Most Important B1G Stars to Return

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

Below, check out Stephen Bardo'a ranking of the most important Big Ten stars who decided to return to school. I think Yogi at 4 is laughable. We are a contender with him, and middle of the pack without. Don't think you can say the same for the others.


1. Melo Trimble, Maryland. After a fantastic freshman season, Trimble could have packed his bags for greener pastures but decided stay at Maryland. His return, in addition to Jake Layman coming back, Robert Carter becoming eligible and top recruit Diamond Stone arriving on campus, makes the Terrapins pre-season Big Ten favorites. If Trimble can improve on last season’s performance, he could be a Wooden award finalist next season.

2. Caris LeVert, Michigan. Going into last season, LeVert was mentioned frequently as a potential NBA lottery pick. A season-ending injury to his left foot in January all but assured the Wolverines would finish in the bottom half of the league. With his return, along with the rest of the roster from last season, Michigan figures to be in the discussion for the best team behind Maryland in the Big Ten preseason standings.

3. A.J. Hammons, Purdue. Last season, Hammons started to show the consistency and potential most believed he possessed when he arrived in West Lafayette. Hammons’ decision to return shows the importance of Isaac Haas on his progress. Hammons is able to battle against Isaac in practice every day, and he saw the results this season. Another year of the twin towers in Purdue spells trouble for the rest of the Big Ten.

4. Yogi Ferrell, Indiana. I heard all kinds of rumors when it came to whether Ferrell would return. I was told Europe may be a a possibility, as well as leaving for NBA early. His return, in addition to a couple of other teammates mentioned below, means the Hoosiers can contend for a Big Ten championship.

5. Jake Layman, Maryland. His size (6’9) and athleticism creates mismatches for opposing teams. He flirted with leaving for the NBA early but chose to return. Layman will need to add strength to his frame that seemed to wear down during the stretch run of league play. He will be asked to help lead a Maryland team with Big Ten Championship potential.

6. James Blackmon Jr. & Troy Williams, Indiana. Both of these guys considered their options before electing to return to Bloomington. With their return, in addition to Yogi Ferrell coming back, Indiana returns the bulk of their scoring punch. Add McDonald’s All American Thomas Bryant, and suddenly the diminutive Hoosiers have size up front. The pieces are in place for a special season in Bloomington come November.

Link: http://btn.com/2015/04/27/stephen-bardo-ranking-big-ten-stars-who-opted-to-return-to-school/

[WindyCitySource 600]

LeVert had little impact on Michigan last year, so I can't fathom how he would be more important to them than Yogi is to IU. Hammons is #1 for me in terms of a team going from nothing to something. Yogi is a huge piece of the puzzle at IU, don't get me wrong, but I feel like his loss could be absorbed a lot better than Hammons' at Purdue. They have to run everything through him if they want to be successful.

 

And I would say putting Trimble as #1 was the default just because he is the most highly touted draft prospect in the conference to come back. Don't think he is as important to Maryland as Hammons/Yogi are to their teams. 

[WindyCitySource 600]

Also... BTN really needs to get some better analysis. Stephen Bardo can't be your network's go-to for this kind of stuff. There's got to be a better option out there somewhere, right?  

[BGleas 7,880]

I don't get all the LeVert/UM love? They lost to NJIT and Eastern Michigan before he got hurt last season. They'll be good, but they shouldn't be in the same league as Indiana, Maryland and MSU.

[djsalway 4,161]

Why is Bardo a part of my life during the off-season?!?!?! I try my best to avoid him at all times.

[Crimson and Cream 5,693]

I know he wasn't ever seriously considering leaving, but Denzel Valentine should be on this list. Him coming back in my opinion keeps Sparty up there as contenders.

[Hovadipo 52,784]

I know he wasn't ever seriously considering leaving, but Denzel Valentine should be on this list. Him coming back in my opinion keeps Sparty up there as contenders.

HE DIDN'T GRADUATE?!

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,691]

I know he wasn't ever seriously considering leaving, but Denzel Valentine should be on this list. Him coming back in my opinion keeps Sparty up there as contenders.

never had NBA projections.

[Hoosier Roots 710]

It still seems like we're being slept on. Also where is this Michigan hype coming from? They weren't even good with LeVert.

[Crimson and Cream 5,693]

Yeah I feel like people are confusing Michigan with Michigan St. Sparty should be up there with Maryland and IU, not the Wolverines.

[GloryDays 5,885]

 If Purdue can find a replacement for Octeus via a graduate transfer or Juco they could make some serious noise.

Oh and by the way,Toilet maker's suck.

[LockdownD 2,212]

Pains me to say it, but Purdue could be the sleeper in the conference this next season. If Hammons stays motivated, watch out B1G.

[Bobman1 2,909]

Maryland, MSU, IU, UM, and Purdouche should all be atop the conference for the most part. The games between these teams will be a lot of fun to watch. Some sites have Michigan predicted as top 15, others have them as not even in the top 25. Will Purdue be affected that much by Octeus? I say regular season Champ - Maryland, Tournament Champ - MSU. NCAA champ - IU.


I had to.

[GloryDays 5,885]

Maryland, MSU, IU, UM, and Purdouche should all be atop the conference for the most part. The games between these teams will be a lot of fun to watch. Some sites have Michigan predicted as top 15, others have them as not even in the top 25. Will Purdue be affected that much by Octeus? I say regular season Champ - Maryland, Tournament Champ - MSU. NCAA champ - IU.


I had to.

That works!