+/- for the mashing of Michigan

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

After a slow start shooting the ball, NU figured out how to attack the Michigan zone and pummeled the Wolverines 76-62.
Brooks Barnhizer bounced back from several subpar efforts and led the Wildcats to victory against an opponent that was missing its 2 best players and a decent big man.

Player	Minutes	NU Pts	Mich Pts	Raw +/-	Player +/-	Game +/-
Barnhizer	37	69	58	+11	+5.81	+8.01
Buie	38	73	60	+13	+2.14	+4.74
Langborg	33	63	48	+15	+1.11	+4.11
Nicholson	22	40	22	+18	-0.6	+3.00
Smith, Blake	14	23	14	+9	-1.78	+0.03
Martinelli	31	62	56	+6	-3.04	-1.84
Hunger	18	36	40	-4	-1.05	-1.85
Mullins	6.5	14	12	+2	-2.60	-2.20

Boo Buie and Ryan Langborg also played well.
Matt Nicholson only played 22 minutes, but NU thrashed Michigan 40-22 when he was on the court.
Barnhizer's block of a Reed dunk attempt was the play of the game, but Nicholson was impressive defending the paint.
Thanks to the referees for allowing the big guys to play basketball.

A noteworthy comparison... Our starters outscored Michigan 21-12 in about 11.5 minutes of action.
When Luke Hunger replaced Nicholson with the other starters, we got outscored 26-21 in 9 minutes of game time.

Of the two new faces, we put up a 23-14 advantage when Blake Smith was playing his 14 minutes. With Justin Mullins, we "won" 14-12 in 6.5 minutes.
Mullins didn't play in the 2nd half, but Smith sure as hell did. He was out there with the starters (subbing for Martinelli) when NU went on a 12-3 run immediately after Michigan had re-claimed a 44-43 lead in the 2nd half. He later subbed in for Barnhizer for two minutes and NU won those segments 4-2.

Count me among the many who wished Collins would have put the subs in with 2 minutes left and a 20 point lead.
Injury risk to the starters... Bench guys, especially Preston, deserve to get some playing time... not the best sportsmanship... risk of getting smacked by Howard... not sure what the upside was.

Nice win for the Cats, although it should be taken somewhat with a grain of salt because Tschetter was sick, McDaniel isn't eligible for road games and Nkamhoua just broke his arm.

Now for some rest and physical recovery before the final push.

 

[EagerFan]

In the second half, Blake did a solid job guarding the ball handler full court press. His height and speed were enough to be really bothersome. It's a bummer he burned his redshirt, but in his own words "I want to play". He had an offensive rebound, an assist, and iirc helped create a turnover by bodying up the ball handler while someone picked his pocket.

Get this guy some more minutes.

 

[GatoLouco]

It's a bummer he burned his redshirt

Isn't he a sophomore walk on?

 

[phatcat]

"I want to play"

This is wise. We are not so comfy THIS year in making the tourney, so if he can get quality minutes AND play in the tourney, it is the right decision, vs some hypothetical 2026 year when we might not be any good.

 

[EagerFan]

Isn't he a sophomore walk on?

Yes, but per Collin's interview, they were red shirting him this year and they liked what they saw in him.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I LOVE PWB's writeups after every game. It's basically NU hoops porn for me.

I was impressed with Michigan's center Harris. He created some shots on his own working against Matt, and generally displayed good hand and feet. He is going to be a good one.

I love Nicholson spending most of his time in the paint. That's where he belongs.

I am not sure what to make of Hunger. I am waiting for the light bulb to go on.

I thought Preston was in street clothes last night.

Did anyone notice Mart's smooth reverse layup with HIS RIGHT HAND? Robbie Hummel probably fainted.

He is not doing much in the box score, but I am intrigued by Mullins' athleticism. It's real. I hope Lowery can harness it, and he can start to create on offense.

And finally, Ty was limping around in a full-length knee brace. But no crutches. I was pretty certain he had a meniscal repair, which typically leaves you non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. He was definitely putting weight on it. I don't know what to think, other than I hope he's back next fall.

 

[GatoLouco]

Yes, but per Collin's interview, they were red shirting him this year and they liked what they saw in him.

Interesting. Did not catch that. Thanks.

Thought if he was going to red shirt it would have happened as a freshman. He did play past year. I have no memory of it though.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

This is wise. We are not so comfy THIS year in making the tourney, so if he can get quality minutes AND play in the tourney, it is the right decision, vs some hypothetical 2026 year when we might not be any good.

Exactly. He’s a walk on. He should take every single competitive Big Ten minute he can get. Michigan and Indiana don’t have guards like he was forced to deal with vs Penn State, but he’s avoided being a liability the last couple of games while getting our top guys a blow. That’s some real utility from a guy we have on the roster for free, and a laudable, great accomplishment from a walkon.

 

[ballerog711]

Take that win with a grain of salt. Got some rest going into Maryland, hopefully they can pull that one out.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Take that win with a grain of salt. Got some rest going into Maryland, hopefully they can pull that one out.

