Matt Nicholson Disappointment

[samuirocks]

Is it just me or anyone else feel a bit disappointed by Matt this year. He comes into the year out of shape and didn’t seem to have worked on his game. This happens while the rest of the team has so committed to the team and its success by stepping to the plate.

Overall less effective than last year, letting his teammates down. Even getting benched at one point. Struggled with foul trouble.

Now suffers an injury at the worst time (I know the timing and injury isn’t his fault but can’t help but feel it just piles on the rest of it.).

This all happens while Buie and rest of the team have sacrificed so much for this year. If Matt had committed to fitness and improving and then dominating, this team would have been on an another level.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Strong disagreement from me. Love the guy.

 

[SmellyCat]

Any disappointment I might have had earlier in the year had dissipated completely for me. Now the disappointment is about the "what might have been" in March, not December.

The story of the the 2023-2024 team isn't fully written yet. I just hope when we look back on this season we look back with smiles on our faces.

I've been thinking about the 2000 football loss to Iowa a lot in the last few days. I know there are a lot of negative memories of that game and the blowout loss to Nebraska a month later, but I think when we all look back at 2000, most (I hope) aren't disappointed. We remember all the fun and good times and that it was a GOOD team. If this basketball season ends like that one (I don't think it will), it will be painful for a bit, but ultimately it's been a great experience.

 

[olshin]

Is it just me or anyone else feel a bit disappointed by Matt this year. He comes into the year out of shape and didn’t seem to have worked on his game. This happens while the rest of the team has so committed to the team and its success by stepping to the plate.

Overall less effective than last year, letting his teammates down. Even getting benched at one point. Struggled with foul trouble.

Now suffers an injury at the worst time (I know the timing and injury isn’t his fault but can’t help but feel it just piles on the rest of it.).

This all happens while Buie and rest of the team have sacrificed so much for this year. If Matt had committed to fitness and improving and then dominating, this team would have been on an another level.

How dare he get hurt while we're playing big games!!?!?!?!

But no. Not disappointed. Not at all.

 

[FitzFan]

Is it just me or anyone else feel a bit disappointed by Matt this year. He comes into the year out of shape and didn’t seem to have worked on his game. This happens while the rest of the team has so committed to the team and its success by stepping to the plate.

Overall less effective than last year, letting his teammates down. Even getting benched at one point. Struggled with foul trouble.

Now suffers an injury at the worst time (I know the timing and injury isn’t his fault but can’t help but feel it just piles on the rest of it.).

This all happens while Buie and rest of the team have sacrificed so much for this year. If Matt had committed to fitness and improving and then dominating, this team would have been on an another level.

Right? When I saw the news about Matt's foot I literally fell to my knees in an Arby's bathroom. As I fell to my knees, I threw out my back and accidentally emptied my bowels. Now I'm covered in shit and Arby's Horsey Sauce and feeling very emotionally vulnerable. It would be impossible for me to overstate the inconvenience that Matt Nicholson's broken foot has caused me.

 

[Hungry Jack]

My need for psychological comfort does not trump my disappointment for Matt and the rest of the team. This had the makings of an historic season and a great swan song for Boo, and plain old bad luck has thrown a monkey wrench into the machine.

I can only blame the gods and curse the Four Winds of fate, and pray that Odin grants me wisdom.

 

[JournCat]

My need for psychological comfort does not trump my disappointment for Matt and the rest of the team. This had the makings of an historic season and a great swan song for Boo, and plain old bad luck has thrown a monkey wrench into the machine.

I can only blame the gods and curse the Four Winds of fate, and pray that Odin grants me wisdom.

I'm not writing in past tense about this season yet. With Langborg back hopefully tomorrow and Blake Smith showing he can play, we can go small with Martinelli at the 5 and relieve some of the pressure on Hunger and Preston. This team has a ton of toughness and two or maybe three all-Big Ten caliber players in the starting lineup.

As for the original post, I wish people would not attack the character or preparation of scholarship athletes. Yes, Nicholson was not up to his usual level earlier in the year. But he was playing much better and I think we should give him credit for that rather than questioning his motivation.

 

[UpsetAlert]

Is it just me or anyone else feel a bit disappointed by Matt this year. He comes into the year out of shape and didn’t seem to have worked on his game. This happens while the rest of the team has so committed to the team and its success by stepping to the plate.

Overall less effective than last year, letting his teammates down. Even getting benched at one point. Struggled with foul trouble.

Now suffers an injury at the worst time (I know the timing and injury isn’t his fault but can’t help but feel it just piles on the rest of it.).

