phatcat said:

TJ Finley makes interesting decision regarding football career

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www.on3.com

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Former Illini Donovan Leary is there as well, though Sullivan is probably the likely starter.

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The 2025–26 Northwestern squad is going to be young and full of potential, but also a group that’ll need time. There's a ton of development ahead this offseason, and while there will be growing pains, the upside is clear. NU absolutely came out ahead in the portal, they added more talent than they lost.

What’s exciting is the long-term trajectory. This transfer class, paired with KJ, Gelo, and the freshman group, have the tools to grow into something special over the next 2–3 years. But Big Ten basketball is a different level, it’s physical, it’s fast, and it takes time to adjust. Patience is going to be important. The new guys will need time to settle in, find chemistry, and carve out their roles. And with so many new underclassmen in the mix, there are going to be ups and downs. That’s just the reality of a year filled with young talent.

The key will be internal growth. If the staff can accelerate that development curve, this team could look completely different by February or March. Minutes and roles could change a ton. As could how well this team plays. If Martinelli can get enough support, he’s good enough to drag this team places despite what some statisticians say about him.

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WildcatWillie said:

(I'd asked here before but never saw a reply.) Are any ex-Cats currently on the LPGA circuit?

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It doesn't seem like it, according to Google.

90sCat said:

Page is very unusual transfer for NU. We have had the stretch 5 types like Nance, bulkier 5 like Nicholson and the long 5 like Fitzmorris. Page seems move like a raw athlete which NU either doesn't get or doesn't go after. On the pessimistic side: 3rd school in 3 years makes me skeptical especially since he didn't get tick at either place. However on the optimistic side, raw athletic player (i.e. still learning basketball) take a lot longer to develop and often struggle in early years. I am really interested to see how collins changes his offensive game plan with Page. At a minimum, he should be able to rebound and should be athletic enough to run a higher pace offense.

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A closer comp may be Pardon, who was only about 6-9 on a good day but had a seven-foot wing span. He was a lot more polished around the rim, one of our better bigs in recent years, but it appears Page is more athletic. If the coaching staff can help him develop that inside game, Page will be an important piece for us.

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ThatkidfromHolland said:

With Northwestern's transfer class finalized, it's clear the Wildcats have bolstered their roster, addressing key areas and adding depth.

Departures

• Luke Hunger (C):While he provided okay size and a different look offensively off the bench, his impact was limited, particularly on defense, where he never really figured it out.
• Matt Barkley (F): Barkley contributed as a reserve forward, offering depth but limited statistical impact.

Additions

• Arrinten Page (C, 6'11"): A former top-50 recruit, Page brings significant upside. At his previous schools, he showcased his athleticism and defensive potential, though he had limited playing time. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor with a developing outside shot makes him a promising addition to Northwestern's frontcourt. There’s a ton of needs development wise on parts of his game but the potential is there.
• Max Green (G, 6'6"): Green had a standout season at Holy Cross. Known for his sharpshooting, he adds a reliable perimeter threat to the Wildcats offense. Pretty versatile as well averaging 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 42% shooting.
• Jayden Reid (G, 5'10"): Reid brings experience from USF where he contributed as a point guard showing up in all but one game in his two years. His quickness, playmaking abilities, and scoring will provide depth and competition in the backcourt. Very easily could start.

Outlook

Northwestern's roster moves suggest a strategic approach to building a more dynamic and versatile team. The additions of Page, Green, and Reid address previous shortcomings in rim protection, three-point shooting, and experienced point guard depth. While the departures of Hunger and Barkley remove some bench experience, the incoming talent offers noticeably higher ceilings and the potential to make a more significant impact.

Overall, the Wildcats appear to have strengthened their squad, positioning themselves for a competitive run in the upcoming season. All the transfers have multiple years of eligibility as well. Should be a fun group to watch grow with the two most recent recruiting classes.

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Good writeup, Kid.

There definitely will be an adjustment period for the incoming transfers playing in the B1G - like Leach this past year - but as Hungry pointed out, both Reid and Green played a lot of minutes last year. I think the learning curve won't be too steep for them; Page is less experienced so it'll be interested to see his progression. With Martinelli's leadership, and a decent core of returners in KJ, Gelo, Mullins, and Clayton, hopefully the team will bond quickly with all the new faces.

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PurpleWhiteBoy said:

In his two seasons, Page produced consistent numbers, according to Evan Miyakawa.
Miyakawa rates players based on productivity adjusted by playing time (as opposed to aggregate stats).

He played about 500 possessions each season, or about 20% of the available minutes.
At USC as a freshman, he had a DPR (Defensive Performance Rating) of 1.46 and an OPR of -0.55.
At Cincy as a sophomore, he had a DPR (Defensive Performance Rating) of 1.98 and an OPR of -0.43.
An Average D1 player gets a zero in each category. Average Power 5 rotation players score about 2.5 for OPR+DPR.

That means he is well above average defensively (41st of 168 in the Big 12)
Page ranked well below average offensively (149th of 168 in the Big 12).
Thru 2 seasons.

Luke Hunger had a DPR of -0.61 (192nd of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 0.60 last season.
Nicholson had a DPR of 3.42 (2nd of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 1.83 last season.
Fitzmorris had a DPR of -1.21 (195th of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 1.82 last season.

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Great! So Page is better than Boo!!


(I'm just giving you a hard time PWB... 😆 )

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All these guys could, in theory, come back after next season, right? So, with the strong incoming freshman class and these three, next season could be fun, but 26-27 could be really fun! (Even though I know we'll lose Mart)

In his two seasons, Page produced consistent numbers, according to Evan Miyakawa.
Miyakawa rates players based on productivity adjusted by playing time (as opposed to aggregate stats).

He played about 500 possessions each season, or about 20% of the available minutes.
At USC as a freshman, he had a DPR (Defensive Performance Rating) of 1.46 and an OPR of -0.55.
At Cincy as a sophomore, he had a DPR (Defensive Performance Rating) of 1.98 and an OPR of -0.43.
An Average D1 player gets a zero in each category. Average Power 5 rotation players score about 2.5 for OPR+DPR.

That means he is well above average defensively (41st of 168 in the Big 12)
Page ranked well below average offensively (149th of 168 in the Big 12).
Thru 2 seasons.

Luke Hunger had a DPR of -0.61 (192nd of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 0.60 last season.
Nicholson had a DPR of 3.42 (2nd of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 1.83 last season.
Fitzmorris had a DPR of -1.21 (195th of 196 in the Big Ten) and an OPR of 1.82 last season.

HeyWhatGoWildcats said:

With this being his third school in three years, is he eligible to play next season?

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You could be at three different schools in three games and still be eligible these days.

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Green played a TON of minutes his first year, averaging 34 minutes over 31 games.

Reid averaged 23 minutes as a first year, and 29 last year, playing in 64 games overall.

Page has played the least, but still has averaged 10 minutes over 58 career games.

I agree patience is needed, but these guys have a foundation of experience.

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