Big Ten Basketball: Top freshmen to watch

The Big Ten has consistently been one of the top conferences in college basketball and has an argument to make it the best conference in the country. The main reason for that is the consistent depth that the Big Ten has every year with more than half the teams typically being in contention for a March Madness spot.

This season should be no different and some of these freshmen will be reasons for the success of some of these teams.

Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Bailey enters the college basketball scene as arguably the best incoming freshman in the country. At 6-foot-10, Bailey projects as a mismatch no matter what spot he is on the floor. His ability to handle the ball while also utilizing his size is something that not many have the natural ability to do.

He profiles as a Kevin Durant-like player and will be a main reason for the success of the Scarlet Knights.

The top player in the class for Rutgers, he is the headline for the No. 4 recruiting class in the country.

Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Yes, that’s right. Rutgers has the top two freshmen in the conference. If the Harper name sounds familiar in a Rutgers uniform, it’s because his brother was a star in Piscataway, Ron Harper Jr. This also means that his dad is a 15-year NBA veteran, Ron Harper.

Harper may be more college-ready than Bailey in the opening stages of the season. He is the perfect college player for a Rutgers team that is going to be very good. He entered Rutgers as the No. 3 player in the country right behind his teammate.

It’s going to be really fun seeing Harper and Bailey playing together for a college that has been so close to getting over the hump.

Derik Queen, Maryland

Queen, similarly to Harper, remains in state to play for the Terrapins. Ranked as a top-15 recruit in the country, Queen will make an immediate impact on the floor.

He enters college after being named a McDonald’s All-American and being named co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Queen adds to a recent run on great big men for the Terps with Bruno Fernando and Jalen Smith as recent stars on the court. However, Queen may just be the best of them after his career at Maryland is over.

Will Riley, Illinois

Illinois will have to look no further than Riley to find its potential Terrence Shannon Jr. replacement. Now, you can’t really replace what Shannon was doing towards the end of the year last year on the court but Riley has a very similar style of play on the offensive end.

Entering the Fighting Illini as the No. 19 recruit in the country, Riley can score in every facet of the game. He can attack the rim with his 6-foot 8-inch frame, while also shooting the ball pretty well from the mid-range and behind the arc.

I’m not saying he’s going to be Shannon Jr., but his ability to be the primary scorer, height as a tall guard or forward and score at every level will show glimpses of the former Illini star.

Bryson Tucker, Indiana

Tucker’s athleticism is what really stands out for the Hoosier freshman. However, he is seen as more of a project and will likely be a multi-year player for Indiana.

However, he should have a pretty instant impact on a really good Indiana squad this season. Also a McDonald’s All-American, Tucker can score really well from the mid-range

If Indiana wants to take the jump back to where it was for years, Tucker will be a part of the reason for the team getting back over the hump.

Andrew Deal is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email asd5765@psu.edu.