Andy Katz / Rapheal Davis interview Coach Collins on HoopsU pod

[macarthur31]

Today, the HoopsU podcast posted their latest episode with Coach Collins.

No real groundbreaking news - but it's nice to hear from Coach Collins about how he's excited for the upcoming year. Items that resonated with me:

• Boo may benefit from the hand injury in that its forced him to rest his body a bit. Katz says he's got a shot at being B1G Player of the Year.
• Collins said that Boo was ready to run it back very quickly after the season ended.
• Collins sees Barnhizer as the #2 scorer.
• Surprisingly little talk of Ty Berry. There was a little talk of him, but Barnhizer, Nicholson and even Martinelli get a little more commentary. (Or perhaps more accurately that Katz/Davis didn't specifically ask about Ty Berry.) When Coach did briefly mention Ty - it seemed positive.
• Coach is really excited about Langborg - he said that when Ryan hit the portal, that was a guy they went "all-in" on.
• He acknowledges that when they had success last time, he was a young coach and didn't realize at the time it would be so hard to get back to NCAAs.
• He likes their non-con schedule, though he acknowledges that it was a challenge to put a tougher sked given they didn't get to play in Gavitt Games and no ACC-B1G showdown.

 

[ballerog711]

Sounds like they are going to lean on Boo, Brooks, MN and Mart.

Everything else is whoever can contribute

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Over the last 10 games of last season... here are the scoring totals when Nicholson was in the game with or without specific teammates...

with	NU Pts	Opp Pts	without	NU Pts	Opp Pts
Buie	334	308	Buie	32	27
Barnhizer	235	202	Barnhizer	131	133
Martinelli	94	75	Martinelli	272	260
Berry	290	256	Berry	76	79
Audige	323	313	Audige	43	22
Beran	188	184	Beran	178	151

This shows that Nicholson had better "chemistry" with Barnhizer, Berry and (to a lesser degree) Martinelli than he did with Audige and Beran. Since Nicholson should be playing more minutes with relatively productive lineups (and fewer minutes with less productive lineups), the team's performance should improve, even if the individuals don't.

We don't know how or what Luke Hunger will contribute or how Ryan Langborg will measure up to Chase Audige overall. We don't know how Preston will perform relative to Verhoeven for about 15 minutes per game Justin Mullins may make positive contributions. One of the freshmen may have to spell Buie at the point. All of those things will impact next year.

But we can be pretty confident that a lineup of Nicholson / Martinelli / Barnhizer / Berry / Buie will be a net positive next year. It would be logical to assume that Langborg could replace Martinelli or Berry and that those two lineups would also be reasonably successful. However, if Langborg is a subpar defender, that goes out the window.

 

[salukicat]

Nice interview. This year’s team will be the deepest, if not the most talented in the Coach Collins era.

 

[GatoLouco]

• Collins sees Barnhizer as the #2 scorer.

This, BB will be a stud.

 

[diblakley]

Love Barnhizer. A baller, period.
Liked Langborg in NCAAs. Not afraid of big stage.
Liked what I saw briefly of Hunger. May have big upside.
Matinelli…meh. Scoring savvy with nifty inside moves but major defensive liability. A defect for a defensive oriented team.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

Love Barnhizer. A baller, period.
Liked Langborg in NCAAs. Not afraid of big stage.
Liked what I saw briefly of Hunger. May have big upside.
Matinelli…meh. Scoring savvy with nifty inside moves but major defensive liability. A defect for a defensive oriented team.

Feel the same about Martinelli. Not quite seeing it with him. I think he’s still a year away. Lots of upside though.

 

[Catdude]

Love Barnhizer. A baller, period.
Liked Langborg in NCAAs. Not afraid of big stage.
Liked what I saw briefly of Hunger. May have big upside.
Matinelli…meh. Scoring savvy with nifty inside moves but major defensive liability. A defect for a defensive oriented team.

Martinelli is an interesting case study on the defensive end: he did not show a great ability to stay in front of athletic wings but … he seemed to usually find a way to compensate with deflections, steals, rebounds, etc. So he might just be one of those guys who has a knack for finding the ball.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Give Martelli a chance. He blew up his senior year, and has shown he belongs on a power conference floor. He may have significant upside.

The one thing about defense is that even mediocre (relatively speaking) athletes can learn to defend well. There is also the "want" factor in defending. I think Martelli may have it.

But you cannot teach offensive savvy. Martelli has shown some evidence with his ability to work inside. Clearly has some instincts around the basket.

 

[wocka]

Feel the same about Martinelli. Not quite seeing it with him. I think he’s still a year away. Lots of upside though.

