Coaches, Players Talk Men’s Basketball Season

The Big Ten Men's Basketball Media Day has officially set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season. With new coaches, powerhouse transfers, returning stars, championship aspirations, and fresh starts, every team has a story to tell. 

We heard from coaches and players of all 18 teams on the upcoming season. Here are the key takeaways from each Big Ten program as they gear up for the 2025-26. 

Illinois: Electric in Champaign 

Illinois is riding a wave of five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and has no plans of slowing down. Despite losing two first-round NBA Draft picks, Coach Brad Underwood has reloaded with impactful transfers and a veteran core. "It’s a great time to be an Illini. Every game's sold out," Underwood said. "It’s pretty electric." 

Underwood has strategically embraced European talent, noting that "some of the best talent in the NBA is European." He pointed to the team's positional size, shooting, and veteran leadership as major strengths. 

Returner Kylan Boswell, a Champaign, Ill. native, is thrilled to represent his home state. "It’s a blessing," he said. "It’s nostalgic for me, growing up as a fan and now getting to rep the Orange and Blue on the floor." The team's chemistry, built on embracing different cultures and perspectives, will be key to their success this season. 

Indiana: A New Era 

A new chapter begins in Bloomington with Coach Darian DeVries at the helm. With 15 newcomers, including the Big Ten's fourth-ranked transfer class (per 247Sports), the Hoosiers are looking to build a new identity. DeVries is focused on connecting with the fanbase and creating a formidable home-court advantage. "We want our students to think that they’re part of our journey together," he said. 

Leadership will be crucial for this new-look squad. DeVries noted his son, transfer Tucker DeVries, has naturally stepped into that role. "He understands everything we're trying to do... Everyone’s looking to him. I've always been the guy to let leadership evolve on its own," coach explained. 

Playing for Indiana carries a special weight, and the new players feel it. "When you’re wearing Indiana across your chest, you’re representing a lot more than just the team," Tucker said. Fellow transfer Lamar Wilkerson added, "I wanted to play at the highest level, and I feel like the Big Ten is that." 

Iowa: Followers Make Leaders 

Ben McCollum takes over at Iowa, bringing with him a winning pedigree from Drake and a clear philosophy. "What wins at one level wins at another," he said, emphasizing that he looks for intangible qualities when recruiting, like hard work and serving teammates. He brought six players with him from Drake, which has helped establish his culture quickly. So what can fans expect? "Defensively, we're always going to be super physical and be able to guard," McCollum promised.  

The players who followed McCollum to Iowa did so because of his character. "The way he cares about you off the court as a person," said Cam Manyawu. "It’s not just basketball." Bennett Stirtz, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, is ready to prove himself on the bigger stage. "Until the ball stops bouncing, I’m going to be a D2 guy," he said. "It’s just that chip on my shoulder that I play with." 

Maryland: Connectivity is King 

After Maryland's 2024 Sweet 16 appearance, first-year head coach Buzz Williams is tasked with integrating 15 newcomers, including four transfers that came with him from Texas A&M. "We seem to have four new assistant coaches that I wasn’t expecting," he said, referring to his returning players who are helping teach his system.  

Williams wants to control the possession game and have more "synergy" in his defense with his new roster. "With each passing day, we're just trying to get on the same page." 

Transfer David Coit described this year's team as the "most connected group I’ve been with." That chemistry will be vital as they navigate the tough Big Ten schedule. Elijah Saunders, a transfer by way of Virginia and San Diego State, brings Final Four experience and is ready to be a leader. "He cares about you more than basketball," Saunders said of Coach Williams. "He tries to build you as a man, not just a player." 

Michigan: Embracing Expectations 

After a record-setting first year for head coach Dusty May that included a Sweet 16 run, expectations are soaring in Ann Arbor. With the Big Ten's top-ranked transfer class (via 247Sports), Michigan has the talent to make a deep run. "We’re certainly going to embrace those expectations," May said. "Championships are what you strive for. We have the tools in our locker room to compete against anyone." 

He highlighted the addition of transfer Yaxel Lendeborg, praising his humility and "unique talent." The players are feeling the momentum, too. "Coach May implementing his style of basketball changed the trajectory of my collegiate career... and he also changed the course of Michigan Men's Basketball," said returning guard Nimari Burnett.  

With a mix of key returners and high-impact newcomers, the Wolverines are aiming to build on last year's success. 

Michigan State: Culture and Chemistry 

For legendary coach Tom Izzo, last season's Elite Eight run was a testament to the power of culture. "Chemistry and culture matter," he said. "We were not as talented top to bottom. But we had 10 guys, no locker room issues, no NIL issues, no jealousy. It was a fun year." 

Izzo continues to champion the idea of a "player-coached team," and he believes he has the leadership to make it happen, pointing to Jeremy Fears Jr. as a key figure. "He has the confidence in himself now," Izzo said. Fears, who chose to stay at MSU, cited "the family, the culture, what coach has done for me" as his reasons. 

