Ranking the best Big Ten basketball players at midway point
10. Ja鈥橩obi Gillespie, G, Maryland
A case can be made for both of Maryland鈥檚 standout bigs, freshman Derik Queen and senior Julian Reese, to also be on this list, but Gillespie has arguably been the Terrapins鈥� most consistent and important player in Big Ten play. Gillespie has thrived in his first season in College Park after transferring from Belmont, averaging 14.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting an impressive 41.5% from 3-point range and 87.5% from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-1 junior guard has also defended well, averaging 1.9 steals. Gillespie has scored 14 points or more in eight straight contests, coinciding with Maryland moving into the upper tier of the Big Ten as a top-25 team in the country. Continued consistency from Gillespie down the stretch could make Kevin Willard鈥檚 team a darkhorse to win a Big Ten title.
