The B1G Conference had it all last year. Final Four caliber teams? (Sparty) Check. Elite DFS plays? (Happ, Edwards) Check. Tournament drama? (Purdue, Maryland) Check. Can the B1G repeat the success of last season? Let’s find out!
Let’s start with Final Four caliber teams. Michigan State is back and loaded once again, even claiming in the #1 spot in the preseason polls (first time in program history). Maryland lost their star big man to the NBA but return nearly everyone else and add a top recruiting class to boot. Purdue and Ohio St have experience and talent. Meanwhile, upshot teams, Illinois and Rutgers look to ride the momentum they built late last season.
Great, now let’s talk about DFS. Gone is Happ and his 5 digit price tag. I don’t foresee a player hitting that price tier this season. Edwards is playing for the Celtics now, no more 20 rebound games from Jordan Murphy either. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some elite plays. Cassius Winston should be among the highest priced guards on a slate. He’s primed for a huge season. Lamar Stevens is back; he had multiple 20 and 10 games last season. Maryland’s Jalen Smith could be a breakout candidate. Will Nate Reuvers be the next great Wisconsin center? Can Kaleb Wesson become more consistent? Will Ayo Dosunmu break into the upper tier of guards? Hopefully we can help Bucketheads answer those questions!
Pre-season All-B1G DFS Team
Below we have a team by team breakdown through a DFS lens. Yes, we do have the teams listed in the order we think they will finish in the B1G Conference.
B1G and Potential NCAA Favorites
Last season was full of ups and downs as Sparty endured setbacks and injuries to make a run to the Final Four. This season has already started off similarly with a #1 ranking, followed by a repeat injury of Josh Langford’s foot. While Langford appears to be out until January, Izzo returns the core of last year’s team headlined by Winston and big man Xavier Tillman. The also add a couple stud freshman in PG Rocket Watts and top 50 F Malik Hall
Our favorite Party plays for 2019-2020
Casisus Winston,
G, Sr.
Winston averaged 19 ppg and 7.5 apg last season. He’ll be the highest priced guard on most slates. He had 10+ assists 9 times last season, or once every 4 games.
Xavier Tillman, F, Jr.
When Ward went down in the middle of conference last season, Tillman took over the post for good. He averaged 14 ppg, 8 boards, and 2 blocks in that time.
Mark “Rocket” Watts,
G, Fr.
This is a bit of a gamble, but Izzo is really high on him. He’s athletic and a lights out shooter. Langford’s injury could mean big minutes for this youngster.
Maryland Set to Challenge Michigan State for League Crown
The Terrapins were clipped by an LSU last second shot which kept them out of the Sweet 16, but the good news is, they return essentially that entire team other than Fernando. PG Anthony Cowan is back to lead a team, top 30 in offensive and defensive efficiency last year. Versatile So PF Jalen Smith will be one of the best players in the B1G. Wiggins and Ayala both shot better than 40% from 3, and Coach Turgeon brings in highly touted twin bigs in Makhi and Makhel Mitchell.
Our favorite Terp plays for 2019-2020
Anthony Cowan Jr.,
G, Sr.
Cowen averaged 15.6 pts, 4.4 asts, 3.7 rebs, and 1 stl last season but faded towards the end of conference and seldom hit value. Look for him to come out strong early.
Jalen Smith,
F, So.
Smith was inconsistent at times last year and often overshadowed by Fernando, however his potential was obvious and still averaged 12 pts, 7 rebs. Expect mins to jump up from 26 mpg and to be among the premier DFS big men
Eric Ayala,
G, So.
There are a few of these guys on this team, 6’5” SG that can shoot the lights out. I’ll go with Ayala and look for him to make a Sophomore leap. Usage and shots should increase.
Wessons and Freshmen Lead 2019-2020 Buck
Coach Holtmann finished tied for 8th in the B1G last year but got his young core some much needed experience. In spite of losing their starting backcourt in CJ Jackson and Keyshawn Woods, they return both Wesson brothers, Luther Muhammad, and Musa Jallow. They also add coveted 5-star recruits DJ Carton and EJ Ledell, as well as CJ Walker from Florida St.
Our favorite Buckeye plays for 2019-2020
Kaleb Wesson,
F, Jr.
The ball went through him last year and I don’t expect that to change, other than the offense should be much improved in general which should open things up down low.
D.J. Carton,
G, Fr.
Had 15 points in the exhibition and is already hunting the starting PG spot over seasoned Walker. This athletic playmaker will be at his lowest price early on, so take advantage.
