With the season wrapping up yesterday, I thought it would be a good time to reflect and appreciate what each of the departing seniors brought to this program.
Fitzmorris
Fitzmorris came in as a grad transfer this year to provide depth at the center position. I don't think there's ever been a player who connected with the fans and crowd quite like Fitzmorris. The guy was an entertainer at heart. From the energy on the bench early on to the way the crowd fed off him when he stepped on the court, he was instant energy. His enthusiasm made him incredibly easy to root for, and when he made a big play, it felt like the roof was about to blow off the building. Thank you for the one-year gladiator “are you not entertained?” vibes, Fitz.
Leach
Leach also came in as a grad transfer, joining as a combo guard in one of the deepest basketball conferences. He went through an adjustment period, especially in terms of beating the press and handling the ball as a primary ball handler. But in the half court, his skills were on full display. When conference play came around, his three-point shooting started to fall, and he began figuring out how to handle the press. Leach was turning into a very good guard at the Big Ten level. That stretch from Michigan to Wisconsin was some of the best basketball he played. It’s a shame that he didn’t get to continue showcasing his skills all year, as he was a very talented player.
Matt
Matt spent a lot of time here and was the centerpiece defensively for three winning basketball teams. He might go down as one of the most talked-about players in this board’s history. His emergence marked the defensive shift that led to the second tournament appearance. The entire defensive scheme for the last three years began and ended with what Matt did on the court. He was an intelligent player, with excellent positioning on both ends, and a skilled passer. My personal favorite Matt game was against UCLA in the tournament, when they were focused on stopping Audige and Buie on the perimeter, opening up Matt to score 17 points and grab 9 rebounds on 7/7 shooting. Matt’s contributions to this team, especially on defense, were immeasurable. He will be missed.
Berry
I don’t think there was a player who elevated this team’s ceiling quite like Berry. He was truly the X-factor over the past few years. His ability to stretch the floor made a huge difference when he was knocking down shots. The last tournament team could compete with anyone in the nation when they were healthy and Berry was on fire from three. He was an excellent defender and rebounder for a guard, and his ability to score off the ball was unmatched at NU. His savvy cuts and runs made him a constant threat. When Berry was on, the Cats always had a chance.
Barnhizer
Buie might be considered the GOAT, but Barnhizer was the most complete player I’ve ever seen in an NU uniform. He could do it all. Excellent defender, scorer inside and out, capable ball handler, and a strong rebounder. He was relentless on the court, making more than his share of hustle plays. Barnhizer truly played at an All-Big Ten level. The highest compliment I can give him is that he embodied NU basketball culture with his grit, effort, and never-quit attitude. He had so many amazing games, but I’ll always remember that clutch layup to send the FAU game into overtime, leading to the BW3 sponsorship. Watching Barnhizer compete was truly a joy.
Thanks to all these seniors for blessing us with some of the best years of NU basketball. It’s been a privilege to witness your time here. Please share your favorite moments and games from these seniors as we reflect on all the great memories they’ve given us.
