Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, March 6, 2017
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Another regular season is in the books and the official all-Big Ten teams have been announced. Now, here are my awards with a line on each winner.
FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG TEN
- Caleb Swanigan, Purdue, So. The double-double machine is the hardest working player in the nation-and the most productive.
- Peter Jok, Iowa, Sr. A versatile wing player who can beat foes off the dribble and also with a three-pointer.
- Ethan Happ, Wisconsin, Jr. Yes, his shooting is iffy, but the big fella impacts on many levels.
- Nate Mason, Minnesota, Jr. The dynamic point guard averages 15.5 points and 5.1 assists as the catalyst for the resurgent Gophers.
- Melo Trimble, Maryland, Jr. A money player who isn?t afraid of the big moment or the big shot.
SECOND TEAM ALL-BIG TEN
Derrick Walton, Michigan, Sr.; Miles Bridges, Michigan State, Fr.; Bryant McIntosh, Northwestern, Jr.; Malcolm Hill, Illinois, Sr.; Tai Webster, Nebraska, Sr.
Player of the Year: Caleb Swanigan, Purdue. ?Biggie? has been a huge presence with averages of 18.7 points and 12.6 rebounds. Best of all, he led the Boilermakers to the Big Ten title.
Coach of the Year: Richard Pitino, Minnesota. From eight wins last season to 23 this season, Pitino has pulled off the biggest improvement in the nation.
Freshman of the Year: Miles Bridges, Michigan State. He arrived in East Lansing as the Big Ten?s most hyped recruit. And, he has delivered with a 16.6 scoring average to go with 8.3 rebounds per game.
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