Agree, I have a hard time seeing him starting, but still a key bench piece.

Not surprised with the Berry talk - we don't need him to be top dog offensively, maybe the fourth scoring option that can knock down open threes. Really looking for him to take that leap defensively though - MN should be the defensive anchor, and Berry is (advanced stats wise) our second best returning defender, if he can get even better and be able to focus on guarding the other team's best guard that will be huge for us.

Very optimistic we can replicate last year's success

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Martinelli was at least as good as Beran at the end of the season.
Calling him a "major defensive liability" is premature at best.
He's 6'7" tall. He won't be able to stay in front of the opposition's 2 guard.
Neither could Beran.
But Martinelli will get rebounds and won't get pushed around by the opposing forward(s).
What he will do is score points and show good instincts.
And Lowery will help him with his defensive footwork and positioning.

I expect Martinelli to have a good season.

To me, Langborg is a bigger question defensively because he will be guarding quicker guys.

The way Coach Collins approaches the game, it isn't too likely that Nicholson will be on the court with Hunger or Preston, so that leaves Martinelli playing the 4. That seems like the right fit with Barnhizer at the 3.

It would be nice if Hunger and Preston formed an effective (backup) frontcourt duo.

 

[diblakley]

Martinelli was at least as good as Beran at the end of the season.
Calling him a "major defensive liability" is premature at best.
He's 6'7" tall. He won't be able to stay in front of the opposition's 2 guard.
Neither could Beran.
But Martinelli will get rebounds and won't get pushed around by the opposing forward(s).
What he will do is score points and show good instincts.
And Lowery will help him with his defensive footwork and positioning.

I expect Martinelli to have a good season.

To me, Langborg is a bigger question defensively because he will be guarding quicker guys.

The way Coach Collins approaches the game, it isn't too likely that Nicholson will be on the court with Hunger or Preston, so that leaves Martinelli playing the 4. That seems like the right fit with Barnhizer at the 3.

It would be nice if Hunger and Preston formed an effective (backup) frontcourt duo.

If you don’t think Martinelli was a defensive liability, you weren’t watching. He couldn’t guard his shadow. Hoping he improves but hope is not a strategy.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

If you don’t think Martinelli was a defensive liability, you weren’t watching. He couldn’t guard his shadow. Hoping he improves but hope is not a strategy.

Give me a break. He was a freshman who didn't play much until Roper got hurt.
He looked awkward at times.
Yet, somehow the other teams weren't able to take advantage of Martinelli's terrible defense.
They must all be dumb.
Or you saw him in the Pitt game and declared him useless, like some others.

Nicholson is a very good defender. So was Audige. Berry is quite good as well. If you want to compare Martinelli to those guys and call him a liability, thats your choice.

Most basketball players improve from year 1 to year 2. It isn't hope. Its what is expected.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Give me a break. He was a freshman who didn't play much until Roper got hurt.
He looked awkward at times.
Yet, somehow the other teams weren't able to take advantage of Martinelli's terrible defense.
They must all be dumb.
Or you saw him in the Pitt game and declared him useless, like some others.

Nicholson is a very good defender. So was Audige. Berry is quite good as well. If you want to compare Martinelli to those guys and call him a liability, thats your choice.

Most basketball players improve from year 1 to year 2. It isn't hope. Its what is expected.

Teams absolutely attacked Martinelli last year on the court. He was the weakest link on last years team defensively by a large margin. Not a good defender last year. Does not mean he can’t improve. Defense is the biggest jump from High school to D1, so yes people need to keep in mind he was a freshman but last year he was not a good defender. Dude has a nose for the ball and appears to work hard. I don’t doubt he’ll become at least a serviceable defender by the time he’s done at NU. Needs to work on footwork/foot speed and hit the weights based off last season.

Again that was last year and next year is a new season and a year of development under a defensive minded staff. Look at Nicholsons drastic improvement defensively last year. Footwork and positioning improved night and day for him. Let’s see if Martinellis footwork improves this year.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Teams absolutely attacked Martinelli last year on the court. He was the weakest link on last years team defensively by a large margin. Not a good defender last year. Does not mean he can’t improve. Defense is the biggest jump from High school to D1, so yes people need to keep in mind he was a freshman but last year he was not a good defender. Dude has a nose for the ball and appears to work hard. I don’t doubt he’ll become at least a serviceable defender by the time he’s done at NU. Needs to work on footwork/foot speed and hit the weights based off last season.

Again that was last year and next year is a new season and a year of development under a defensive minded staff. Look at Nicholsons drastic improvement defensively last year. Footwork and positioning improved night and day for him. Let’s see if Martinellis footwork improves this year.

