The 2019-2020 college basketball season ended prematurely thanks to COVID-19, and we’re all still struggling with what to do for our sports fix. And while we hope and pray for the health of the country and nation, there’s still a void there for a country that has sports so aligned with its culture.
So, we’re looking ahead. The Big Ten was by all accounts and measures the deepest and toughest league in the country last season, and it stands to be much the same next year. But who will contend next year, who will fall back, and what surprise teams may surface?
Here’s are way-too-early look at the Big Ten power rankings for 2020-2021
14. Northwestern Wildcats
As good of a coach as Chris Collins can be, he just doesn’t have the talent right now to compete. It could be another tough year in Evanston.
13. Nebraska
Things will be a little better in year two under head coach Fred Hoiberg, but it’s still a rebuild job that has yet to finish laying the foundation. It’ll take another year or two before we see significant improvement.
12. Rutgers
Look for the Scarlet Knights to take a little bit of a step back next season. Once the schedule got a little tougher, the results began to fall back. That’s trouble for the future, even with some nice pieces coming back.
11. Minnesota
Big man Daniel Oturu is heading to the NBA draft, and while there are some pieces to like, this team just doesn’t seem to have the consistent horses to win consistently heading into next season.