I don’t see why it needs a grain of salt. Michigan is horrible, and NU was 12.5 point favorites as a result. The boys in the desert know what’s up with Michigan’s roster.

Michigan came out shooting threes hot and had one of their best games of the season outside, and despite getting down a bunch as a result early, the Cats proceeded to absolutely mulch Michigan the rest of the way and cover comfortably. Just like a good team is supposed to do against a bad team.

 

[IGNORE2]

Exactly. He’s a walk on. He should take every single competitive Big Ten minute he can get. Michigan and Indiana don’t have guards like he was forced to deal with vs Penn State, but he’s avoided being a liability the last couple of games while getting our top guys a blow. That’s some real utility from a guy we have on the roster for free, and a laudable, great accomplishment from a walkon.

Seem to recall we had a pretty good walk on not too long ago

 

[CatManTrue]

Exactly. He’s a walk on. He should take every single competitive Big Ten minute he can get. Michigan and Indiana don’t have guards like he was forced to deal with vs Penn State, but he’s avoided being a liability the last couple of games while getting our top guys a blow. That’s some real utility from a guy we have on the roster for free, and a laudable, great accomplishment from a walkon.

Yep. He’s probably pumped up that he has a chance to contribute to a tourney team, and he’s needed with Berry out.

We need anyone who can provide quality minutes and he’s finding his niche.

 

[CatManTrue]

Seem to recall we had a pretty good walk on not too long ago

Charlie Hall?

 

[TejasCat]

Reggie Hearn?

 

[EagerFan]

That might have been a bit less recent than memory indicates.

On a related note, he retired a few years ago after a decade of playing professionally and I think he’s a scout for the Spurs these days.

 

[Deeringfish]

And finally, Ty was limping around in a full-length knee brace. But no crutches. I was pretty certain he had a meniscal repair, which typically leaves you non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. He was definitely putting weight on it. I don't know what to think, other than I hope he's back next fall.

I can't imagine that the coaches and trainers would let him violate his protocols right under their noses. He is still a member of the team under their tutelage and authority.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I can't imagine that the coaches and trainers would let him violate his protocols right under their noses. He is still a member of the team under their tutelage and authority.

Of course not. Whatever he had done, he’s obviously allowed to put some weight on it.

 

[DaCat]

Interesting. Did not catch that. Thanks.

Thought if he was going to red shirt it would have happened as a freshman. He did play past year. I have no memory of it though.

In the interview, Collins hinted that they liked the potential of Blake Smith and were strategically red shirting him this season as a sophomore to let him develop more. But that changed after Berry went down, and Collins gave Smith the option to continue red shirting or else play the rest of this season. No surprise, Smith chose the latter. Glad he did.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

I LOVE PWB's writeups after every game. It's basically NU hoops porn for me.

I was impressed with Michigan's center Harris. He created some shots on his own working against Matt, and generally displayed good hand and feet. He is going to be a good one.

I love Nicholson spending most of his time in the paint. That's where he belongs.

I am not sure what to make of Hunger. I am waiting for the light bulb to go on.

I thought Preston was in street clothes last night.

Did anyone notice Mart's smooth reverse layup with HIS RIGHT HAND? Robbie Hummel probably fainted.

He is not doing much in the box score, but I am intrigued by Mullins' athleticism. It's real. I hope Lowery can harness it, and he can start to create on offense.

And finally, Ty was limping around in a full-length knee brace. But no crutches. I was pretty certain he had a meniscal repair, which typically leaves you non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. He was definitely putting weight on it. I don't know what to think, other than I hope he's back next fall.

Loved the Martinelli reverse layup with his right hand! Very encouraging. Guy is an athlete.

Agree about Mullins. Smith and Mullins are of similar build - the Casey Simmons mode - what I think of when I see the position "wing."

Fwiw, my daughter had meniscus repair in September and was skiing in Colorado in December.
Its a question of severity, I think.

Here's a little tidbit I picked up - Barnhizer's best friend on the team is.... Nick Martinelli.
(I hope nobody reads this and has hurt feelings!!!)

 

[DaCat]

Agree about Mullins. Smith and Mullins are of similar build - the Casey Simmons mode - what I

It seems Smith is further along at this point than Mullins. But Mullins will forever be part of Wildcat lore, and years from now will be the surprise answer to the trivia question of who assisted Buie on his record-breaking shot.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Loved the Martinelli reverse layup with his right hand! Very encouraging. Guy is an athlete.

An athlete for sure. Martinelli was probably brought in as a motor guy - I’m sure Collins saw upside potential in him too - and he plays like a motor guy. He’s got a serious tenacity out there. Except along with being a motor guy, he’s also got a growing chest of offensive moves, not a bad shot, a serious nose for the ball, and big time toughness. So he’s a motor guy who also has a back for scoring, and a big time knack for finding the ball, especially around the glass. While still being a high motor guy.

