B1G Power Rankings

1.) Wisconsin 13-0 (0-0): While the Badgers aren’t the top Big Ten team in the polls, it’s hard to not put them at number one. As is the case most years, Bo Ryan’s squad doesn’t look pretty, but it gets the job done night in and night out. The Badgers feature the most wins (seven) against top 100 KenPom teams, including three wins over top 25 KenPom teams. Wisconsin is led by the 7-footer that shoots 42% from three, Frank Kaminsky, and Naismath Award watch list member Sam Dekker. The Badgers will look to stay near the top of the Big Ten all season, and have legitimate national title hopes. (Upcoming: @Northwestern 1/2, Iowa 1/5)

2.) Ohio State 13-0 (0-0): The Buckeyes enter conference play as the only other undefeated Big Ten team. Although they are currently ranked higher than Wisconsin, Ohio State’s hasn’t looked as good. The Buckeyes feature six wins over top 100 KenPom teams, their highest coming against Marquette (44). OSU has looked strong for the most part, but needed an epic collapse from Notre Dame to beat the Irish. The good news: LaQuinton Ross has started to come on as of late, and he will be key for national title expectations. (Upcoming: @Purdue 12/31, Nebraska 1/4)

3.) Michigan State 11-1 (0-0): Michigan State enters B1G play with only one loss, but they haven’t looked spectacular except for a great first half against Kentucky early in the season. They were flat and faced injury trouble in a 14-point home loss to North Carolina, but recently trounced Texas, a team that beat UNC. Michigan State ranks first in the NCAA in assists per game, and are top 40 in points, field goal percentage and rebounds per game. With a trio of Adrien Payne, Gary Harris, and Keith Appling, the Spartans look poised to stay atop the Big Ten mountain. (Upcoming: @Penn State 12/31, @Indiana 1/4)

4.) Iowa 11-2 (0-0): Led by senior Roy Devyn Marble, the experienced Hawkeyes have high hopes for this season. While they may not be the most talented group, they play very well together. Iowa is a top 13 team in the KenPom rankings, showcasing the ninth best adjusted offense rating. Even more impressive, Iowa ranks in the top four nationally in points, rebounds, and assists per game. Even though the Hawkeyes have suffered two heartbreaking losses, a three-point road loss to rival Iowa State and a five-point OT loss to top-ten Villanova, expectations are high as they prepare for a tournament run. (Upcoming: Nebraska 12/31, @Wisconsin 1/5)

5.) Illinois 11-2 (0-0): The Fighting Illini have something few other Big Ten teams do: a victory over a top-25 team. Illinois has looked good for the most part this season, but suffered a bad loss to Georgia Tech Dec. 3. As conference play begins, the Illini have momentum on their side, though, recently defeating Missouri on a neutral floor. Illinois is ranked behind the likes of Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota in the KenPom rankings, but their body of work is slightly better, pushing them to number five in the rankings. John Groce may struggle to keep his team in the top half of the Big Ten, however. (Upcoming: Indiana 12/31, Penn State 1/4)

6.) Minnesota 11-2 (0-0): With little Pitino in his first year at the helm, Minnesota has had a solid start to the season. After two hiccups to Syracuse and Arkansas in the Maui Inivtational, the Gophers have rolled off six straight wins heading into B1G play. Pitino will have his work cut out for him as a first year B1G coach, and he’ll need the Hollins brothers to carry his team. The Gophers will be tested early when Michigan comes to town Jan. 2. (Upcoming: Michigan 1/2, Purdue 1/5)

7.) Indiana 10-3 (0-0): The young Hoosiers have had good moments, bad moments, and downright ugly moments. The lights were too bright against UCONN and Notre Dame, and don’t even mention the Syracuse debacle. Indiana has zero good wins, but a have great opportunity to earn one when Michigan State visits Assembly Hall Jan. 4. Luke Fischer, Stan Robinson, and Evan Gordon have looked good recently, giving Hoosier Nation hope for conference play. Tom Crean will need his young squad to grow up fast, but the Hoosiers have the talent to finish in the top half of the conference and make the tournament. B1G play may be interesting this year, however. (Upcoming: @Illinois 12/31, Michigan State 1/4)

8.) Michigan 8-4 (0-0): A year removed from a national championships game appearance, expectations remain high for the Wolverines. Things haven’t been perfect, as Michigan suffered losses to Iowa State, Charlotte, Duke, and Arizona. Although they don’t have a dazzling record, they feature two wins over KenPom top 50 teams, each on neutral courts. Nik Staskus has been sensational this season, but he and Glenn Robinson III will need to do even more with the loss of Mitch McGary. The Wolverines have the parts to be really good, but things aren’t looking great right now. (Upcoming: @Minnesota 1/2, Northwestern 1/5)

9.) Purdue 10-3 (0-0): An odd team, the Boilermakers have shown fight at times, but have looked lackadaisical at other times. The Boilermakers don’t necessarily have a bad loss, but they lack a good win. AJ Hammons should be better than he is, and one could say that about the team in general. Matt Painter isn’t a bad coach, but he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament. Purdue may win a few games it shouldn’t, beginning with a home game against Ohio State on New Year’s Eve. (Upcoming: Ohio State 12/31, @Minnesota 1/5)

10.) Penn State 9-4 (0-0): The Nittany Lions have been bad for as long as I remember, but they have the potential to be good this year with the return of Tim Frazier. The fifth-year senior is playing at the first team All Big-Ten level he was a couple years ago, but he gives Penn State a chance to win each game. He leads the team in assists (7.5 apg) and averages just over 18 points per game. A tournament appearance may be a long shot, but Penn State has an outside chance. Guards DJ Newbill and John Johnson will carry the team along with Frazier. This will be an interesting team to watch this year. (Upcoming: Michigan State 12/31, @Illinois 1/5)

11.) Nebraska 8-4 (0-0): Head coach Tim Miles may have one of the best twitter accounts, but he certainly doesn’t have one of the best teams. Nebrasketball is making progress in building a formidable program, but this will be another tough year for the Cornhuskers. (Upcoming: @Iowa 12/31, @Ohio State 1/4)

12.) Northwestern 7-6 (0-0): Chris Collins has an uphill battle to build the Northwestern basketball program. Besides Drew Crawford, the Wildcats just aren’t very good. They’ll likely be in the cellar of the Big Ten all season. Opening against Wisconsin won’t help their build the team’s confidence. (Upcoming: Wisconsin 1/2, @Michigan 1/5)

*Saying these are the best B1G power rankings is debatable. Tell me what I got right and what I got wrong. Follow me: @All_Hoosiers