Big Ten Basketball Exhibition Insights: Strengths and Weaknesses Revealed

As Big Ten basketball teams tune up for the regular season with exhibition games, we’ve gathered insights on their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown based on their performances, excluding Oregon, which did not play a public exhibition game.

Illinois (vs. Ole Miss)

Pros:Dra Gibbs Longhorn’s Breakout – He had an impressive game, showing potential to be a key contributor this season.Kasparas Jakucionis Flashes – Jakucionis showed talent with some impressive moments on the court, adding depth to Illinois’ rotation.

Cons:Turnover Issues – Illinois committed over 20 turnovers, a glaring weakness against Ole Miss.3-Point Defense – Ole Miss shot 12-for-23 from behind the arc, exposing Illinois’ weak perimeter defense.

Indiana (vs. Tennessee)

Pros:Myles Rice and Malik Reneau Chemistry – Their pick-and-roll game and late-game dominance stood out, particularly Reneau’s 10-0 run to seal the win.Resilience in 3-Point Struggles – Despite shooting 4-for-19 from three-point range, Indiana still found a way to beat Tennessee.

Cons:Defensive Rebounding – Indiana allowed too many second chances with offensive rebounds and missed opportunities to control the boards late.Perimeter Shooting by Goode, Carlyle, and Rice – A combined 1-for-12 from three for these players will need improvement.

Iowa (vs. Minnesota-Duluth)

Pros:Strong Performances by Key Players – Josh Dix, Payton Sandfort, and Owen Freeman combined for an offensive showcase, all scoring over 20 points.Efficient Shooting – The team shot 59% from the field, showing promise offensively.

Cons:Turnover Issues – With 12 turnovers, particularly from their point guards, Iowa needs more stability at the position.Defense Lacking – Allowing 81 points to a Division II team raised concerns about Iowa’s ability to defend better teams.

Maryland (vs. Seton Hall)

Pros:Balanced Scoring – Five players scored in double figures, a shift from the Jahmir Young-dependent offense of last season.Rodney Rice’s Emergence – Rice led the team with 14 points, hinting at his potential as a reliable scorer.

Cons:Uncertain Forward Shooting – Tafara Gapare and Jordan Geronimo struggled to provide offensive presence, particularly from the perimeter.Limited Reese-Queen Minutes – The strategy to play Julian Reese and Derik Queen together for only 12 minutes is a potential missed opportunity to maximize frontcourt talent.

Michigan (vs. Toledo and Oakland)

Pros:Ball Movement and Depth – Michigan moved the ball well and showcased impressive depth, with several players contributing solid minutes.Perimeter Defense – Michigan held Oakland to 2-for-30 shooting from beyond the arc, demonstrating strong defensive communication.

Cons:Turnovers – With 14 turnovers against Oakland and 15 against Toledo, Michigan needs to clean up its ball control.Struggles with Physicality – Against Toledo, Michigan struggled to handle the physicality, especially around the rim, raising concerns for Big Ten matchups.

Michigan State (vs. Ferris State)

Pros:Guard Play – Jeremy Fears and Trey Holloman combined for 17 assists and only two turnovers, showing efficiency in the backcourt.Cohen Carr’s Impact – Carr’s energy, rebounding, and athleticism were standout features, giving Michigan State a versatile contributor.

Cons:Two-Big Lineups – Tom Izzo’s insistence on playing two big men led to a drop in effectiveness, allowing a 19-point lead to shrink.Shooting Struggles – Despite generating open looks, Michigan State struggled to convert, especially from three-point range.

Minnesota (vs. Grand Valley State)

Pros:Second-Half Adjustments – Minnesota tightened up defensively in the second half, holding Grand Valley State to 25 points.Depth and Freshmen Contributions – Freshmen like Ike and Grayson showed promise, adding depth to Minnesota’s rotation.

Cons:Injury to Frank Mitchell – The starting center went down with a shoulder injury, a major concern for their frontcourt.Overuse of Key Players – Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged playing key players like Mike Mitchell too much, risking fatigue.

Nebraska (vs. Grand Valley State)

Pros:Gavin Griffiths Emerges – Griffiths led the team with 14 points off the bench, showcasing scoring depth.Defensive Intensity – Nebraska improved defensively in the second half, contesting shots and handling pressure effectively.

Cons:Spacing and Ball Movement – Offensive struggles with spacing and movement led to condensed court play and 14 turnovers.Injury Concerns – Andrew Morgan’s concussion and Sam Hoiberg’s absence are worrisome, potentially impacting Nebraska’s early season performance.

Northwestern (vs. Lewis)

Pros:Nick Martinelli’s Breakout – Martinelli scored 25 points, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists, establishing himself as a key player.Team Ball Movement – Northwestern recorded 22 assists, a positive sign for their offensive system.

Cons:Disjointed Play Due to Injuries – Ty Berry and Matt Nicholson’s return led to some struggles with team chemistry and cohesion.Early Scoring Woes – Northwestern struggled to get into a rhythm offensively early in the game.

Ohio State (vs. Cincinnati and Ohio)

Pros:Early Challenges – Ohio State’s tough exhibition schedule, including Cincinnati, should help them prepare for Big Ten play.Aaron Bradshaw’s Defensive Impact – Though he missed the Cincinnati game, Bradshaw’s return in the Ohio scrimmage significantly bolstered the defense.

Cons:Rebounding Deficiency – Ohio State was out-rebounded 38-21 against Cincinnati, a glaring weakness.Turnover Problems – The Buckeyes committed 17 turnovers against Cincinnati, leading to easy scoring opportunities for their opponent.

Penn State (vs. Lafayette)

Pros:Strong Defense – Penn State forced 15 turnovers and held Lafayette to 38.1% shooting from the field.Balanced Scoring – Four players scored in double figures, led by Yanic Niederhauser’s 15 points and Ace Baldwin Jr.’s playmaking.