E.J. Liddell,
F, Fr.
He had a storied career in the Illinois prep ranks but has been quiet in the off-season, suggesting he is still getting acclimated. Talent is there, keep your eyes peeled.
Fun Purdue Team Preps for Life After Edwards
Purdue’s season could’ve ended very differently had a wild finish and Virginia buzzer beater not gone down, knocking them out of the Elite 8 to the eventual champs. The biggest reason for the tournament surge was Carsen Edwards who finished his college career with a 42 point effort. Purdue keeps much of their core from last season though, including PG Nojel Eastern, 7’3” Matt Haarms, and Sophomore meat wagon Trevion Williams. Painter adds transfer Jahaad Proctor who averaged 20 ppg at High Point.
Our favorite Boliermaker plays for 2019-2020
Matt Haarms,
F, Jr.
The big man came on late averaging nearly 3 blocks a game, among the best in the nation. Tack on double digit points and 6 rpg, and you have a nice cash play most night.
Jahaad Proctor,
G, Sr.
He’s not plug-in-play for Edwards, but he’s a proven scorer at the D1 level and should be able to get shots up. Keep an eye on freshman Brandon Newman to emerge at this spot too.
Trevion Williams,
F, So.
Purdue’s other big man had a hard time staying on the court due to foul trouble, but no question he has next level talent. Extremely high usage last season (27 %Poss) at 10 mpg, if he takes a step, he could be a steal early on.
Juwan Howard Era Begins
Few major teams will look as differently as Michigan this coming season. Losing over half their total minutes as well as their program elevating head coach, they’ll look to usher in the Juwan Howard era. Anchored by PG Zavier Simpson and C Jon Teske, this team welcomes legacy recruit, and NBA prospect Franz Wagner. Returning is sharp shooter Isaiah Livers who should have a bigger role, and a roster, largely unknown to this point. Can Howard live up to the high bar set by Beilein?
Our favorite Michigan plays for 2019-2020
Jon Teske,
F, Sr.
Versatile big man that had equal success in pick and pop, as pick and roll. Should be the focal point of the offense. Rebounding should make him a solid cash play all year.
Isaiah Livers,
F, Jr.
Shot 43% from 3 as a stretch 4. He could have a sneaky good season as minutes should come up 25-30% and they will need him.
Zavier Simpson,
G, Sr.
He averaged 8.8 ppg, 6 apg, and 5 rpg last season with slate smashing performances, including a triple double. His minutes should be steady, while his assists may dip, scoring could increase.
Illini Look to Make Massive Leap in 2020
The young Illini look to pick up on the momentum they left off with last season, collecting big wins against Maryland, Michigan St, and Ohio St late in conference. Dosumnu turned down the NBA draft to come back and help Brad Underwood finally turn the corner. Joining him is Jr G Trent Frazier, Sr G Andres Feliz, and surprise standout down low, Georgi Bezhanishvili. You won’t be able to miss incoming freshman Kofi Cockburn at 7’0” 290lbs. He gives the Illini a much-needed post presence in 2020.
Our favorite KU plays for 2019-2020
Aya Dosunmu,
G, So.
Not only did he make a big impact with the Illini last season, he also made waves in DFS. 11 games scoring 18+ points, 12 games with 5+ rebs, also averaged 3.3 apg and 1.3 spg
Alan Griffin,
G, So.
Son of Adrian Griffin, Alan has emerged as the go-to wing option on this team over Tev Jones. He shoots way better than his 30% from 3 last season and has developed into a potentially elite offensive rebounder. Had 31 in a game over the summer
Kofi Cockburn,
F, Fr.
While Giorgi will have his moments, Kofi is bigger, a better rebounder, and a likely cheaper option to start the season. If he can avoid foul trouble, he has slate smashing potential
Badgers to be More Guard Oriented in 2019-20
This paragraph has to start with Ethan Happ, a DFS monster last year that routinely checked in around $10,500k for a team that was not going to score 60 points in a given game. Happ is now graduated and his 34.9% usage and 31.7% shot rate needs to be assumed. The likely suspect is junior Nate Reuvers who steps into his 5-spot, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see guards D’Mitirk Trice and Brad Davidson also get a boost. The starting backcourt from last year was 2nd and 3rd on the team in usage and shot%. Another big loss for the Badgers was defensive minded Khalil Iverson, who actually had double figures in 7-of-9 to end the year. My guess would be sophomore Kobe King assumes the role, but like Iverson, he needs to find consistency on offense
Our favorite Badger plays for 2019-2020
Nate Reuvers,
F, Jr.
