Big Ten announces awards following upset-filled week of college basketball
The Big Ten announced their conference awards following an upset-filled week of college basketball. First, the Big Ten Player of the Week is someone who is no stranger to the spotlight this season.
“Congrats to the Player of the Week, @IowaHoops’ Keegan Murray!” announced the Big Ten. “Averaged 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 block, and 1.0 steal per game in Iowa’s two victories last week.”
On the season, Keegan Murray has been the leader Iowa was looking for. Many believe he’s the front-runner for the Big Ten Player of the Year, and it’s tough to argue with that sentiment. Thus far, the Hawkeyes star is averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on the season.
Additionally, the Big Ten revealed the Freshman of the Week — the honor went to guard Malaki Branham of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“Congrats to the Freshman of the Week, @OhioStateHoops’ Malaki Branham!” tweeted the conference. “Averaged 23.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.3 steals per game in Ohio State’s three games last week.”
Last week, Branham helped the Buckeyes defeat Indiana and No. 13 Illinois, but watched as the Buckeyes faltered on Sunday against Maryland. Still, Branham has been fantastic for the Buckeyes on the season, averaging 12.6 points and 3.7 rebounds on the season.
Now, one week remains in the regular season for college basketball. Before tournament play begins, the stars of the conference have one more shot to receive the recognition they deserve in the regular season.
College GameDay crew picks their favorite for Big Ten Player of Year
Furthermore, the ESPN College GameDay crew had their eyes on the Big Ten last Saturday, and they’ve been impressed with certain athletes. On their show, Seth Greenberg, LaPhonso Ellis and Jay Bilas picked their favorites for the Big Ten Player of the Year.
“Jaden Ivey is the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, but the Player of the Year to me in the Big Ten is Keegan Murray,” stated Greenberg. “Take Keegan Murray off Iowa, and they’re not 10-7. They’re not in the NCAA Tournament. He impacts the game every single time down the floor. He can shoot the three, he can get to the rim. You put him in isolations, he’s tough to keep off the glass.
“Keegan Murray is the most dominant player for his team in the Big Ten.”
Additionally, Ellis agreed with Greenberg — Keegan Murray of Iowa is the Big Ten Player of the Year.
“Mine is Keegan Murray,” stated Ellis. “When Luka Garza left, I didn’t think this team was going to be NCAA Tournament worthy. But this dude has actually exploded on the scene. 6’8, 220 pounds — there’s not a thing he can’t do out there on the floor. He can knock down the three. Over the last eight games, he’s shooting 40% from three. Averaging 25 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two assists.
“This dude has actually put this team on his back and carried them to an NCAA Tournament berth. He is phenomenal.”
Jay Bilas: ‘For me, its Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis.’
Moreover, Bilas decided to go against his colleagues for his selection. While Bilas believes Murray is a phenomenal talent, he’s riding with Johnny Davis of Wisconsin.
“(Murray is) a great two-way player, but for me its Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis,’ stated Bilas. “He’s averaging 21 points a game. Against ranked teams, he’s averaging over 25 points a game. When they played on the road — at Indiana, at Purdue, at Michigan State, all of which they’ve won, which they’ve never done before — Johnny Davis averaging 30 a game. Including 37. His low game was against Michigan State — he only had 25. Had 30 against Indiana. 37 against Purdue.
“I mean, you take him off Wisconsin and I don’t know if they’re a tournament team. He’s exploded to be the toughest cover in that league.”
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing choices for the Big Ten Player of the Year. In addition to Murray and Davis, Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn and Purdue’s Jaden Ivey have made strong claims. Still, the College GameDay has made their picks.