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Big Ten: 5 Transfers Making An Immediate Impact In 2016-17

By Casey Pazzalia

Nov 25, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Akeem Springs (0) dribbles in the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis guard Leo Vincent (5) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Akeem Springs (0) dribbles in the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis guard Leo Vincent (5) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeated Mississippi Valley State 85-52. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Josh Newkirk (2) dribbles the ball in the first half of the game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeated Mississippi Valley State 85-52. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Josh Newkirk, Indiana (from Pittsburgh)

Indiana is the top team in the Big Ten, knocking off blue-blood powerhouse programs Kansas and North Carolina. The Hoosiers were able to overcome a surprise upset at Fort Wayne earlier this year and are currently ranked No. 9 in the country.

Although Indiana is consistently getting top recruits from high school, it has been transfer Josh Newkirk who has been the most effective incoming player.

Through nine games, the junior has averaged 7.7 points per game in seven starts. Newkirk is a facilitator for the Hoosiers, dishing out 32 assists so far.

In their opening win over Kansas, Newkirk had the type of game that exemplifies Indiana basketball. In 35 minutes, he had seven points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Despite his early success, head coach Tom Crean has been vocal about Newkirk’s potential. In an Indy Star article, Crean said:

"“He has a lot of room to improve…but that’s a good thing.”"

Newkirk started his career in the ACC playing for Pittsburgh. In 70 career games with the Panthers he averaged 5.2 points in 18.9 minutes a game. He appeared in two NCAA Tournament games with Pittsburgh in 2013-14, scoring 10 points combined.

The Hoosiers will open Big Ten play on Dec. 28 against Nebraska.