Welcome to the post-NBA Draft deadline version of our way-too-early Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings for the 2023-24 season. Because with this crucial juncture of the offseason behind us, maybe it isn’t actually way too early to start ranking things.

There is still a bit of roster churning ahead as a few teams have spots open for transfers. One of the most significant moves took place Wednesday when Tennessee transfer forward Olivier Nkamhoua committed to a talent-depleted Michigan squad.

That move alone isn’t enough to make the Wolverines an NCAA Tournament team next year, but it does stem some bleeding from the losses of Hunter Dickinson, Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin.

Here’s how we stack up the B1G heading into the summer.

1. Michigan State

The Spartans are heavy preseason favorites for the same reason Indiana was a year ago — they return a boatload of production from last season.

Of course, that Indiana team did not win the Big Ten thanks in part to an injury to point guard Xavier Johnson. Things can happen.

But with a core of AJ Hoggard, Tyson Walker and Jaden Akins, the Spartans will be able to score. Freshman center Xavier Booker is the X-factor. If he can improve Michigan State’s ability to score inside, this is more than a Big Ten contender.

2. Purdue

Getting the National Player of the Year back is a big deal. It’s only happened 4 times in the past 30 years for any college basketball team. The Boilermakers will contend with Zach Edey in the lineup.

Everybody knows Purdue’s backcourt needs to improve, but guess what: Freshmen typically improve as sophomores. Purdue fans may be wary of emotional investment after the past 2 Marches, but this is a team to be excited for.

3. Indiana

There are a few unknown factors that will determine whether the Hoosiers meet or exceed this ranking. Namely, 5-star freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako and Oregon transfer center Kel’el Ware, who is a former 5-star recruit himself.

The leadership of Trayce Jackson-Davis was one of the underappreciated aspects of his game. Point guard Xavier Johnson will have big shoes to fill in the locker room.

4. Northwestern

Having Chase Audige back would have been a big boost, but the Wildcats will still be among the top teams in the Big Ten even though Audige is pursuing an NBA career. Boo Buie and Ty Berry are back, and Northwestern should be a feisty defensive squad. Princeton transfer wing Ryan Langborg, who helped lead the Tigers to the Sweet 16, should help an offense that went cold for long spurts last season.

5. Wisconsin

The Badgers are coming off a disappointing season, but it’s difficult to ignore the experience on this roster. Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl and Max Klesmit are all seniors. Chucky Hepburn is poised for a breakthrough junior season. And Connor Essegian could be on the cusp of stardom.

6. Maryland

The Terps have a high ceiling and a high floor. They’ll certainly be an NCAA Tournament team, and if things really click they can be much more than that. Incoming freshmen DeShawn Harris-Smith and Jamie Kaiser could go a long way in determining how far Maryland will go.

Maryland won every conference home game but only beat Minnesota on the road last year. Consistency will be key.

7. Illinois

Other than Purdue, no team benefitted more from the post-draft deadline than Illinois.

Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins somewhat surprisingly decided to run it back another year. Combined with Dain Dainja and Southern Illinois transfer Marcus Domask, the Illini have enough talent to get back to the NCAA Tournament.

Temple transfer point guard Jeremiah Williams will determine Illinois’ fate. The Illini took a step back last year when inexperience forced Brad Underwood to shift Shannon from off the ball to point guard. If Illinois can keep Shannon in his sweet spot, it can exceed this ranking.

8. Ohio State

Ohio State’s freshman core showed a flash of something late in the season, which helps explain why Chris Holtmann’s job was never in danger.

Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle and Felix Okpara feel like they could be a year away from being the Big Ten’s top trio if Holtmann can keep the band together after this season. The addition of Minnesota forward Jamison Battle will help get the Buckeyes back into the NCAA Tournament picture.

9. Iowa

For the 3rd straight season, Fran McCaffery has to replace Iowa’s best player. Given how things worked out post-Luka Garza and post-Keegan Murray, something tells me he’ll find a way yet again.

The Hawkeyes are yet another team capable of outplaying their initial projection if guys step up to fill the void left by Kris Murray, Filip Rebraca and Connor McCaffery.

10. Nebraska

The Cornhuskers might follow in the footsteps of Rutgers and Northwestern the past 2 seasons — the team that comes out of nowhere to earn a top-4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. But given the checkered history of Nebrasketball, I’m not daring enough to actually predict that outcome.

But with Keisei Tominaga back in the fold the Huskers are going to be the most fun team in the B1G to watch, win or lose.

11. Michigan

Nkamhoua’s arrival is a life raft for Michigan. His best performances as a Volunteer were against Texas and Duke, which shows he embraces the moment. But the Wolverines still need to find a paddle if they are to be anything beyond NIT-caliber.

12. Rutgers

Cam Spencer’s surprise defection knocks the Scarlet Knights down 2 or 3 notches. This should be one of the country’s best defensive teams, but it might be the offensive equivalent of Iowa football. Who will score other than Cliff Omoruyi on lobs to the rim?

13. Penn State

New coach Mike Rhoades brings in an entirely new roster and philosophy from Micah Shrewsberry, so there’s no way of knowing how the system and roster will mesh for the Nittany Lions. But given the overall experience in the B1G this season, it figures to be an uphill battle in Year 1.

14. Minnesota

Ben Johnson hasn’t won on the court or off at Minnesota as he enters Year 3. That’s unlikely to change on the court this season, so the Gophers need some recruiting wins. But top 2024 Minnesota prospect Daniel Freitag has already committed to Wisconsin, so, well, what are we doing here?

Minnesota is married to the Big Ten cellar until further notice.