They did try to go at Martinelli, since he was a freshman and awkward at times. They just weren't noticeably successful.

NU had a lot of good defenders last year. Martinelli did not measure up to that standard as a freshman.
I simply find diblakly's assessment of "major defensive liability" to be unfair / wrong.

Over the last 10 games of the season...

When Beran played alongside Verhoeven, we lost 69-80 in about 47 minutes. (57.8 - 67.1)
When Martinelli played alongside Verhoeven, we won 62-59 in about 40 minutes. (55.8 - 53.1)

When Beran played alongside Nicholson, we won 188-184 in 123 minutes. (61.0-59.7)
When Martinelli played alongside Nicholson, we won 94-75 in about 54 minutes. (69.1 - 55.1)

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

They did try to go at Martinelli, since he was a freshman and awkward at times. They just weren't noticeably successful.

NU had a lot of good defenders last year. Martinelli did not measure up to that standard as a freshman.
I simply find diblakly's assessment of "major defensive liability" to be unfair / wrong.

Over the last 10 games of the season...

When Beran played alongside Verhoeven, we lost 69-80 in about 47 minutes. (57.8 - 67.1)
When Martinelli played alongside Verhoeven, we won 62-59 in about 40 minutes. (55.8 - 53.1)

When Beran played alongside Nicholson, we won 188-184 in 123 minutes. (61.0-59.7)
When Martinelli played alongside Nicholson, we won 94-75 in about 54 minutes. (69.1 - 55.1)

The opposing players were successful against Martinelli. They either beat him and scored or caused a help defender to Slide Over opening things up for the offense. He was in fact a below average defender last season. Those stats bring nothing to the table as far as measuring one persons defense impact. Unfair would be calling him a major defensive liability this season without giving him the chance to show his development. Freshman tend to struggle defensively their first year. Martinelli was no different he was a poor defender last season. Having as strong defenders around him helped hide him at times but he was still a weak link.

 

[catcrazy]

What are peoples thought on Justin Mullins? This is a guy who I think can develop into a stud and be a multi positional player

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

What are peoples thought on Justin Mullins? This is a guy who I think can develop into a stud and be a multi positional player

Will fit in very well defensively. Collins tends to play defense so he could eat up some min. It’ll be interesting to see how he will look against B1G competition offensively where he can’t rely on his athleticism as much. Also the role he slides into with Buie driving the offense and more than likely Langborg being the 2nd scoring option. Mullins floor is a strong and active perimeter defender.

 

[IGNORE2]

Will fit in very well defensively. Collins tends to play defense so he could eat up some min. It’ll be interesting to see how he will look against B1G competition offensively where he can’t rely on his athleticism as much. Also the role he slides into with Buie driving the offense and more than likely Langborg being the 2nd scoring option. Mullins floor is a strong and active perimeter defender.

I think Boo and BB are options 1 and 2 though I suspect we will see a lot of pick and roll with MN, which may make him #2.

On O, I think Langford and Berry are there to keep the Ds honest allowing Boo and MN to operate. Should D start crashing on them, I expect Langford to hit from deep or BB to slash in on the weak side.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

I think Boo and BB are options 1 and 2 though I suspect we will see a lot of pick and roll with MN, which may make him #2.

On O, I think Langford and Berry are there to keep the Ds honest allowing Boo and MN to operate. Should D start crashing on them, I expect Langford to hit from deep or BB to slash in on the weak side.

BB is probably #2. I had a brain fart. Langborg is going to be a good scoring option imo.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

The opposing players were successful against Martinelli. They either beat him and scored or caused a help defender to Slide Over opening things up for the offense. He was in fact a below average defender last season. Those stats bring nothing to the table as far as measuring one persons defense impact. Unfair would be calling him a major defensive liability this season without giving him the chance to show his development. Freshman tend to struggle defensively their first year. Martinelli was no different he was a poor defender last season. Having as strong defenders around him helped hide him at times but he was still a weak link.

Its a team game. Whatever limitations Martinelli had in quickness or experience, relative to Beran, other teams were not able to exploit them. The scoring stats always matter to some (varying) degree in all cases - they just don't support your claim this time - unless you are willing to say that Beran was also a below average defender last season. If thats the case, then the comparison of Beran to Martinelli would not matter.

I'm sure you agree that defense is so much more than whether a guy standing in front of you can get a decent shot off. And in the areas of basketball instincts, toughness and competitiveness, Martinelli has advantages over Beran, which seem to have offset his disadvantages in footwork and experience.

People had the same arguments about Pete Nance defensively (great / not good at all) a couple years ago and Matt Nicholson a year ago.