Frank Kaminsky, Ethan Happ, Nate Reuvers? The opportunity is there and the skill level isn’t that far off. Wisconsin has a proven path to success and a high usage big is part of that.
D’Mitrik Trice,
G, Jr.
Coin flip with him and Davidson, both profile similarly with a slight edge to Trice as the team’s leading returning scorer and assist man.
Brevin Pritzl,
G, Sr.
Not someone you lock into your line-up every week, but an elite shooter who can 7x when the match-up is right. Perhaps as a senior minutes tick up a bit.
Bohannon Status Keeps Iowa’s Outlook Up In The Air
Iowa’s color scheme this year is black and DFS gold. This is a team that plays with good pace (2nd in the B1G), has an efficient offense (15th nationally), and doesn’t play a lot of defense (13th in B1G). A key injury called out in the DFS Nugget has also opened the door for relatively unknown players to become DFS known. This is a team we will watch closely early on to see who steps up and how the rotations shake out. Many CBB analysts are projecting a break-out year for sophomore Joe Wieskamp. The opportunity is definitely there. Also packed with DFS potential are Coach McCaffery’s two sons Connor and Patrick. Conner will probably spend some time at the point, while the 6-9 “little” brother Patrick can play the 3 or the 4. Also down low Luka Garza is back for his junior year after averaging 13.1 ppg as a sophomore. Offense isn’t going to be an issue.
Our favorite Hawkeye plays for 2019-2020
Joe Wieskamp,
G, So.
All-B1G Freshman team a year ago, Wieskamp shot 42% from 3, but is not just a shooter. The 6-6 wing averaged 5 boards, routinely got to the foul line, and contributes on the defensive end as well
Luka Garza,
F, Jr.
With Tyler Cook (26.2% usage) moving on, Garza is now the focal point of McCaffery’s inside-our attack. Garza is a very capable offensive player, but strangely scoring reliant for a DFS big man (just 4.5rpg, 0.3 spg, 0.5 bpg).
Bakari Evelyn,
G, Sr.
As Bohannon mends the closest thing this team has to a true point guard is Evelyn, who has starting experience over the last two years at Valparaiso. He’s a capable shooter and can run a team.
Hoosiers Have a lot of Question Marks
Coach Archie Miller battled injuries and high expectations last season as the Hoosiers couldn’t overcome a 1-12 conference stretch to finish 8th in the B1G. Indiana lose their stud Freshman G Romeo Langford and do-everything forward Juwan Morgan. They will return a nice mix of youth and experience however in So PG Rob Phinisee, Jr F Justin Smith, and imposing big man De’Ron Davis. They add a skilled big in Butler transfer Joey Brunk as well as McDAA Trayce Jackson-Davis, son of former Pacer Dale Davis.
Our favorite Hoosier plays for 2019-2020
Justin Smith,
F, Jr.
Like his team, Smith finished strong last season. He has the tools and experience, now he will have opportunity. Not a sure thing.
Rob Phinisee,
G, So.
Needs to shoot much better than last year (36%), but if he can, his minutes and usage should be there. Assists, rebounds, and steals make him an enticing play
Trayce Jackson-Davis,
F, Fr.
Might take him a few games to find his role, but he’s the most talented and athletic player on the roster by a large margin.
Lamar Stevens is a DFS Monster
The Lions went 7-13 in conference last season, but by the end of the year, they were a team no one wanted to play. Coach Chambers lost Rasir Bolton to Iowa St but managed to keep all-conference F Lamar Stevens from staying in the draft. Also returning is big man Mike Watkins and 3 point specialist Myles Dread.
Our favorite PSU plays for 2019-2020
Lamar Stevens,
F, Sr.
Stevens averaged 20 and 8 last season with 12 games over 24 points and 9 double digit rebound games. He will be among the highest priced players but he could have some weird matchups in non-con.
Mike Watkins,
F, Sr.
Not as prolific a scorer as his post-mate counterpart, Watkins averaged 8 rebounds a game and had 8 double/doubles even after missing the first 5 games. Expect a strong senior season.
Myles Dread,
G, So.
Penn St’s best 3-point shooter converted 35% on 188 attempts his freshman season. Expect his usage and shooting percentage to increase this year making him a matchup dependent GPP play.