This all happens while Buie and rest of the team have sacrificed so much for this year. If Matt had committed to fitness and improving and then dominating, this team would have been on an another level.

He was injured coming into the season. Also, maybe have some class?

 

[zbag51]

Man, kicking a man when he’s down! I’ve really enjoyed watching Matt play this year. Nichol- bombs are the best. We’ll miss him, but let’s see what Collins can come up with coaching-wise, and what Boo and company can do on the court before throwing in the towel.

 

[NUCat320]

Weird post.

He was the same player in conference play than he was last year. Shooting slightly up, boards slightly down, assists slightly up, defensive presence consistent. I don’t think the Chicago State loss was his fault.

Did you want him to demand the ball in the post more?

Like @JournCat, I believe this season isn’t yet a loss. I’m excited at the prospect of some magic over the next five weekends.

I believe in Boo. Through him all things are possible.

And I excitedly welcome the opportunity to watch Matthew Nicholson bring his celebratory six-shooters out every time NU hits a three the rest of the way. I imagine Ty can do the same, and that the redshirts and walkons can learn from both.

 

[CMcCat]

I find it striking that he has no low post game. It would seem that teaching a guy that big a few basic offensive moves in the post is not too much to ask. Imagine how it would open up the perimeter.

Instead, we run high post picks like the Nuggets do with Joker when the two guys bear no resemblance to one another.

 

[macarthur31]

Weird post.

He was the same player in conference play than he was last year. Shooting slightly up, boards slightly down, assists slightly up, defensive presence consistent. I don’t think the Chicago State loss was his fault.

Did you want him to demand the ball in the post more?

Like @JournCat, I believe this season isn’t yet a loss. I’m excited at the prospect of some magic over the next five weekends.

I believe in Boo. Through him all things are possible.

And I excitedly welcome the opportunity to watch Matthew Nicholson bring his celebratory six-shooters out every time NU hits a three the rest of the way. I imagine Ty can do the same, and that the redshirts and walkons can learn from both.

Season (B1G Games)	%Min	ORtg	%Poss	eFG%	OReb%	DReb%	Blk%	FoulsComm/ Fouls Drawn	2PM / 2FG
2024 (18)	56.4	127.9	13.1	66.7	8.3	17.5	6.3	5.6 / 2.5	44-66 / 66.7%
2023 (20)	54.2	114.3	16.5	59.5	11.5	16.4	6.4	4.1 / 3.6	47-79 / 59.5%

Yes, there's a decline in OREB%, and Fouls Committed/Fouls Drawn - but Matt had a slight uptick in minutes, and was either stable or improved in other areas, and he was certainly trending upwards before the injury - particularly around playmaking: He had 4 assists in 17 minutes before succumbing to injury, and had 10 assists over 5 games prior to that Hawkeyes tilt. Between that and rim-running, he was emerging as a terrific 4th/5th option.

And while those are leaning on the "he was outta shape" trope - I'd offer that it took time for him to get acclimated to a system where Barnhizer was shifting to the 4 - who would be much more active in the offense than Beran was, and with 3 guards that also want touches.

 

[EagerFan]

I was a bit disappointed in Matt in the beginning of the season until I learned he'd been injured and was recovering from that as the season progressed. So that was on my ignorance more than his play. I'm sure I posted some rants about him at the time because I can get worked up about the team and the games.

I appreciate Matt because I see him giving his best, fighting, and cheering his team. He doesn't play lazy or half-hearted ever. I'm crushed for him because I suspect this injury is causing him all sorts or terrible, useless feelings and stress to go along with the actual injury, and that sucks.

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

I am disappointed Nicholson got hurt. Because he was playing damned good basketball.

I re-watched the Iowa game last night and was surprised how much he was handling the ball out on the perimeter - most possessions, in fact - working with Buie. Thats rather remarkable for a guy who was once equated with Chier Ajou. Was his development as a scorer disappointing? Absolutely. No doubt about it. In hindsight we probably should have hired a specialist to work with him in the offseason - unless he was unable to practice.

Nicholson looked out of shape at the start of the year. We don't know if he was injured or what. I do know I saw him stumble at midcourt during one of the early games, while running, and he threw both arms up as if he thought he had tweaked something. Unfortunately big guys are vulnerable to that sort of thing. I never heard Collins criticize his commitment, only that "we have to get Matt back to where he was last year."

His contributions to the team were clear in the stats. In our 22 games against Power 6 caliber opposition, when each player was on the court, the numbers looked like this (excluding occasional garbage time).

