Been thinking this for the last week or so .....

[Max_Power]

The basketball program has come a long way. We are at the point where we are all pissed off about losing to a 20 win UCLA team (UCLA is a blue blood) by 4 with 2 of the top three players for NU out for the season.

Yes, I think that NU has legit complaints about the officials. I agree with many that the refs do not give NU the credit it deserves and that in big games, NU does not get the benefit of the calls. I also think this will change and here is why - Collins coaches tough defensive minded teams. As he has slowly built this program, he has been able to increase both the athleticism and skill levels of the players. Windham and Ciaravino are next level athlettes. Mullins is also really athletic and has become a solid defender. Martinelli is Robbie Hummel athletic - not great but there. Of the film I have watched, the recruits look more on par with Windham and Ciaravino ( I have not been able to get a read on Gill bc there is not much film on him but I am assuming he will be on par with Berry who is very underrated) than prior recruits.

Hopefully, Collins can supplement this group in the portal and NU will be right there again next year.

Also, I think that NU has a solid shot at the Crown Tourney based on the NET ranking in the 50s so this season is not dead yet.

 

[Davidgolds5]

Different note, but has there been a more endearing player on the cats than Keenan? Instant energy. And he has been quite productive. Would have been nice to have seen more of him earlier in the season.

 

[SmellyCat]

I think about it too Max. The floor - and our expectations - are so much higher now.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Different note, but has there been a more endearing player on the cats than Keenan? Instant energy. And he has been quite productive. Would have been nice to have seen more of him earlier in the season.

Fitzmorris is one of those guys where if he is on the other team, you hate him...and it's great having a guy like that on our team!

 

[Hungry Jack]

That left-handed jam he threw down vs Iowa was electrifying. WRA went nuts when he hit that jumper near the baseline last night. Love his attitude.

 

[Kat burglar]

I rejoined the NU bball fan club when Collins was hired and he recruited Vic Law. I thought that if we could regularly be better than 50 in Kenpom we would have a sustainable program. Back then I would scream at the TV and kick the dog when we were down. I was worried when we were up 10 points with 2 mins left.

Now my blood pressure is down and actually think we still have a chance if we are down 10 with 2 mins left. Love the grit. Love the team. Love the board and the people who post here. Thank you.

Time to raise my sights!

 

[GatoLouco]

The athleticism of the NU players pre Collins was significantly lower than it is now. We can complain about disparities we see today, but it's night and day. And that was the immediate impact Collins had. Arguably the most important as, without it, we might as well go back to gimmicky offenses to masquerade none of our guys can dunk...
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Cough
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Princeton offense
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Cough