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This is a weekly column for BTPowerhouse that will cover a variety of Big Ten topics that might not deserve a detailed breakdown, but deserve mention. It will be similar to a news roundup with more thoughts and analysis.
So, let’s jump into our Morning Power Bar.
1. Nebraska is getting a new athletic director.
Every offseason comes with a few twists and turns, but this is one that was hard to see coming. After years with Bill Moos at the helm, Nebraska will be changing athletic directors. It’s a move that could have ramifications for the Big Ten for years to come, especially for Fred Hoiberg and his staff moving forward.
While many are critical of Nebraska’s program, I’ve always felt it has more potential than national pundits believe. The fan support and facilities are top notch and there are a variety of local programs that could yield transfer prospects for the Huskers. Unfortunately, Nebraska just hasn’t been able to get everything together yet since joining the Big Ten. We’ll see if a new athletic director can shake things up.
2. Vaccine requirements loom.
The Detroit News reported earlier this week that Michigan will be requiring all of its student athletes to be vaccinated before the start of next season. While the COVID-19 vaccines have certainly become a hot topic in recent months, this certainly marks a big step for the Big Ten in trying to prevent outbreaks for next season. As Big Ten fans will certainly remember, Michigan basketball missed approximately three weeks of play last season due to COVID-19 related issues on campus.
3. The NLI drama begins.
If you were looking for a “bang” to start off the new NLI-era of college athletics, you didn’t have to wait long. Iowa’s Jordan Bohannon will be signing a deal with Boomin Iowa Fireworks as one of the first NLI agreements nationally. It’s certainly a fitting way to get things started for the Big Ten.
4. NBA Playoffs continue.
On Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers to make their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993. It was a tremendous series and puts a few Big Ten players on the brink of winning an NBA championship. Here are all the players left in the Playoffs to date:
- Bruno Fernando - Maryland
- Kevin Huerter - Maryland
- N/A
- E’Twaun Moore - Purdue
- Frank Kaminsky - Wisconsin
- Jalen Smith - Maryland
We’ll have to see how things sort out, but that seems like a pretty good shot for the Big Ten to have someone come home with a ring this year.
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