I liked Nicholson and Barnhizer because the scoring stats suggested they should be playing more. No doubt Lowery helped Nicholson, but he also helped the whole team. However, those same scoring stats are saying that Martinelli should be an upgrade relative to Robbie Beran next year. So thats what I'm going with.

 

[GatoLouco]

It felt like a majority of this board never saw Beran as a defensive liability. I think folks saw him blocking a shot once in a while and concluded he was fine, rendering his obvious problems staying in front of other players as not a biggie. He did all this as a senior, constantly hyped by what it felt like everyone.

Martinelli has, to some extent, the same staying in front of players problem. Especially on switches with guards. He is not a senior, and he was never considered that damn X factor. Whatever people's feelings are, give him a chance, cut him some slack. He showed enough good things to make me excited to see him develop.

 

[Sec.112]

Buie, Langborg, Barnhizer and ...? I'll take sophomore Martinelli as a fourth or fifth scoring option and first or second guy off the bench. He also has a bit of an outside shot. Hopefully we'll see more of that.

His defense will probably determine his playing time. Hopefully he can pick it up physically and make quicker decisions. I think he'll get better at recognizing switches. But he may be limited by the quickness to stay with wings at this level.

The sure sign that Martinelli had some freshman yips last year was his free throw shooting. He was pretty automatic in some key situations in high school. OTOH, he was a flip of the coin at the line last year, and he has the ability to get to the line.

I assume the conference is going to be better prepared for NU's switches on defense. I hope Collins and Lowry are ready with a counter punch.

It was good to hear Collins. I've had an itch for this season. This could be a fun season if Langborg and Barnhizer can step it up. Looking forward to tip off.

 

[TheC]

Any rumors on who the MVP of the summer was for NU hoops the way MN was labeled that last year? If another player (or even MN himself) make another MN-like jump this season, that will be pretty exciting!

 

[mickbula]

I literally have never been more excited about an upcoming nu basketball season! I hope the evanston campus is rocking every home game! I am going to try to make it to as many games as possible

 

[IGNORE2]

Buie, Langborg, Barnhizer and ...? I'll take sophomore Martinelli as a fourth or fifth scoring option and first or second guy off the bench.

MN says hi

 

[TheC]

I literally have never been more excited about an upcoming nu basketball season! I hope the evanston campus is rocking every home game! I am going to try to make it to as many games as possible

I hate to say it, but I was probably more excited in the fall of 2017 and that didn't really go so well.... but that was then, and this is now!

 

[Deeringfish]

A lot of talk about Martinelli in this thread. To me he always looked totally awkward and clumsy and then got the job done. Does anybody know if he did anything special over the off season? Did he play summer ball somewhere or go to a camp? Seems to me, due to his youth, he could be the most improved player on the team if he got the right kind of experience and help.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

A lot of talk about Martinelli in this thread. To me he always looked totally awkward and clumsy and then got the job done. Does anybody know if he did anything special over the off season? Did he play summer ball somewhere or go to a camp? Seems to me, due to his youth, he could be the most improved player on the team if he got the right kind of experience and help.

Judging by the last photo in this series…it looks like Martinelli was in the weight room over the summer.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Judging by the last photo in this series…it looks like Martinelli was in the weight room over the summer.

View embedded media

Thanks for posting those photos.
Martinelli looks 3 years older! And certainly stronger.
I'm trying to curb my enthusiasm, but reality is that Barnhizer is an alpha who is only playing his 2nd real season. He should be better this year. Possible all-conference.
Buie is an alpha who matured last season. Just stay healthy.
Nicholson will be intimidated by no one - except maybe Edey - but I doubt it. Matt's a better athlete.
Martinelli will be pretty good (at a minimum) and won't want the spotlight.
Ty Berry is a good defender who will probably (but may not) start hitting 3's.
Langborg should be helpful on the scoring side - forcing opponents to guard the perimeter.
Preston, from Liberty, has every right to be better than Verhoeven, from UTEP.
Hunger was a top ten Canadian high schooler who ought to be a good Big Ten banger.
He also has a pretty good shooting touch, which could make him a good pairing with Preston...

I like that photo of Macintosh and Justin Mullins - hopefully Lowery has a positive impact on a guy who exploded as a high school senior, just like Martinelli, which made him "under-recruited."

And Collins has always played the freshman he likes the most, so there's (hopefully) an extra boost.

 

[EagerFan]

A lot of talk about Martinelli in this thread. To me he always looked totally awkward and clumsy and then got the job done.

Not in results yet, but his awkwardness kinda reminded me of Coble. Like how did he not just trip over his own ankles right then?