Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter on win over Yale
Purdue improved to 3-0 with a win over Yale. Hear what Matt Painter said after the victory.
The first two weeks of the Big Ten men’s basketball season provided little reason to shake up the preseason power rankings.
Many teams have yet to play their first opponent of consequence. That begins to change this week with several big matchups, including No. 2 Alabama’s visit to two-time defending conference champion Purdue on Friday.
Even better — we’re officially less than a month away from the first batch of league games.
1. Purdue (3-0)
Previous: 1
Defensive issues must be worked out, and the expected 7-4 answer to losing a 7-4 superstar may be out for the season. Braden Smith keeps filling up box scores, though, and these other freshmen were ready quickly.
2. Illinois (2-0)
Previous: 3
Illini responded to the surprising Ty Rodgers redshirt news by beating up some directional in-state foes. When Alabama’s done with Purdue on Friday, though, it’s coming for Illinois next Wednesday.
3. UCLA (2-1)
Previous: 2
Who hasn’t taken an early loss in Las Vegas when things don’t bounce your way? Bruins are still defending well enough to go on a heater soon.
4. Michigan State (2-1)
Previous: 4
Probably won’t shoot 3-for-24 from 3-point range against the No. 1 team in the country again this season. Jaxon Kohler’s return to freshman form raises the ceiling.
5. Ohio State (2-0)
Previous: 6
Bruce Thornton and Co. already knocked off Texas and will take their hot shooting start to Texas A&M on Friday. Jake Diebler effect carried over to Year 2.
6. Indiana (2-0)
Previous: 5
Played with its food — catered from Shalooby’s, no doubt — before devouring Eastern Illinois. If you’re forcing your fans to watch those games maybe get to the point sooner?
7. Rutgers (2-0)
Previous: 8
You guys, I think these freshmen are good. But the Scarlet Knights won’t play anyone worth getting excited about until your mom is thawing out the Thanksgiving turkey.
8. Northwestern (2-1)
Previous: 10
Considering the Wildcats are playing without Brooks Barnhizer, a competitive loss at Dayton goes down as a positive.
9. Michigan (1-1)
Previous: 9
Dusty May inherited a schedule that could make his team better, but the Wolverines also look vulnerable in the post. Good hire doesn’t always equate to overnight fix.
10. Oregon (3-0)
Previous: 7
Dana Altman said his team should have been embarrassed to need overtime to beat Portland at home, and who am I to argue?
11. Maryland (3-0)
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Crushing teams it should crush, but I’m withholding some judgment until the Terrapins tangle with Marquette on Friday.
12. Iowa (3-0)
Previous: 14
Josh Dix and the Payton Sandfort’s have burned up the nets since opening night. We’ll see if they’re still doing it when they start playing power four teams in December.
13. Wisconsin (3-0)
Previous: 13
While the actual animals soon begin their state of torpor, these Badgers must get energized with Arizona coming to Madison on Friday.
14. USC (2-0)
Previous: 12
For all this talk about travel for West Coast teams, the Trojans only leave California once before Jan. 8, and that’s for a familiar trip to Seattle. Leaves plenty of time to locate their offense.
15. Penn State (3-0)
Previous: 17
I am definitely here for 7-footers with names like Yanic Konan Niederhauser — especially ones who score in double figures every night.
16. Nebraska (2-0)
Previous: 16
Looking good defensively, though I’m writing this hours before the Huskers face known Big Ten soul-stealer Farleigh Dickinson.
17. Minnesota (2-0)
Previous: 18
Dawson Garcia and Trey Edmunds give the Gophers two quality big men, and Surly Brewing Co.’s Beer Hall gives the Big Ten one of its best pre/postgame destinations.
18. Washington (1-1)
Previous: 15
Huskies have stumbled out of the gate, and need to right themselves quickly or this could be a long debut season in the Big Ten.
