As the dust settled on the previous season, the Big Ten Conference found itself without many of its most impactful players. Graduation, NBA departures, and the ever-present transfer portal had stripped away a layer of talent from the league, leaving all 18 teams feeling the absence of key contributors. While some teams felt the loss more acutely than others, the landscape of the Big Ten had undeniably shifted.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, three teams stood out as early favorites: Purdue, Indiana, and Illinois. Each of these programs had said goodbye to significant players, such as Zach Edey from Purdue, Kel’el Ware from Indiana, and Terrance Shannon Jr. from Illinois. Despite these departures, there was optimism that returning players could step up and fill the void left by their predecessors.
Among the newcomers to the Big Ten were players from UCLA, USC, Washington, and Oregon. While these athletes were new to the conference, they brought with them a level of talent and excitement that promised to shake up the league. In particular, Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad was one to watch. The rising sophomore guard had already shown flashes of brilliance in his freshman season, demonstrating his sharpshooting abilities and knack for making big plays.
In 32 games last season, Shelstad averaged 12.8 points per game, showcasing his potential as a high-impact player in the Big Ten. His performance against Michigan, in particular, had caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. In a thrilling matchup against the Wolverines, Shelstad’s 14 points, including a game-winning three-pointer in overtime, had been instrumental in securing victory for the Ducks.
With comparisons to former Oregon standout Payton Pritchard, Shelstad carried the weight of expectations as he prepared for his second season in college basketball. If he could emulate Pritchard’s success in the same number three jersey that they both shared, Oregon’s future looked bright.
As the Big Ten underwent a period of transition and renewal, the return of impactful players like Shelstad and the emergence of new talents promised an exciting season ahead. Fans eagerly awaited the tip-off of the 2024-25 campaign, ready to witness the next chapter in the storied history of Big Ten basketball.