Gophers Looking to Replace Major Pieces
The Gophers need to replace two major pieces from last year’s 22-win team that advanced to the round of 32. Not only do Amir Coffey and Jordan Murphy (combined 51.2% usage) leave a void on the basketball court, but they leave a void in leadership and place it in the hands of two outstanding sophomores from a year ago in David Oturu and Gabe Kalscheur. Now Pitino won’t make the exciting second year players do it all on their own as transfers Marcus Carr, Payton Willis and Alihan Demir bring some experience to the team. That being said, it may take a while for this Gohpers team to gel and when they do we still aren’t sure what they’ll look like.
Our favorite Gopher plays for 2019-2020
David Oturu,
F, So.
Averaged 11 points, 7 boards and 1.3 blocks per game as a freshman and is poised to be the go-to post option this year. Had 4 consecutive double-doubles in December last year.
Gabe Kalscheur,
G, So.
Started all 36 games as a freshman and was by a mile the Gophers best perimeter shooter. This year he will be relied on to create his own shot more than last year.
Marcus Carr,
G, So.
Last time we saw Carr he was starting at PG for a Pitt team that went 0-18 in ACC play, but Carr was far from the issue on that squad. He is an excellent distributor and will set up the aforementioned Oturu and Kalscheur nicely.
Knights Hope to Capitalize on Late Season Success Last Year
Another young team that surged late in the B1G last season, Rutgers not only surprised opponents, they also surprised Bucketheads with several standout performances. Omoruyi was a double/double machine early in the season before his injury, but Baker was a consistent cash play all season. Ron Harper Jr came on late as a primary scorer, highlighted by a 27 point game against Iowa. The Scarlet Knights also add Texas transfer Jacob Young (younger brother of former Pac-12 POY Joe Young).
Our favorite Scarlet Knight plays for 2019-2020
Ron Harper Jr.,
G, So.
Harper emerged as the top scoring option by the end of last season and averaged 17 ppg over the summer. Expect that to continue into the season as he should be coveted in the upper-mid tier price range.
Geo Baker,
G, Jr.
Baker averaged 12 pts, 3 reb, and 4 ast last season. While his minutes may go down with the arrival of 4-star Freshman Paul Mulcahy, expect higher usage and better shooting.
Jacob Young,
G, So.
The former 4-star Texas G lead the team in steals over the summer and was second and scoring behind Harper. If he’s under 5k, make sure he’s in your lineup.
One Returning Player; Hoiberg Starts From Scratch
Fred Hoiberg returns to college hoops from his NBA sabbatical. This time he returns to his birth home of Lincoln, Nebraska to take over the struggling Cornhuskers from coach and social media savant Tim Miles. He literally flipped the roster in the offseason, brining on 14 new players made up of grad transfers, jucos, freshman, walk-ons, GPA guys, team managers, cheerleaders, anyone with a pulse basically. We can speculate which guys will emerge based experience, pedigree, fit, etc., but it’s really anyone’s guess until the ball hits the floor.
Our favorite Cornhusker plays for 2019-2020
Dachon Burke,
G, Jr.
Of the bunch, he seems like the surest thing. He averaged 14 per game in Italy over the summer, leading the team and can get his own shot.
Haanif Cheatham,
F, Sr.
Started 63 games at Marquette so he has the most high-major experience on the team. Second leading scorer in Italy.
Cam Mack,
G, So.
Should have the ball in his hands a lot. Had 7 rebs and 8 assists in their exhibition game. Hoiberg high on him.
Wildcats Continue to Build
The Wildcats lost 12-of-13 to end their season which went into the books as Collins worst season since taking over the team in 2014. That team also lost its top 2 scorers in Vic Law and Derrick Pardon who also accounted for 47% of the team’s usage. Collins doesn’t have a ton of returning talent. A.J. Turner (8.7 ppg) and Anthony Gaines (4.7 rpg) both started a year ago, but the rest will be relatively new faces. Experts expect this to be a challenging year for Northwestern. We don’t see it any differently from a DFS standpoint
Our favorite Wildcat plays for 2019-2020
A.J. Turner,
F, Sr.
The elder statesman on the team is the team’s leading returning scorer (8.7 ppg) and assistor (2.8 apg). Shot 32.8% from 3 last year on 119 attempts. This number needs to improve.
Anthony Gaines,
G, Jr.
The 6-4 junior started at the point guard position last year for the final 14 games, but is better suited off the ball. The big guard is also the team’s leading returning rebounder after hauling in 4.7 boards per game.
Robbie Beran,
F, Fr.
One of the highest rated recruits in Northwestern history, Beran can knock down and also alter shots. He should compete for minutes at the center spot with Jared Jones another highly touted recruit.
