Jess Settles, BTN men's basketball analyst, November 16, 2016
Two weeks down, and it's time to take an updated look at my Big Ten Player Rankings.
1. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin. Scored 16 points, pulled down four rebounds and handed out five assists in Wisconsin's shaky performance at Creighton. Hayes and the Badgers will have to get used to the target on their backs each game. (Last week: 1)
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2. Thomas Bryant, Indiana. Dominated the first half in Indiana's signature win over Kansas with 19 points and 10 rebounds and then battled foul trouble down the stretch. (Last week: 2)
3. Caleb Swanigan, Purdue. Putting up video game numbers through two games, averaging 21.5 points and 14 rebounds per game. Swanigan is a serious All-American candidate. (Last week: 7)
4. Malcolm Hill, Illinois. Exploded into his senior year with a 40 point, 12 rebound performance against Northern Kentucky. (Last week: 3)
5. Melo Trimble, Maryland. Trimble was brilliant in Maryland's shocking comeback over Georgetown. The junior nailed clutch free throws with the game on the line. (Last week: 4)
6. Peter Jok, Iowa. After a few cupcake games, Jok has an opportunity against Seton Hall to make a statement. (Last week: 5)
7. OG Anunoby, Indiana. A true game-changer at both ends of the court. His toughness helped Indiana defeat Kansas and give the Hoosiers and the Big Ten an early-season statement win. (Last week: 8)
8. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin. In the Badgers' loss at Creighton, Happ took only five shots and attempted one free-throw in 25 minutes. (Last week: 6)
9. Miles Bridges, Michigan State. Was unstoppable and explosive against Arizona, but humbled by the tenacious Kentucky defense. Bridges finished with nine turnovers against Kentucky. (Last week: 9)
10. James Blackmon Jr., Indiana. Blackmon went Stephen Curry on us in the second half against Kansas, scoring 26 total points and hitting very difficult shots down the stretch. (Last week: NR)