Breaking Down The Big Ten

Cody Zeller is the top rated recruit coming to the Big Ten.

By Bryan Kriss - bryankriss@hardwoodelite.com

Conference Recruiting Ranking: #6

Ohio State leads the way with the 6th rated recruiting class in what appears to be somewhat of a down recruiting year for the Big Ten. The Buckeyes bring in a balanced 5 man class, 4 of which are rated in the top 100. LaQuinton Ross and Sam Thompson both bring length to the wing position, while Ross is at his best shooting the ball and Thompson is known for his freakish athleticism and playmaking ability. Shannon Scott brings more depth and stability to the point guard position while Amir Williams and Trey McDonald bring length to the front court.

Illinois has the 12th rated class and brings in three top 100 players in Mycheal Henry, Tracy Abrams, and Nnanna Egwu. Henry is a big, athletic wing who knows how to score. Abrams is one of the top point guards in the class who does a good job of scoring. Egwu is a raw big man who runs the floor and blocks shots while Mike Shaw and Devin Langford are versatile forwards with skill.

Michigan State brings in the 20th best recruiting class in the country and 3rd best within the conference. Branden Dawson is a McDonald's All-American and arguably the best rebounder in the class. Dawson is exactly the type of player that Izzo loves and should make an instant impact. Dwaun Anderson and Brandan Kearney bring skill and scoring to the off guard position. Travis Trice is a hard working point guard who excels at perimeter shooting.

Conference Recruiting Class Rankings:
1. Ohio State
2. Illinois
3. Michigan State
4. Indiana
5. Minnesota
6. Wisconsin
7. Michigan
8. Iowa
9. Nebraska
10. Purdue
11. Penn State
12. Northwestern


Top 100 players coming to the Big Ten include:
16. Cody Zeller (Indiana)
21. Branden Dawson (Michigan State)
33. LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State)
41. Mycheal Henry (Illinois)
46. Andre Hollins (Minnesota)
48. Shannon Scott (Ohio State)
52. Sam Thompson (Ohio State)
54. Amir Williams (Ohio State)
56. Tracy Abrams (Illinois)
80. Joe Coleman (Minnesota)
81. Carlton Brundidge (Michigan)
83. Jarrod Uthoff (Wisconsin)
89. Nnanna Egwu (Illinois)
91. Ross Travis (Penn State)
94. Josh Oglesby (Iowa)


Superlatives:
Best perimeter scorer: LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State)
Best low post scorer: Cody Zeller (Indiana)
Best shooter: Josh Oglesby (Iowa)
Best rebounder: Branden Dawson (Michigan State)
Best defender: Dwaun Anderson (Michigan State)
Best passer: Shannon Scott (Ohio State)
Most athletic: Sam Thompson (Ohio State)
Best shot blocker: Amir Williams (Ohio State)
Biggest sleeper: Trey Burke (Michigan)

Preseason Big Ten All-Freshman Team:
Cody Zeller (Indiana)
Branden Dawson (Michigan State)
Mycheal Henry (Illinois)
LaQuinton Ross (Ohio State)
Andre Hollins (Minnesota)

Preseason Big Ten Freshman of The Year:
Cody Zeller (Indiana)