Cons:Rebounding Struggles – Lafayette out-rebounded Penn State in the first half, a potential issue against stronger teams.Offensive Consistency – Penn State’s offense went through inconsistent stretches, struggling to maintain control at times.

Purdue (vs. Creighton)

Pros:Strong Big 3 – Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn showed they can lead this Purdue team with excellent performances.C.J. Cox’s Defense – Cox impressed with his defense, drawing three fouls and playing smart, aggressive basketball.

Cons:Bench Production – Outside of the big three, Purdue’s other players combined for just 17 points, a concerning lack of depth.Wilberg’s Struggles at Center – Wilberg’s limited impact (2 points, 4 fouls) raises questions about Purdue’s frontcourt stability post-Zach Edey.

Rutgers (vs. St. John’s)

Pros:

1. Playmakers Everywhere – Rutgers showcased a roster filled with versatile playmakers, including Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, Gavin Griffiths, and Austin Williams. Each of these players demonstrated the ability to create their own shot and facilitate for others, giving Rutgers a dynamic offense with multiple threats.
2. Bailey’s Athleticism – Ace Bailey’s defensive potential is eye-popping. His combination of size and athleticism allows him to close out on shooters even when helping inside the paint. This type of disruptive defense will be key in Rutgers’ system.

Cons:

1. Lack of a True Center – St. John’s was able to grab 21 offensive rebounds against Rutgers, exposing their need for a solid rim protector. Without a traditional center, Rutgers could struggle against teams with dominant big men, particularly in the rebounding and interior defense departments.
2. Chemistry and Timing Issues – With new players and two true freshmen in prominent roles, Rutgers displayed some struggles in terms of offensive spacing and timing. This is expected with a revamped roster, but it raises questions about how quickly the team can mesh.

UCLA (vs. Cal State LA)

Pros:

1. Dominant Inside Play – UCLA dominated the paint, scoring 60 points inside, showing that their frontcourt can control the interior. Players like Adem Bona and Aday Mara proved their value, especially when attacking the rim and finishing strong.
2. Efficient Shooting – The Bruins were lights-out from beyond the arc, shooting over 50% from three. Their ability to stretch the floor, along with their powerful inside game, could make them a well-balanced offensive unit.

Cons:

1. 3-Point Defense – While UCLA shot well from deep, they struggled to guard the perimeter. Cal State LA shot over 50% from three, suggesting that the Bruins need to shore up their defense on the outside.
2. Adjustments Needed on the Perimeter – UCLA’s defense was slow to close out on shooters, which could be a liability against better shooting teams in the Big Ten. If they can’t tighten up their perimeter defense, opponents may exploit this weakness in critical games.

USC (vs. Gonzaga)

Pros:

1. Successful Defensive Switching – USC’s defense frequently switched on screens, and for the most part, it worked well against a strong Gonzaga offense. If they can continue this switching strategy successfully, USC’s defense will be tough to crack in the Big Ten.
2. Improved Coaching and Execution – The team played with a noticeable level of intelligence and crisp execution, a testament to Andy Enfield’s coaching improvements. The Trojans looked well-prepared, and their ability to surprise teams this season is a real possibility.

Cons:

1. Defensive Communication Issues – While USC’s switching was effective, they struggled with communication on certain plays, particularly against ghost screens. This allowed Gonzaga to create open looks, a sign that USC’s defense isn’t fully in sync yet.
2. Offensive Chemistry – With a lot of new pieces, including Bronny James (who didn’t play in this game), the offensive chemistry wasn’t always fluid. USC will need to build more cohesion if they hope to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten.

Washington (vs. Western Oregon)

Pros:

1. Unselfish Play – Coach Sprinkle emphasized how pleased he was with the team’s ball movement and unselfishness. Seven Huskies scored in double figures, showing a commitment to team play and avoiding forced shots.
2. Rebounding Dominance – Washington out-rebounded Western Oregon 54-32, capitalizing on their size advantage. The ability to dominate the boards will be crucial in the more physical Big Ten conference.

Cons:

1. Defensive Intensity – Coach Sprinkle was disappointed with the team’s defensive energy, particularly on the perimeter. Western Oregon attempted 38 three-pointers, a sign that Washington allowed too many open looks from beyond the arc.
2. Communication Issues on Defense – Washington struggled to call out ball screens, leading to breakdowns in defensive coverage. This issue must be addressed before conference play, where communication will be vital against Big Ten offenses.

Wisconsin (vs. UW-River Falls)

Pros:

1. Clear Identity – Wisconsin enters this season knowing exactly who they are. Greg Gard has embraced efficient basketball, focusing on smart shot selection and solid defense. The team’s clarity in its playing style will help them navigate the ups and downs of the season.
2. Perimeter Shooting Will Improve – Despite a poor shooting performance from three-point range, it’s unlikely Wisconsin will shoot this poorly consistently. Their roster is built to knock down perimeter shots, so expect improvement in this area moving forward.

Cons:

1. Struggles Against Lesser Opponents – A 47-45 win against UW-River Falls, a team they should overmatch, raised concerns. Wisconsin needs to assert their dominance against weaker teams rather than struggling to close out games.
2. Too Reliant on Three-Point Shooting – Wisconsin took far too many three-point shots in this game, neglecting post play and opportunities to score inside. This lack of balance could hurt them when their outside shots aren’t falling, especially in the physical Big Ten conference.

These exhibition games provided a glimpse into the potential of each Big Ten team. While many teams displayed bright spots and key strengths, there are clear areas for improvement as they prepare for the grind of the regular season. Expect each team to evolve as the season progresses, and these early takeaways will likely serve as building blocks for the journey ahead.

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