Cats ready to prove doubters wrong in post-Boo world

[mshelton33]

WildcatReport - Cats ready to prove doubters wrong in post-Boo world

Coach Chris Collins thinks "it was great" for the media to pick the Wildcats to finish 16th in the Big Ten this year.

northwestern.rivals.com

@lou v files his story from Big Ten Media Days about Boo Buie’s absence, media doubters, projected roles, and more.

 

[Deeringfish]

So where did the NIL $$$$ go this year. NU kept guys that could have played the market but stuck around, Non were quite Boo level but very important.

 

[EagerFan]

I'm amazed Brooks is a senior. The time just flies.

 

[Baz=Heisman]

Does Brooks have another year he can play though? He played 11 games his freshman season but if I’m reading this right MBB doesn’t have the 1/3 rule ala FB…

 

[NJCat]

Does Brooks have another year he can play though? He played 11 games his freshman season but if I’m reading this right MBB doesn’t have the 1/3 rule ala FB…

Nope. The 11 games is relevant only for a medical redshirt. Otherwise, once you play a minute you lose that year.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Nice article, Lou.

NU picked 16th of 18 teams...
‘Obviously, Boo and Langborg won all those games last year and you guys had nothing to do with it'"
Classic motivational angle employed by Chris Collins. I like the approach, but I'm concerned there's some truth to it.

+++++++++++++

“That’s who we are,” remarked Collins. “We’re a chip-on-our-shoulder program. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I had it as a player. I like to recruit kids like that.”

This is great to read. Pete Nance and Robbie Beran did not have a chip on their shoulder. Miller Kopp didn't either, until he was asked to play more defense.

++++++++++++++

"Berry will come off screens." Excellent!
"Martinelli and Barnhizer will play more in the mid-range and even post up." Excellent!

Windham and Clayton are mentioned as alternative ballhandlers to Leach... I see that as an indication that Windham is looking pretty capable and will get a lot of minutes, leaving Martinelli and Barnhizer to focus more on scoring.

No mention of Luke Hunger. Bummer.
"Matt Nicholson has emerged a little" If that means he has developed a post move... look out world!

 

[Hungry Jack]

Definitely want to see Barney working the midrange game. Put him the post some too and get some isolation.

This team could have depth like we’ve rarely seen if Clayton, Hunger and Mullins can make a leap. I feel it’s possible…

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I see no reason why this won’t be a quality team next year. Many high quality returning players including some all conference caliber ones.

Will he be able to compete to be in the top half of the conference and make a tournament? That I’m not sure about, but it’s definitely possible.

 

[hdhntr1]

I see no reason why this won’t be a quality team next year. Many high quality returning players including some all conference caliber ones.

Will he be able to compete to be in the top half of the conference and make a tournament? That I’m not sure about, but it’s definitely possible.

Are you talking this season (starting in about a month) or next season (25/26)?

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

Are you talking this season (starting in about a month) or next season (25/26)?

He has to be talking about this upcoming season. We lose Berry, Nicholson, Leach and Barnhizer at end of this season.

For 2025-26 we're currently looking at Martinelli, Hunger, Smith, Ciavarino and Windham... some guys like Mullins, Barkley and Clayton... plus the incoming freshmen and transfers. (at first glance thats a bit grim, but lets see how Ciavarino and Windham play as freshmen)