Dererk Pardon is Northwestern basketball

[NUCat320]

By 2025, NU might be stacked top to bottom with top 100 recruits. Until then, the success of the program will be contingent on guys like Pardon. (Brown, Skelly fit the bill as well, but I'd like to write about Pardon, because he's my favorite.)

For whatever reason (lack of exposure on the AAU circuit, I think), he was ignored by the big programs. (Alternatively, the big guys found out too late, and he was already firm to NU.) But three minutes of watching him on ESPNU as a high school senior was enough to see that he would belong in the B1G.

He's just different from anyone we've ever had at NU. He leaps so quickly. He dunks so ferociously. He speaks so eloquently. He smiles so easily.

And he's gotten better. The jumper might happen. The free throws will happen. And the nose for the loose ball and the timing on defense are both better than they were a year ago.

The best possible pitch that CCC and staff can give to an on-the-fence recruit: "Come here. Learn from this guy. And then pass what you'll learn to the next group."

Gosh, this is so fun.

 

[T_Levine]

I don't like the sudden emergence of a knee brace on his left knee. Anyone know when that injury occurred and the severity? Obviously he is playing on it.

 

[7th Cir. Cat]

His first game after burning his redshirt was an all-time classic.

And I agree with your assessment, his upside is huge.

 

[Max_Power]

By 2025, NU might be stacked top to bottom with top 100 recruits. Until then, the success of the program will be contingent on guys like Pardon. (Brown, Skelly fit the bill as well, but I'd like to write about Pardon, because he's my favorite.)

For whatever reason (lack of exposure on the AAU circuit, I think), he was ignored by the big programs. (Alternatively, the big guys found out too late, and he was already firm to NU.) But three minutes of watching him on ESPNU as a high school senior was enough to see that he would belong in the B1G.

He's just different from anyone we've ever had at NU. He leaps so quickly. He dunks so ferociously. He speaks so eloquently. He smiles so easily.

And he's gotten better. The jumper might happen. The free throws will happen. And the nose for the loose ball and the timing on defense are both better than they were a year ago.

The best possible pitch that CCC and staff can give to an on-the-fence recruit: "Come here. Learn from this guy. And then pass what you'll learn to the next group."

Gosh, this is so fun.

All of this is spot on. But he had offers from Pitt Xavier and Dayton so it's not like no one knew who he was. Like Law he was the third option on a loaded team and he did the dirty work. Pardons teammate was Kansas big man Carlton Bragg.

 

[NUThump]

I doubt we track dunks, but he may already be the program's all time leader in the category.

 

[catcrazy]

I like those high percentage shots

 

[SmellyCat]

I doubt we track dunks, but he may already be the program's all time leader in the category.

I'm sure he is. And Law is #2. There aren't a lot of candidates. I'd say Pardon has more by himself this year than I saw from the Wildcats in my four years at NU (1989-1993). Probably Law also.

 

[NJCat]

I'm sure he is. And Law is #2. There aren't a lot of candidates. I'd say Pardon has more by himself this year than I saw from the Wildcats in my four years at NU (1989-1993). Probably Law also.

If I had to guess, I'd say John Shurna holds/held the career record. People forget he was a high school dunk champion in some goofy contest. But Dererk will set a new standard.

 

[Trigatos]

Derek embodies a lengthy athleticism that is part of our new era. I have to say watching benson fill in it is hard to believe he is only a year behind him.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Pardon fits the mold of many of our football recruit: smart, skilled, and athletic, but not of prototype tangibles that fuels 4 star ratings.

 

[willycat]

Derek embodies a lengthy athleticism that is part of our new era. I have to say watching benson fill in it is hard to believe he is only a year behind him.

I agree that Pardon is a pleasant surprise but think Collins is going to need to find more minutes for Benson as well next season. If Derek can improve upon the short jumper, maybe they could both be on the floor.

 

[Fitz51]

I loved Pardon last year and he's easily my favorite player this year, even with fellow Fenwick alum Scottie on the squad.

 

[SmellyCat]

I loved Pardon last year and he's easily my favorite player this year, even with fellow Fenwick alum Scottie on the squad.

I'd be curious to see the breakdown of favorite players on the team among hard-core fans. He's probably my favorite as well.

 

[NUCat320]

I agree that Pardon is a pleasant surprise but think Collins is going to need to find more minutes for Benson as well next season. If Derek can improve upon the short jumper, maybe they could both be on the floor.

Benson has looked so much more comfortable in the last three weeks or so. I agree with your thought that he needs more minutes, but I don't think there's an easy way to get them. I could see them next to each other, but as an exception or a matchup play, not as a frequent combination.

We're also going to need to find time for Falzon and Rapolas - replacing what Lump and Tap have given us. Other than that, everyone's back, right?

THERE'S JUST TOO MUCH TALENT AND NOT ENOUGH BALL TO GO AROUND.

 

[NJCat]

THERE'S JUST TOO MUCH TALENT AND NOT ENOUGH BALL TO GO AROUND.

Never thought I'd see this in reference to NU Men's BB......