potential for a bigger leap in year three. Last year, the 6-foot-9 forward – who is also the younger brother of LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese – averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting an efficient 63.2% from the field.

Bruce Thornton, G, Ohio State

Thornton’s teammate Zed Key could also be worthy of an honorable mention spot, but it’s 6-foot-2 sophomore guard that should have fans excited in Columbus. As a freshman, Thornton averaged 10.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists for Ohio State. His best play came when the Buckeyes got hot late, as he scored 15 points or more in six of the team’s final eight games.

Tyler Wahl, F, Wisconsin

There are a few guys on this list who have seemingly been in the Big Ten forever, and Wahl is one of them. Although hampered at times by an ankle injury last year, the 6-foot-9 forward still posted averages of 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals. A return to his junior year form where he shot almost 52% could take Wisconsin back to the NCAA Tournament.