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After coming up just short of the NCAA title, the Big Ten is back with another strong league. Complete with added teams, impressive freshmen and incoming transfers, the league has a strong crop of shooting guards.
Here are five Big Ten shooting guards to watch in 2024-25.
Top 5 Big Ten shooting guards for 2024
#5 Sebastian Mack, UCLA
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Yes, it's odd to think of UCLA in the Big Ten. But Mack is the kind of player who will help the Bruins fit in.
A 6-foot-3 sophomore, Mack scored 12.1 points per game last year with the Bruins. He doesn't shy away from contact and can drive the ball well, but his 28% 3-point shooting needs to improve.
If Mack can gel with the added talent around him, his perimeter skills should improve and make him an all-around threat. If so, watch out for the Bruins in the Big Ten.
#4 Meechie Johnson, Ohio State
Johnson is transferring into OSU from South Carolina, where he had a big season as a shoot-first guard on Lamont Paris's overachieving team.
Johnson averaged 14.1 points per game, including 32% on 3-point attempts. Being only 6-foot-2, some will try to pigeonhole Johnson as a point guard. But his small size (and capable ball handling) aside, he's a pure scoring guard.
Johnson is the kind of player who can shoot his team into or out of games. He will probably have to carry a bit less of the load at OSU than he did at South Carolina, which could make him even better.
#3 Roddy Gayle Jr., Michigan
Gayle is making the very unlikely transfer from Ohio State to Michigan. Yes, he will play for both the major rivals in his varied career.
The 6-foot-5 scorer put up 13.5 points per game last year as a Buckeye. He managed 4.6 rebounds per game, and if he can improve his 28% 3-point shooting, he would be great. Gayle had a wrist injury last year but may be a star this season at UM.
#2 Kasparus Jakucionis, Illinois
Jackucionis is an outstanding Lithuanian import who could pick up the slack from several significant Illinois losses in the offseason.
Maybe he might not replace Terrance Shannon immediately, but at 6-foot-6, he's big and strong enough to get his own offense. He's also experienced in international basketball and should be ready to play from day one.
Gone are the days when international players had to be slowly added to college basketball teams. Jakucionis could be a must-see player and shouldn't need much, if any, time for acclimatization.
#1 Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Harper is a prime freshman recruit. A 6-foot-6 standout, the lefty is a good enough ball handler to play the point but will probably play off the ball for the Scarlet Knights.
He could create his own offense, and other than the lack of experience, there's absolutely nothing not to like about Harper and his skill set. He's probably a one and done, so enjoy every minute of his brief college career.
How good is Harper? Obviously, the return could be variable on any freshman. But he's slated to be among the best players in the nation, and there's no real ceiling on his possible production at Rutgers.
Which Big Ten shooting guards will be stars? Share your thoughts below in the comments section:
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