'BTPowerhouse 25' - #9 Bronson Koenig

In the months leading up to the 2016-’17 college basketball season, BTPowerhouse will be releasing a new series called the 'BTPowerhouse 25,' which features the Top 25 players in the Big Ten as voted by members of the staff. All players set to be on Big Ten rosters for next season were eligible during the staff vote with their top selection receiving 25 points and their 25th and final selection receiving 1 point.

Today's edition will take a brief look at Bronson Koenig of Wisconsin, who came in at #9 in the rankings. Koenig has been instrumental in Wisconsin’s success over the past three seasons and will look to lead Wisconsin to the NCAA Tournament this season.

‘BTPowerhouse 25’ - #9 Bronson Koenig:

• Eligibility: Senior
• Career Totals: 112 games, 2,946 minutes, 937 points, 213 rebounds, 223 assists
• 2015-16 Averages: 34.9 min, 13.1 pts, 2.8 rebs, 2.4 asts, 0.2 blks, 0.4 stls
• Positional Role: Point Guard

Koenig started out as an afterthought to many when he arrived in Madison, but has developed into one of the better and more productive players in the Big Ten. He will look to take the next step this season.

Player Strengths

While Koenig’s shooting percentages dipped from his sophomore year to his junior year, he has still been efficient on the floor. During his sophomore season, he shot 41% from the floor and 40% from beyond the arc and managed 39% from the floor and 39% from the paint as a junior.

Koenig’s numbers most likely dropped simply due to more playing time, but he’s still a strong shooter and it’s one of the stronger parts of his game. He knows how to find his shot and get in to a rhythm on the floor.

Areas for Improvement

Koenig doesn’t dish out very many assists per game. He averaged 2.4 assists in the 2015-’16 season and 2.5 assists per game in the 2014-’15 season. In the past, he hasn’t needed to pass the ball as much because of his ability to create his own shot.

However, as Koenig steps into a leadership role this season, showing that his other teammates are threats on the floor may help him develop his overall game. Koenig also has to watch his fouls for the upcoming season. As a senior who is projected to average 35 minutes per game, being able to stay in without fouling out will be crucial.

Player Projection

The sky is the limit for Koenig this year. He has the opportunity to lead Wisconsin to the NCAA Tournament this year and make an impact on his final season. Last season, he was named third team All Big Ten by coaches and honorable mention All Big Ten by the media.

This year, if he continues to shoot well and improve his defense, he could be in the conversation for second or first team all Big Ten. Koenig has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on this team and put them in the conversation to win the Big Ten.

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'BTPowerhouse 25' Rankings:

• #26-31 - Players That Just Missed The Cut
• #24 - Josh Langford (Michigan State)
• #24 - Kam Williams (Ohio State)
• #23 - Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (Michigan)
• #22 - Jalen Coleman-Lands (Illinois)
• #21 - Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State)
• #20 - Jae’Sean Tate (Ohio State)
• #19 - James Blackmon (Indiana)
• #18 - Eron Harris (Michigan State)
• #17 - Corey Sanders (Rutgers)
• #16 - Derrick Walton, Jr. (Michigan)
• #15 - Isaac Haas (Purdue)
• #14 - JaQuan Lyle (Ohio State)
• #13 - Bryant McIntosh (Northwestern)
• #12 - Miles Bridges (Michigan State)
• #11 - Zak Irvin (Michigan)
• #10 - Vince Edwards (Purdue)
• #9 - Bronson Koenig (Wisconsin)
• #8 - to be continued ...