Player	Minutes	NU Pts/40	Oppo Pts/40	Rating
Nicholson	494	70.17	63.86	1.099
Berry	484	74.14	70.09	1.058
Langborg	671	72.52	68.89	1.053
Buie	813	72.70	69.16	1.051
Barnhizer	797	72.39	70.14	1.032
Martinelli	569	72.23	70.33	1.027
Preston	143	75.47	75.19	1.004
Hunger	234	70.84	72.04	0.983
Clayton	102	59.72	72.99	0.818
Smith, Blake	84	72.70	68.87	1.056
Mullins	55	69.40	65.78	1.055

 

[olshin]

I am disappointed Nicholson got hurt. Because he was playing damned good basketball.

I re-watched the Iowa game last night and was surprised how much he was handling the ball out on the perimeter - most possessions, in fact - working with Buie. Thats rather remarkable for a guy who was once equated with Chier Ajou. Was his development as a scorer disappointing? Absolutely. No doubt about it. In hindsight we probably should have hired a specialist to work with him in the offseason - unless he was unable to practice.

Nicholson looked out of shape at the start of the year. We don't know if he was injured or what. I do know I saw him stumble at midcourt during one of the early games, while running, and he threw both arms up as if he thought he had tweaked something. Unfortunately big guys are vulnerable to that sort of thing. I never heard Collins criticize his commitment, only that "we have to get Matt back to where he was last year."

His contributions to the team were clear in the stats. In our 22 games against Power 6 caliber opposition, when each player was on the court, the numbers looked like this (excluding occasional garbage time).

Player	Minutes	NU Pts/40	Oppo Pts/40	Rating
Nicholson	494	70.17	63.86	1.099
Berry	484	74.14	70.09	1.058
Langborg	671	72.52	68.89	1.053
Buie	813	72.70	69.16	1.051
Barnhizer	797	72.39	70.14	1.032
Martinelli	569	72.23	70.33	1.027
Preston	143	75.47	75.19	1.004
Hunger	234	70.84	72.04	0.983
Clayton	102	59.72	72.99	0.818
Smith, Blake	84	72.70	68.87	1.056
Mullins	55	69.40	65.78	1.055

Interesting to me is that this backs up the fear that while Berry's loss had the obvious impact on the offensive end ... Nicholson's impact will be felt more defensively. A lot more.

 

[FeralFelidae]

Is it just me or anyone else feel a bit disappointed by Matt this year. He comes into the year out of shape and didn’t seem to have worked on his game. This happens while the rest of the team has so committed to the team and its success by stepping to the plate.

Overall less effective than last year, letting his teammates down. Even getting benched at one point. Struggled with foul trouble.

Now suffers an injury at the worst time (I know the timing and injury isn’t his fault but can’t help but feel it just piles on the rest of it.).

This all happens while Buie and rest of the team have sacrificed so much for this year. If Matt had committed to fitness and improving and then dominating, this team would have been on an another level.

I don't know what was going on with Matt early in the season and I won't speculate, but he worked his tail off to get back in top form and has been a crucial part of the Cats' performance during the conference season. Losing him now is a big loss.

 

[wildcatpn]

Weird post.

He was the same player in conference play than he was last year. Shooting slightly up, boards slightly down, assists slightly up, defensive presence consistent. I don’t think the Chicago State loss was his fault.

Did you want him to demand the ball in the post more?

Like @JournCat, I believe this season isn’t yet a loss. I’m excited at the prospect of some magic over the next five weekends.

I believe in Boo. Through him all things are possible.

And I excitedly welcome the opportunity to watch Matthew Nicholson bring his celebratory six-shooters out every time NU hits a three the rest of the way. I imagine Ty can do the same, and that the redshirts and walkons can learn from both.

Definitely a bad take by OP. If I hadn't seen his handle when I opened the thread I would've put money that it was started by CatMan because he only speaks the TRUTH!!!!!(and is wrong almost all the time).

 

[CatManTrue]

Definitely a bad take by OP. If I hadn't seen his handle when I opened the thread I would've put money that it was started by CatMan because he only speaks the TRUTH!!!!!(and is wrong almost all the time).

I’m confused by your post. How can the Truth be wrong almost all the time?

We agree on this: OP’s post is a three pound stinker. He can try to flush it, but the bathroom’s gonna smell awful for a while.

 

[stpaulcat]

Not by him, for him.

 

[stpaulcat]

My need for psychological comfort does not trump my disappointment for Matt and the rest of the team. This had the makings of an historic season and a great swan song for Boo, and plain old bad luck has thrown a monkey wrench into the machine.

