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Big topics from Big Ten media day
Were the big guys at places like Michigan and Indiana the focal point on Thursday's event? A little bit. But we learned a little about what to expect from the league with its four new additions from the West Coast. Plus: Texas A&M adds another recruit, end of an era in the MAAC, Mountain West talks with Hawai'i and much more.
Tristan Freeman
October 04, 2024
In partnership with
It’s Friday. You made. It brings a different outlook on life. One that’s more optimistic. Kinda like all the Big Ten programs this time of year.
Let’s get into media day.
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1. News, notes — and some fun — from Big Ten media day
When the Big Ten added UCLA,, Oregon and Washington, you knew the new program would add interest to arguably the nation’s most compelling conference.
And they fit right in at Thursday’s media day.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin added six transfers, but gushed most about Kobe Johnson, the former USC guard and all-league defender.
Cronin would be “shocked if [Johnson’s] not an all-league player.” For a team that returned three key guards from last season, along with incoming transfers Skyy Clark and Dominick Harris, it sounds like Johnson is Cronin’s best player right now.
New USC coach Eric Musselman raved about Northern Colorado transfer Saint Thomas, who Musselman calls the most versatile player he’s coached to this point. It’s high praises given that includes players such as Anthony Black, Moses Moody and Au’Diese Toney. The Trojans’ recipe for success could include a big role for Thomas.
Another likely starter who got attention was Michigan big man Danny Wolf. He’ll play alongside fellow transfer Vlad Goldin in the frontcourt. Wolf, a 7-foot and 250-pound big man from Yale, has previously played at center before but was recruited to play at the four-spot. At Media Day, Wolf seems to be confident about his defense on wings. “Go for it. I would love to see what happens.”
Another team with a big frontcourt is Indiana, which returns all-league forward Malik Reneau and Arizona star transfer Oumar Ballo. How much will they play together? Hoosier coach Mike Woodson says “Don’t know yet. Don’t know yet.” Part of the reason is that the team plans to shoot more 3s. Senior guard Trey Galloway said the team will "Take more and make more. The 3-ball is very important in today’s game.”
Despite not having any preseason All-Big Ten players, Illinois still has high expectations. It was picked to finish fourth in the unofficial media ballot and the players are optimistic. Veteran guard Ty Rogers said this “is by far the most talented” team he’s played on. Some of those talented players include Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous and potential sophomore breakout star Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.
The vibes so high that they enjoyed media day with their own game.
Illinois players brought a press question bingo card to Big Ten Media Day 🤣
📸: @mrwagner25
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68)
7:26 PM • Oct 3, 2024
Here’s that full unofficial media ballot, courtesy of Zach Osterman of the Indy Star and Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch)
Projected Big Ten Standings
(first-places votes in parenthesis):
1. Purdue, 572 (20)
2. Indiana, 549 (7)
3. UCLA, 510 (2)
4. Illinois, 458 (2)
5. Michigan State, 448 (1)
6. Oregon, 412
7. Rutgers, 391
8. Ohio State, 369 (1)
9. Michigan, 342
10. Maryland, 263
11. Iowa, 249
T-12 Wisconsin, 212
T-12 Nebraska, 212
14. USC, 196
15. Washington, 158
16. Northwestern, 153
17. Penn State, 87
18. Minnesota, 62
The media also tabbed Purdue’s Braden Smith as the preseason POY and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper as the freshman of the year.
Other notable quotes:
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo notes that his team has depth but “need one or two players to step up, and I’m hoping Jaden Akins is one of them.”
Washington coach Danny Sprinkle says that center Franck Kepnang hasn’t practiced this summer but “is getting it rolling now.”
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery hinted at a breakout campaign from sophomore big man Owen Freeman, noting that he’s “doing more off the bounce, shooting the ball outside more… I’m seeing a much more complete player”.
For the first time in years, Oregon has a fully healthy roster to start the season.
Not only is Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell excited about the two-star freshmen guards (Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper), but he anticipates the entire freshmen class getting minutes this season.
2. Texas A&M lands its second 2025 commit
Two weeks ago, Texas A&M got on the board in the 2025 recruiting class, landing 4-star combo prospect Jeremiah Green. He’s got company, and it’s one of the best players out of California.