It’s night one of the 2024-25 college basketball season. Fans across the country will be tuning into games all across the globe. It’s the best time of the year. In Big Ten country, everyone will have their eyes on all 18 teams as this new era of the league gets underway. There are plenty of high-level players to watch and teams. The real question will be, can the Big Ten compete with the best teams in the country? What about some Big Ten bold predictions, is this the year the league wins it all?
I, for one hope the now going on 25-plus-year drought without a National Champion for the Big Ten will end soon. Michigan State was the last team to do so in 2000. Tom Izzo enters his 30th season in East Lansing with more fire than ever to be the one to end the drought. They aren’t alone, with Purdue, Indiana, and newcomers UCLA, Oregon, and USC all looking to try their hand at winning the big one. That chase starts tonight, so why not make some bold predictions for this opening night of college basketball?
Here are my top five bold predictions for night one in the Big Ten.
Big Ten Bold Predictions for Opening Night
1. Purdue Cruises Behind a 25-point, 11-assist Night From Braden Smith
The Boilermakers of Purdue are back to prove that their run to the National Runner-up wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Purdue has Braden Smith at point guard, and he’s ready to become the face of the team after being the robin to Zach Edey last season. Mackey Arena will be packed and rocking as the Boilers open their season against Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Smith has already showcased that he’s ready to score at a high level. He went off for 31 points against Creighton in a charity exhibition game. After being named to the watchlist for the Bob Cousy Award to start the season, there’s no reason to think Smith won’t show out in game one. A 25-point night, along with 11 assists, will be a good start for the junior guard.
Three in a row?
Braden Smith named to @NaismithTrophy Player of the Year watch list. pic.twitter.com/NhKpDBb7Bx
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) October 30, 2024
2. Rutgers Freshman Duo Showout
Head Coach Steve Pickell and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a lot to prove this season. The RAC will be rocking to see the highly anticipated freshman duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Both will be expected to contribute early and quickly. Rutgers has a real opportunity to showcase their talent against Wagner on opening night. A big game from both should have the fans in Piscataway expecting huge things for the rest of the non-conference slate. Tyson Acuff and Jamichael Davis will have to keep the young duo poised. It’s going to be a huge moment for the best recurring class in Rutgers history. Scarlet Knight fans, enjoy the duo while you can.
3. Spartans Play Well, But Jaden Akins Has to do More
It’s nice to see that Michigan State has two games before they face No. 1 Kansas next week in Atlanta. Their opener against Monmouth will be a good game for the Spartans to get the rotation locked down. Senior guard Jaden Akins has to get things going for this team to hit its ceiling. While plenty of younger players have had a good offseason and exciting games, Akins has struggled to show any growth from what, he’s shown throughout his career in East Lansing. I’m by no means bashing him, but he’s had great moments in his career, but in other moments he’s completely disappeared. Izzo’s team this season cannot afford that.
GO TIME 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Ro72z8xl45
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) November 4, 2024
There aren’t very high expectations for the team, and they have flirted with missing the tournament every year since the 2020 NCAA’s were canceled. Xavier Booker, Coen Carr, and Jeremy Fears Jr look ready to take over this team, but they still need their senior guard, Akins to deliver. The team will play well, but Akins will need to do more going forward.
4. Great Osobor Proves Why He’s Big Ten’s Best Big
It’s a new era all around Washington Huskie Basketball, with a new conference, coach, and players. Great Osobor is a really good player to have, though. Osobor showcased his talent at Utah State last season, quickly becoming a reliable big. He’s got the opportunity to become one of the best players in the Big Ten this season. The Huskies opener isn’t until Tuesday night, but that doesn’t mean a nice bold prediction can’t be made. Osobor looks the part and appears ready to put his name atop the list as the Big Ten’s best big. A 20-point, 12-rebound game against UC Davis to open the season should build his confidence.
5. Michigan Showcases Three-Point Shooting
Dusty May’s Wolverines have already showcased their three-point shooting in their two exhibition games. Now, they will look to do the same in their season opener against Cleveland State. For a team that only last season went 8-24, this year presents a real opportunity to be a contender, not only with a new coach but a whole new team. Michigan shot a lot of threes last season but couldn’t make those shots when they needed them. The Wolverines made 15 three-pointers against Oakland in a charity exhibition game at Little Caesars Arena. Will Tschetter was a real spark plug off the bench. Add in freshman guard LJ Carson, who is already making big-time shots. He could be a huge difference-maker despite all of the big-time contributing transfers on the team. The Wolverines might not quite make 15 three against Cleveland State, but a dozen shots made from the outside is a good start to the season.
