Monday, May 4, 2009

2009-2010 Top 10 Big Ten Players

1. Evan Turner, Ohio State
2008-09 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.8 spg, 50.3 fg%
--Turner spurned the NBA draft and returns to Ohio State as the best player in the Big Ten. He probably should have been the conference player of the year last season, but he should be considered the favorite next season. Turner has all the skills to be a good pro someday.

2. Manny Harris, Michigan
2008-09 Stats: 16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 41.5 fg%
--There may not be a more athletic player in the Big Ten than Harris. He does everything well. He can score, rebound, pass and defend. He’s the main reason why Michigan has become relevant in basketball again.

3. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State
2008-09 Stats: 14.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.1 rpg, 39.0 3pt%
--Lucas won last season’s Big Ten Player of the Year award and led the Spartans to the National Championship game. It’s amazing to think he’ll only be a junior. He’s got a bright future ahead as Tom Izzo’s floor leader.

4. Talor Battle, Penn State
2008-09 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.2 fg%
--No player busted out quite like Battle did as a sophomore. His break out campaign allowed Penn State to win the NIT Championship. Battle will become an even more prolific scorer now that Jamelle Cornley and Stanley Pringle are gone.

5. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 13.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 54.0 fg%
--Like Battle, Johnson improved a great deal. He became the most dominant inside presence in the Big Ten last season. He was the conference’s best shot blocker and possesses a great outside jumper for a big man.

6. DeShawn Sims, Michigan
2008-09 Stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 0.8 bpg, 50.5 fg%
--Sims is a do-everything power forward in John Beilein’s system. Sims is a great scorer, who forces defenses to guard him out to the 3-point line. If Sims were taller, he probably would have quickly put his name in the NBA draft.

7. Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
2008-09 Stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52.6 fg%
--Morgan could be higher on this list, but health issues are a concern after an injury-plagued season. Morgan is explosive and dynamic. He’ll easily top his 08-09 numbers if he just stays on the court.

8. Robbie Hummel, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 38.1 3pt%
--Like Morgan, Hummel played through significant pain last season. Hummel still managed to produce solid numbers and help Purdue get to the Sweet 16. His inside-outside game makes him one of the more well-rounded and difficult-to-defend players in the conference.

9. Kevin Coble, Northwestern
2008-09 Stats: 15.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 39.5 3pt%
--Because he plays for Northwestern, Coble doesn’t get the attention he truly deserves. He is one of the more reliable point scorers in the conference, who has great range. With Craig Moore leaving, Coble’s scoring opportunities could increase.

10. E’Twaun Moore, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg, 42.2 fg%
--Moore gives Purdue another outside scoring option. His rainbow 3’s usually go down with regularity, although his 33.7 percent clip from beyond the arc was surprisingly low last season. Moore is also an adept passer and rebounder.

In Consideration: Chris Allen, Michigan State; William Buford, Ohio State; Mike Davis, Illinois; Devan Dumes, Indiana; Matt Gatens, Iowa; Keaton Grant, Purdue; Trevon Hughes, Wisconsin; Jon Leuer, Wisconsin; Demetri McCamey, Illinois; Delvon Roe, Michigan State; Durrell Summers, Michigan State; Lawrence Westbrook, Minnesota; Royce White, Minnesota.


*Photo from Getty Images

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