 

[phatcat]

An athlete for sure. Martinelli was probably brought in as a motor guy - I’m sure Collins saw upside potential in him too - and he plays like a motor guy. He’s got a serious tenacity out there. Except along with being a motor guy, he’s also got a growing chest of offensive moves, not a bad shot, a serious nose for the ball, and big time toughness. So he’s a motor guy who also has a back for scoring, and a big time knack for finding the ball, especially around the glass. While still being a high motor guy.

So,.your saying he's a motor guy...

 

[AdamOnFirst]

So,.your saying he's a motor guy...

A tough motor guy who is also a scorer and tenacious rebounder.

 

[Figrating]

Blake Smith - CCC knows how to bring a red shirt into the game. Asks for then gets his commitment, then praises his ability. Praised his play, too. CCC notes the team has had to make changes and is getting used to them, and winning along the way.

Says a lot that he was a red shirt. There haven't been many years at NU when NU didn't desperately need every player available. Great good luck, Blake Smith.

 

[Hungry Jack]

So,.your saying he's a motor guy...

Don’t fundamentally disagree, but his shot needs work. Too flat and little spin. It is reminiscent of Ty’s shots few years back.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Don’t fundamentally disagree, but his shot needs work. Too flat and little spin. It is reminiscent of Ty’s shots few years back.

He’s a sophomore forward. The fact that he’s shooting 32% from outside is a respectable floor spacing bonus and there’s still time to improve his shot.

 

[Hungry Jack]

He’s a sophomore forward. The fact that he’s shooting 32% from outside is a respectable floor spacing bonus and there’s still time to improve his shot.

I think he will break out as a jump shooter, much like Ty. Niko does his best work inside, but he’s obviously improving rapidly. He made a big jump this season. I have high hopes for him.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I think he will break out as a jump shooter, much like Ty. Niko does his best work inside, but he’s obviously improving rapidly. He made a big jump this season. I have high hopes for him.

Honestly at 32% he already offers enough there to space the floor and force his defender to chase him around. If he breaks through further, whew, look out

 

[jensberg]

An athlete for sure. Martinelli was probably brought in as a motor guy - I’m sure Collins saw upside potential in him too - and he plays like a motor guy. He’s got a serious tenacity out there. Except along with being a motor guy, he’s also got a growing chest of offensive moves, not a bad shot, a serious nose for the ball, and big time toughness. So he’s a motor guy who also has a back for scoring, and a big time knack for finding the ball, especially around the glass. While still being a high motor guy.

If he could make a three-pointer of fun a consistent basis he would really be something. I think he was zero of four against Michigan

 

[jensberg]

If he could make a three-pointer of fun a consistent basis he would really be something. I think he was zero of four against Michigan

Also agree that his jump Hook is quite flat could use some Arc but I'm sure that will improve over time

 

[NUCat320]

If he could make a three-pointer of fun a consistent basis he would really be something. I think he was zero of four against Michigan

Definitely the part of the game he needs to improve on during the offseason. That said, he’s been a huge addition.

Blake Smith - CCC knows how to bring a red shirt into the game. Asks for then gets his commitment, then praises his ability. Praised his play, too. CCC notes the team has had to make changes and is getting used to them, and winning along the way.

It’s unfortunate that CCC didn’t choose to redshirt him last season. Smith got four total minutes against three different Chicago opponents. (Srsly, he played against Chicago State, DePaul, UIC, and nobody else.)

I guess NU didn’t recognize the potential until last January.

All that said, Smith and Mullins both belong. There’s very good depth in the program.

 

[EagerFan]

Who knows how Smith was showing up last year tho, it's possible he made some significant strides in the off season and started getting more notice from the coaches in practice.

 

[jensberg]

Definitely the part of the game he needs to improve on during the offseason. That said, he’s been a huge addition.



It’s unfortunate that CCC didn’t choose to redshirt him last season. Smith got four total minutes against three different Chicago opponents. (Srsly, he played against Chicago State, DePaul, UIC, and nobody else.)

I guess NU didn’t recognize the potential until last January.

All that said, Smith and Mullins both belong. There’s very good depth in the program.

Agree they belong just need to start getting comfortable with their offense

 

[hdhntr1]

I LOVE PWB's writeups after every game. It's basically NU hoops porn for me.

I was impressed with Michigan's center Harris. He created some shots on his own working against Matt, and generally displayed good hand and feet. He is going to be a good one.

I love Nicholson spending most of his time in the paint. That's where he belongs.

I am not sure what to make of Hunger. I am waiting for the light bulb to go on.

I thought Preston was in street clothes last night.

Did anyone notice Mart's smooth reverse layup with HIS RIGHT HAND? Robbie Hummel probably fainted.

He is not doing much in the box score, but I am intrigued by Mullins' athleticism. It's real. I hope Lowery can harness it, and he can start to create on offense.

And finally, Ty was limping around in a full-length knee brace. But no crutches. I was pretty certain he had a meniscal repair, which typically leaves you non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. He was definitely putting weight on it. I don't know what to think, other than I hope he's back next fall.

It has only been about 2 weeks for Ty so far and repair is likely best for him long term., Have to think recovery is pretty good from a repair