This team lost two of its top three players who happen to be both of its primary ball handlers. Barnhizer, a do-it-all player who filled multiple roles, was a huge loss. He was not only the team’s best defender but also a key figure in the identity of this team, reflecting the culture Collins has built at NU. Leach, who had been making significant strides before his injury, had figured out his press issues and was lethal in the half-court. Losing both players significantly changed the team’s dynamic.
Now, you’re starting a sophomore who was supposed to redshirt and playing two true freshmen who are still developing. Despite these challenges, the team continues to play hard and keep games close against strong opponents. In my opinion, that’s a fantastic coaching job. Navigating an offseason where 60% of your starting lineup couldn’t play, then getting Leach to adapt to Big Ten basketball and a true point guard role, only to lose your key facilitators and team leader, yet still remaining competitive and winning games with the Big Ten's leading scorer, is an incredible achievement.
Right, most of this is true,
Barnhizer was hurt, played hurt, played a lot and completely broke down.
Coach Collins has to take some blame there, no?
Unfortunately, the injured Barnhizer was not a particularly good player after awhile.
I agree that the culture at NU under Collins is strong. Thats a nice change from a few years ago.
But it is pretty hard to credit Collins when guys he wasn't playing are proving they are pretty good.
This is actually a recurring theme.
Ciaravino and Windham are going to compete - that was obvious long ago.
However, Mullins has been something of a fiasco from a coaching perspective, along with the Hunger/Fitzmorris confusion.
Using Clayton over Windham seems to be an ongoing mistake.
On the other hand, inserting Ciaravino into the lineup for Berry worked well for awhile.
I'm sure this will incite howls, but I think the
players have re-rallied and pulled their coach out of his personal funk after Leach went down with his injury. So I credit Nicholson, Berry, Martinelli, Windham, Mullins and Ciaravino, in that order, for carrying on with passion.
