Ranking each Big Ten basketball team entering conference play

6. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland has been one of the Big Ten’s pleasant surprises after a down season in 2023-24, winning 11 of its first 13 games. The Terrapins’ top victory on the resume right now is a blowout of Ohio State, but they’re not far off from being undefeated, losing to Marquette by just four points and at Purdue by five points. Kevin Willard’s squad has been impressive on both ends of the floor, ranking 13th defensively while allowing just over 61 points per contest. The Terps’ offense has been even better, ranking in the top 10 in the nation at 87.2 points per game. Willard has hit big on freshman center Derik Queen who has emerged as an immediate star in the league. Along with Julian Reese and Maryland’s talented transfer guards, the Terps may have as much star power as anyone in the Big Ten.