College basketball insider previews top freshmen set to enter the Big Ten

The only headline-worthy college basketball content in August are preseason lists. Of the top-25 teams, of conference rankings, of the preseason All-Americans. And, of course, of 25 notable freshmen in the Big Ten, as foreseen by college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein.

Over on College Hoops Today, he picked 15 “impact” freshmen for the 2022-23 season in the Big Ten, as well as 10 “under-the-radar” freshmen. You can see both lists below.

15 Impact Big Ten Freshmen

Malik Reneau, Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Trey Kauffman-Renn, Purdue (redshirt)
Brian Waddell, Purdue (redshirt)
Fletcher Loyer, Purdue
Skyy Clark, Illinois
Ty Rodgers, Illinois
Jayden Epps, Illinois
Sencire Harris, Illinois
Tarris Reed, Michigan
Jett Howard, Michigan
Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
Roddy Gayle Jr., Ohio State
Felix Okpara, Ohio State
Jaxon Kohler, Michigan State

Of the 15 players Rothstein listed, they only play for six different teams. Sort of odd, but the those teams did reload in a big way. Particularly Ohio State, who returned several key pieces to their starting lineup, but desperately needed reinforcements in the backcourt. And that’s just what they got in this recruiting class. Transfers likely take the starting spots in this year’ OSU lineup, but those young guards like Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle will be factors for years to come.

Two other players that stick out are point guards Skyy Clark and Fletcher Loyer of Illinois and Purdue, respectively. Clark is almost a surefire starter given the lack of another true point guard on the roster — unless Brad Underwood experiments with Texas Tech transfer Terrence Shannon the way his old coach, Mark Adams, did by playing the 6-6 wing as the lead ball-handler. He’s definitely capable, but either way, Clark is one of the few true guards on the roster overall.

Meanwhile, Fletcher Loyer joins a Purdue roster with, once again, a stacked front-court as well as plenty of proven options on the wing. The Boilermakers, like the Illini, just lack a true point guard. Truthfully, they’re even worse off than Illinois in that respect. So Loyer, whose brother spent several seasons at Michigan State as a steady backup before starring for Davidson last season, could play major minutes right away if he’s at all ready.

10 Under-The-Radar Big Ten Freshmen

Kaleb Banks, Indiana
Braden Smith, Purdue
Camden Heide, Purdue
Dug McDaniel, Michigan
Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State
Tre Holloman, Michigan State
Derek Simpson, Rutgers
Dasonte Bowen, Iowa
Jameel Brown, Penn State
Kebba Njie, Penn State

For the most part, a group of lower ranked guys who could earn minutes in a pitch. Two guys to keep an eye on though: Dug McDaniel. For one, because he’s an electric point guard trapped in the frame of ET the alien. Also Dug is just a name to have fun with. So, fun name, fun player. And will definitely play given Michigan’s lack of experienced guards outside of Princeton transfer Jaelin Llewellyn.

Then other is another Buckeye. Brice Sensabaugh frankly should be on the other list, given that he’s Ohio State’s top recruit per the On3 Consensus. So very possibly the best guard out of this recruiting group, and Chris Holtmann will need solid minutes from a few of them.