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Preseason 2016-’17 All-Big Ten Team Released

The Big Ten released its annual picks for the All-Big Ten team heading into the upcoming season.

By Thomas Beindit
NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Second Round-Wisconsin vs Xavier Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten released its preseason All-Big Ten team on Tuesday afternoon and there were more than a few intriguing selections. These rankings are always one of the best early looks at the conference and are no different this year.

One thing worth noting about the list is that the Big Tne recently increased its All-Big Ten team from five to 10 members. As such, an additional five players will find their name among the players listed. Some of the names will be familiar to fans and some won’t be quite as well known.

Here is the full list of players below.

2016-’17 Preseason All-Big Ten Team:

  • James Blackmon (Indiana)
  • Thomas Bryant (Indiana)
  • Ethan Happ (Wisconsin)
  • Nigel Hayes (Wisconsin)*
  • Malcolm Hill (Illinois)
  • Peter Jok (Iowa)
  • Bronson Koenig (Wisconsin)
  • Caleb Swanigan (Purdue)
  • Melo Trimble (Maryland)
  • Derrick Walton (Michigan)

Of the 10 players that made the cut, they come from seven different teams. The only teams that had multiple players make the cut were Indiana and Wisconsin. Of course, that also means that seven teams failed to have a player make the list.

Perhaps no team that missed the cut was more interesting than Michigan State. Although the Spartans lose a lot this offseason, the team is widely projected to compete for the Big Ten title and for a high seed in March. Perhaps the selections (or omissions) make sense, but one does wonder whether the voters will regret not listing a Spartan when the season comes to a close next spring.

This list also composed a very experienced group. Not only were no freshmen listed, but eight of the players have been in college for at least three years, including a good hunk of seniors. Most referred to last season as the year of the seniors and based on this list, one has to wonder if that tradition will continue.

There’s certain to be plenty of movement on this list as the season continues, but don’t be surprised to see all 10 of these players make some noise this year.

* - Signifies a unanimous selection.

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