For the most part, the Big Ten is not known as a popular destination for transfers. Perhaps it is the winter, which lasts for roughly six months (give or take three). For example, Wisconsin has been very successful the past few seasons, but the Badgers' talent has been almost exclusively homegrown. As the conference has spread to the Atlantic seaboard, a few more transfers are now coming the Big Ten's way. Maryland looks like a powerhouse and has attracted two big name transfers, but the Terrapins aren't the only team to get a talent infusion from other schools.
Rasheed Sulaimon, guard, Maryland Terrapins
There aren't many former Duke players who don't head straight to the NBA after leaving the program. Sulaimon was dismissed from the Blue Devil squad last year and ended up at former ACC rival Maryland. In his three years in Durham, the 6-foot-5 guard played fewer minutes each season and consequently scored less points. Last season, he averaged 7.5 points, but did make 40.4 percent of his three-pointers. The Terrapins are loaded with other scoring threats, so Sulaimon should have plenty of open opportunities to drain threes.
Robert Carter Jr., forward, Maryland Terrapins
While Sulaimon will help from the perimeter, the Terrapins will gain some power in the paint in the form of the 6-9, 235-pound Carter, another former ACC player. Carter spent two years at Georgia Tech, where he put up 11.4 points and pulled down 8.4 rebounds in 2013-14. His season was abbreviated by a torn meniscus in his left knee, which caused him to miss 10 games. Carter sat out last year and should team with Jake Layman and freshman center Diamond Stone for the most formidable frontcourt in the Big Ten.
Trevor Thompson, forward, Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes have a ton of roster turnover. Of the team's top six players in minutes last season, only two remain. Coach Thad Matta's team is not one to rebuild for long, however. In fact, he may not need to rebuild at all with the services of the 6-10 Thompson, who started 10 games as a freshman in 2013-14 with Virginia Tech. He had a pair of double-doubles with the Hokies, including 10 points and 12 rebounds against Wake Forest. Look for Thompson to anchor the always stingy Buckeyes defense and be a strong rebounder.
Mike Thorne Jr., forward, Illinois Fighting Illini
Like Ohio State, Illinois added size via transfer. Thorne Jr. joins the Illini after spending three seasons with Charleston. The 6-11, 270-pound Thorne provided 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds for a 49ers squad that went 14-18 on the season. He should step into the place of Nnanna Egwu and provide the usually guard-dominated Illinois team with some balance. Thorne had one experience against the Big Ten last year, and it was a successful one. The big man led Charleston with 23 points and 16 rebounds (both season highs) in a double-overtime win against Penn State.
Max Biefeldt, forward, Indiana Hoosiers
Intra-conference transfers are relatively rare. Coaches often do not allow players to escape to nearby schools. Biefeldt moved south from Michigan to Indiana after a relatively quiet three-year stint with the Wolverines. Of those three years, the 2014-15 season was his first with regular playing time. In 14.5 minutes, the 6-7 forward averaged 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. He may get an opportunity for more playing time with Indiana after forwards Devin Davis and Hanner Mosquera-Perea were dismissed.
Duncan Robinson, forward, Michigan Wolverines
Practice reports should be taken with a grain of salt. Many players look great in practice, and then don't do much under the bright lights. Nonetheless, Robinson looked good in practice while he sat out the 2014-15 season after transferring from Williams College. He reportedly broke some long distance shooting records set by Nik Stauskas. Michigan tends to rely on three-point shooting, so the 6-8 Robinson will be a welcome addition to the team. At Williams, Robinson averaged 17.1 points and made 45.3 percent of his three-pointers. Caris LeVert figures to be the centerpiece of the offense, but don't sleep on Robinson being a contributor.
Reggie Lynch, center, Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Big Ten often gets dinged for its slow-paced, defensive-oriented basketball. With its influx of big men, that reputation may be upheld. Lynch is a shot-blocking specialist who spent the last two seasons with Illinois State. The 6-9 Minnesota native made the jump home after blocking 2.8 shots per game throughout his Redbirds career. His scoring improved throughout the 2014-15 season, and he even put in a season-high 18 points in a February loss to Southern Illinois. Lynch was often in foul trouble, so he may need to find a way to stay on the court with the Golden Gophers.
Others to consider: Eron Harris, guard, Michigan State (currently suspended); Nigel Johnson, guard, Rutgers; Omari Grier, guard, Rutgers; Joey Van Zegeren, center, Northwestern