Fellow returner Coen Carr echoed that sentiment. "The atmosphere and who coaches. That’s someone you want to play for and keep playing for. It wasn't a decision for me." Both players believe the team's camaraderie will be even stronger this year, which could propel them to another deep tournament run. "It's a melting pot," Izzo said. 

Minnesota: A Homecoming 

Niko Medved is back at his alma mater, and he's energized to build the Golden Gophers program. "There are moments when you walk into the Barn and around the community... It’s surreal," he said. He's rebuilding the roster with "high character guys" who will "fight to lay the foundation." 

Medved brought junior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and some of his staff with him from Colorado State. "They know how we do things, why we win, what to believe in, what to trust. A lot of it is just how they go about their daily business." 

Isaac Asuma, a Minnesota native, chose to stay because he believed in Medved's vision. "This team has a lot of fight and a lot of grit... we're going to do our best for the state of Minnesota." Crocker-Johnson said he followed Medved from CSU because of the strong relationship they built. "I knew as soon as he left that I wanted to go with him." 

Nebraska: That Tournament Win 

The Cornhuskers ended last season on a high note by winning the inaugural College Basketball Crown, and head coach Fred Hoiberg is looking to carry that momentum into the new season. Getting Rienk Mast back from injury is a massive boost. "When you look at the spacing and gravity he provides, it just opens things back up for everybody," Hoiberg said. "I've really been impressed with our guys. They've been busting their tails off." 

Mast himself has grown as a leader during his rehab. "I learned a lot, especially how big having a voice is," he said. The team is also motivated by missing the Big Ten Tournament last year. "It stung," said Sam Hoiberg. "Our whole thing this year is that we want to get that mark off our back and get that tournament win. Our goal is to battle much better through adversity." 

Northwestern: Returning Firepower 

Following the excitement of Brooks Barnhizer going No. 44 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Wildcats are looking to build on their culture. Coach Chris Collins is excited about the offensive potential of this year's squad. "Throughout the course of this summer, we just have more guys who are capable," he said. "I really like our talent." 

Northwestern returns Nick Martinelli, the conference's top scorer from last season. "His work habits are incredible," Collins said. "It's competitiveness, toughness, team play... He never ceases to amaze me." 

The key, however, will be maintaining their defensive identity. "If we’re going to be successful this year, we have to be a really sound defensive team," Collins stressed. Martinelli is ready to lead the way, and he's been impressed by freshman Trey Singleton. "He’s really really good," Martinelli said. "He acts like a veteran... He’s ready to go." 

Ohio State: Raising the IQ 

After a season of nail-biters, Coach Jake Diebler is focused on improving his team's consistency. "11 games decided by two possessions or less will almost give you a doctorate in how to handle close games," he joked. The key to improvement? Raising the team's collective basketball IQ.  

Diebler feels they've done that by bringing in experienced transfers and retaining a core group of players. "Retention was an indicator of where our culture was," he said. Returning star Bruce Thornton is determined to lead the Buckeyes to the NCAA Tournament. "As a kid, growing up watching March Madness, you always dream of playing there," Thornton said. "I know this year’s going to be the year." 

"This group is really close," said Diebler. "I love coaching this team because there's a level of leadership across the board." 

Oregon: Experience and Closers 

Coach Dana Altman's team had a knack for winning tight contests last season, and with top scorers Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad returning, they have the experience to do it again. Altman credits his experienced staff and players for never giving up, even during tough stretches. "They know that we can still pull it out, so they don't give up on you." On Bittle and Shelstad: "Those two guys have worked really hard in the off season. I like where we're at." 

The Ducks are all ready for big moments. "The hours we put in, the work we put in translates," Bittle said. After testing NBA waters, Bittle has returned with a focus on improving his body and extending his range.  

Shelstad, currently recovering from a broken hand, is using the time to grow as a leader. "This is a great time for me to work on other things," he said. "Leadership. Using my voice and doing whatever I can to help the new guys." 

Penn State: What’s My Age Again? 

Third-year coach Mike Rhoades is leading the youngest team in the Big Ten with eight true freshmen. "I was going after high character, super talented kids," Rhoades said. "When you get on the court for the jump ball, no one asks you how old you are. All they want to know is if you can play or not." 

The Nittany Lions will play an aggressive, full-court style, creating offense from their defense. Rhoades has already identified freshman point guard Kayden Mingo as a leader who is "beyond his years." The players are embracing the underdog role after finishing near the bottom of the conference last season. "It’s only up from here," said Eli Rice. "We’re not going to be in that position again." 

Purdue: Eyes on the Final Prize 

The Boilermakers are entering the season ranked No. 1 by some in the country for a reason. After missing out the last couple of years, the mission is clear: win a national championship. With reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith and other top scorers returning, this roster is loaded. 

