Jess Settles, BTN men's basketball analyst, December 5, 2016
The top of my Big Ten Player Rankings remains the same this week, but there are two players making their debut: Northwestern's Vic Law and Ohio State's Jae'Sean Tate.
[btn-post-package-v2]
See my latest list below.
1. Caleb Swanigan, Purdue. Biggie's five-game double-double streak ended in a blowout win vs. Morehead St., but he still finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Last week: 1
2. Peter Jok, Iowa. The Hawkeyes are struggling, but Jok continues to expand his game. He scored 33 points and pulled down an impressive 10 boards against Omaha.
Last week: 2
3. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin. Hayes will forever be featured in basketball clinic videos on "How to attack the Syracuse zone." He played the high post to perfection and finished a free throw shy of a triple-double. Later in the week, he exploded for 28 points against Oklahoma.
Last week: 4
4. Melo Trimble, Maryland. Another close game for Maryland, and another clutch moment for Trimble. He sank two free throws with 9.4 seconds remaining against Oklahoma State to give the Terps a one-point victory.
Last week: 5
5. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin. A legit contender for Big Ten Player of The Year, the standout sophomore averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in wins vs. Syracuse and Oklahoma.
Last week: 6
6. Thomas Bryant, Indiana. Bryant became only the second player this season to have a versatile stat line like this: seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four blocks. That's what the sophomore put against Southeast Missouri State.
Last week: 3
7. James Blackmon Jr., Indiana. The sharpshooter bounced back from injury with 14 points, including a trio of triples, and nine rebounds in a victory over then-No. 3 North Carolina.
Last week: 10
8. Malcolm Hill, Illinois. In a big-time victory over VCU, Hill scored 16 points and is now tied with high-flying Kendall Gill at No. 18 on the Illinois all-time scoring list.
Last week: 8
9. Vic Law, Northwestern. Northwestern is clicking on all cylinders, and Law is a big reason why. The versatile star is ranked in the Big Tens top 10 in scoring, steals, 3-point percentage, and 3-pointers made.
Last week: NR
10. Jae'Sean Tate, Ohio State. Win or lose, Tate battles on every possession. He's also putting up strong numbers for the improved Buckeyes, averaging 14 points and eight rebounds.
Last week: NR