Is the best Big Ten team in Indiana?

Good morning! In one week, we’ll have college basketball games, including the tripleheader of games at the Field of 68 Opening Day Showcase. Here’s hoping this week goes by quickly!

Let’s get to the news.

1. Is it Purdue, Indiana … or another program?

When the Big Ten’s unofficial preseason poll landed earlier this month, two-time regular-season champ Purdue was a familiar sight atop the rankings.

In-state rival Indiana was firmly at No. 2. Not because the Hoosiers return three starters from a 19-14 team that finished tied for sixth in the Big Ten standings. It’s more so because of who they added through the transfer portal, such as big man Oumar Ballo (who got votes for preseason POY), shooter Luke Goode and guard Kanaan Carlyle.

But the most important addition, at least if Sunday’s 66-62 exhibition win over Tennessee is any indication, might be Washington State transfer Myles Rice.

He displayed quickness and shot creation at guard that Indiana hasn’t had in years. And while it’s always dangerous to read too much into an exhibition result, plays like this should delight the Hoosier faithful.

He finished with 20 points and four assists, while junior forward Malik Reneau went for 21 points and eight boards. (Rice elevates the team, but Reneau is Indiana’s best player.)

Also delighting the Hoosier faithful? Purdue dropped a Saturday exhibition at Creighton, 93-87. Junior guard Braden Smith led all scorers with 31 points, and added seven rebounds — he sure looked the part of the preseason POY — but the Boilermakers’ dribble-containment and defense clearly needs work.

Again, it’s an exhibition. The scouting and preparation isn’t what it would usually be for a game like this, but coach Matt Painter expressed some displeasure with his team’s effort.

Purdue probably has the highest floor of any Big Ten team, but adjusting to life without the two-time NPOY will be a challenge, no matter how deep you are. So. Does this open the door in the Big Ten?

The After Dark crew did a Big Ten preview last week in which Cam Smith, Mike LaTulip, Ant Wright (all former Big Ten players) and Jeff Goodman discussed that very topic. And you know who most agreed would be the biggest threat to the Boilermakers?

Illinois.

Now, that was filmed days before Illinois’ 91-74 exhibition loss to Ole Miss — don’t ask Brad Underwood about the Illini’s defense — where the offense showed some of its capabilities, but that’s about it. But … exhibitions!

Some other pertinent points from the crew:

• What does Northwestern have to do to earn some respect? Yes, Boo Buie’s gone, but so’s Zach Edey. Maybe it’s time to acknowledge Chris Collins has built a consistently good program?

• On that note, don’t overlook Iowa. The Hawkeyes may not cut down the nets, but few teams are more likely to just end up in the top 6.

• Nobody has any idea what to expect with Rutgers. The Scarlett Knights might look like a potent offensive team with its two star freshmen. But will they play and defense? And can Rutgers win without defense?

If anyone tells you they can predict the Big Ten standings come March, they’re lying.

2. Weekend exhibition & scrimmage scores and insights

Creighton-Purdue, Indiana-Tennessee, and Ole Miss-Illinois were hardly the only notable exhibitions over the last three days. Some were expected, even perfunctory results. Others? Not so much.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.