"Our seniors and our three main guys have accomplished everything besides a national championship," head coach Matt Painter stated. He emphasized that the team needs to talk about the championship goal more openly this year. 

Forward Trey Kaufman-Renn shared that watching UConn celebrate the 2024 NCAA Championship was "one of the most emotional things that could happen. That keeps us motivated every day in practice." The players are embracing the pressure. "You look at our depth, you look at our talent, our personality, the culture that we have," Kaufman-Renn said. "I just can’t see another team that has everything that we have going for us this year." 

The team even underwent Navy SEAL programming to build chemistry, sleeping on the floor at Mackey Arena for two nights without their phones. It was about "doing hard stuff together," Smith explained, which brought them closer and taught them how to hold each other accountable. With a roster this talented and a mindset this focused, anything less than a trip to the final weekend would be a disappointment. 

The message from the new staff is simple: "Let's do this together." 

Rutgers: Back to Blue-Collar Basketball 

After a couple of tough seasons, coach Steve Pikiell is determined to get Rutgers back to its "blue-collar" identity. "We didn’t rebound the last two years," he said. "This group is huge physically." With a roster full of size and a competitive fire, Pikiell is confident they can return to the NCAA Tournament. 

"I like when people doubt. I’m good in those places," he declared. The players are embracing that mindset. "We’re just blue collar," said junior transfer Jamichael Davis. "[We're] trying to stay levelheaded, we know what we have to do, and we’re not going to shy away from it." Dylan Grant added, "Every day’s a dog fight." Expect a tougher, grittier Rutgers team this season. 

UCLA: Battle-Tested 

In their first season in the conference, the Bruins learned a lot about the Big Ten grind. "Coaching in some of the arenas was what I thought it would be," said Coach Mick Cronin. "Some of the atmospheres were awesome. And some of the weather was terrible." He knows the cross-country travel is a challenge but believes his team is better prepared for it this year. 

The addition of Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent gives the Bruins a dynamic offensive weapon. "His teammates love him because it’s really hard to defend him with one guy," Cronin noted. "And he doesn't have to overdo it for us. We have other guys." 

With a strong returning core, including top scorers Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr., and Skyy Clark, UCLA has the experience to navigate the tough Big Ten schedule. "We know what to expect," Bilodeau said. "We know what coach Cronin’s all about." 

USC: Building through the Portal 

Coach Eric Musselman is also entering his second year in the Big Ten, and he’s been focused on roster construction. He targeted experienced players who have won at the collegiate level to build a new culture at USC. The Trojans brought in the second-ranked transfer class in the conference (according to 247Sports), including Chad Baker-Mazara (Auburn) and Rodney Rice (Maryland), who both have postseason experience.  

Another player to watch is Jordan Marsh, who has been "phenomenal" in practice. The team is also rallying around injured star Alijah Arenas, who is acting as a player-coach while he rehabs. "He knows our plays inside and out," Musselman said. "He has his own clipboard at practice." 

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, one of Baker-Mazara's first times to America was to watch his auntie graduate from USC. Now, he's on the court and ready to step up as a leader. "I’m your big brother," he tells his teammates. "I’m here to lead you all with my experience on and off the court." 

Washington: Depth and Defensive Identity 

In his first year, Coach Danny Sprinkle learned a crucial lesson: "You have to have depth in this league." He's addressed that by bringing in On3’s third-ranked transfer class, four of whom have Big Ten experience. He specifically targeted players "that came from programs that knew how to win and had a defensive standard." 

That includes former Trojan Desmond Claude, who worked on "making the right reads and being more confident" during the offseason. 

The practices have been intense. "Practice is pretty competitive," said sophomore Zoom Diallo. "We’re competing every day, getting each other better, and I think that’s going to be a testament for what we’re going to do this year." 

Wisconsin: More Pace, More Space 

Coach Greg Gard has adapted his team's style to the modern game, emphasizing a faster pace and better spacing. The result was the team's highest scoring average since 1971-72 last season. Now, with a mix of key returners and impactful transfers, the Badgers are looking to build on that success. "Retention is always priority number one, and then we add four freshmen and five transfers. It’s an exciting group and an exciting time in Madison." 

Gard is particularly excited about transfer guard Nick Boyd. "I haven’t had a point guard that has that command and that speed in a while," he said. He also has high expectations for Nolan Winter, who he believes "could easily be a double-double guy." 

Returning guard John Blackwell is focused on being a leader and bringing more consistency to his game. He and Boyd push each other every day in practice. "Iron sharpens iron," Blackwell said. With more depth and talent across the board, the Badgers - even without John Tonje - are poised to be a tough out for anyone in the conference. 

The Season Awaits 

The battle for the Big Ten crown starts next month. The blend of established stars, high-impact transfers, and legendary coaches promises a season filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Buckle up, because Big Ten Basketball is back. 

Who will claim the conference title this year? Get every headline here .