I can only blame the gods and curse the Four Winds of fate, and pray that Odin grants me wisdom.

The Five Winds of fate. You left out Gladeskat.

 

[purplejustice]

Matt is a very unselfish team player. He is always out there setting picks. He does a good job of passing. He clogs the middle on defense and alters shots. He continues to improve and will be sorely missed down this final stretch.

 

[phatcat]

Frustrated at first, but he turned it around. His stats belie his performance for the last, say, 15 games.

Watch how we do on defense without him. It will be a land rush

 

[DaCat]

I’m confused by your post. How can the Truth be wrong almost all the time?

We agree on this: OP’s post is a three pound stinker. He can try to flush it, but the bathroom’s gonna smell awful for a while.

You’re a TINO - Truth In Name Only.

 

[CatManTrue]

You’re a TINO - Truth In Name Only.

Woof. Please try to send that six pound stinker down the toilet too with DaFlush.

With my posts, you know you’re getting the Truth, the whole Truth, and Nothin’ but it. It’s part of my brand and I cherish it dearly.

 

[Hungry Jack]

The Five Winds of fate. You left out Gladeskat.

Glades definitely has a lot of wind. Keystone Light will do that.

 

[NUcats92]

My need for psychological comfort does not trump my disappointment for Matt and the rest of the team. This had the makings of an historic season and a great swan song for Boo, and plain old bad luck has thrown a monkey wrench into the machine.

I can only blame the gods and curse the Four Winds of fate, and pray that Odin grants me wisdom.

ANBHG all Northwestern basketball hating God! Eerily similar to the Iowa running back situation back in the mid 2000s

 

[CatManTrue]

ANBHG all Northwestern basketball hating God! Eerily similar to the Iowa running back situation back in the mid 2000s

Where was that ANBHG when Taphorn threw that beautiful court long pass?

Or when we beat #1 Purdue twice in two seasons?

Or when Boo decided to return for his 5th year?

Shush that hateful God talk. If there is a God, then they’ve got more urgent things to worry about than NUMBB.

 

[NUcats92]

Where was that ANBHG when Taphorn threw that beautiful court long pass?

Or when we beat #1 Purdue twice in two seasons?

Or when Boo decided to return for his 5th year?

Shush that hateful God talk. If there is a God, then they’ve got more urgent things to worry about than NUMBB.

CMT oh, come on do I need to point back to before Collins got there? or how many Heartbreakers they suffered? the Kevin Coble situation?

 

[CatManTrue]

CMT oh, come on do I need to point back to before Collins got there? or how many Heartbreakers they suffered? the Kevin Coble situation?

I sincerely believe that hard work, toughness, and talent are what turned both our football and basketball programs around.

Let God help about the people who truly need it. We should be able to accomplish great things on our own at Northwestern.

 

[stpaulcat]

ANBHG all Northwestern basketball hating God! Eerily similar to the Iowa running back situation back in the mid 2000s

Acronyms out of control. WT...?

 

[NUcats92]

Acronyms out of control. WT...?

You must not be familiar with the Iowa running back situation back in 2009- 13

 

[NUcats92]

I sincerely believe that hard work, toughness, and talent are what turned both our football and basketball programs around.

Let God help about the people who truly need it. We should be able to accomplish great things on our own at Northwestern.

Sarcasm CMT it’s a thing……

 

[CatManTrue]

Sarcasm CMT it’s a thing……

So is the Truth.

FWIW: my backslash and s keys are broken.

 

[stpaulcat]

You must not be familiar with the Iowa running back situation back in 2009- 13

i'm at least familiar with the Iowa RB situation, but not ANBHG--can't translate.

 

[NUcats92]

It’s a direct mockery to iowas AIRBHG that was the acronym after losing multiple running backs every year to knee injuries.

 

[CatManTrue]

It’s a direct mockery to iowas AIRBHG that was the acronym after losing multiple running backs every year to knee injuries.

In retrospect, it was probably their racist strength coach’s fault.

 

[IGNORE2]

The Five Winds of fate. You left out Gladeskat.

What ever happened to that old bugbag?

 

[IGNORE2]

Acronyms out of control. WT...?

Get off my lawn?

What ever happened to that guy? Here and corbi were the two worst prognosticators on the board.

 

[Baz=Heisman]

I sincerely believe that hard work, toughness, and talent are what turned both our football and basketball programs around.

Let God help about the people who truly need it. We should be able to accomplish great things on our own at Northwestern.

Well said. And agreed.

 

[stpaulcat]

What ever happened to that old bugbag?

I'm older than he is, not in the bag, and neither is he. Bugs are us.