Season Recap

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Following an exhilarating season with a team that showcased the most potential I have ever witnessed in an NU basketball team, I thought it would be interesting to compare the events of this year with my initial player analysis at the beginning of the season.

1st Year in Purple

Blake Barkley
Blake, standing at a height of 6'8", appears to be a suitable candidate for the 3-4 position on NU's team for the upcoming season. However, being a freshman, it is unlikely that he will receive significant playing time, as the 4 position is already occupied by Barnhizer. If Blake does manage to earn some minutes on the court, it would be a pleasing surprise. Generally, I have low expectations for freshmen players, but am pleasantly surprised when they display talent and contribute to the team. It is worth noting that Barkley received the prestigious OVAC First Team All-Conference honors during his high school career. Notably, he maintained an impressive average of 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the highly competitive ADIDAS 3SSB circuit. With his notable shooting skills and strong rebounding abilities, Barkley holds the potential to become an intriguing player for the team in the future. PSA head coach Tom Espinosa had high praise for Barkley, describing him as a versatile player who possesses exceptional shooting abilities and an aptitude for dominating the boards. I eagerly anticipate witnessing Barkley's contribution to the team's success, as he dons the purple jersey.

Blake decided to redshirt this season, which aligns with my expectation for freshmen players. While I always hold out hope for newcomers to see playing time, it's important to temper our expectations for them, particularly on a talented team with experienced players. It takes time for freshmen to adjust and grow before they can make a significant impact on the court.

Parker Strauss
Parker is a highly skilled guard standing at an impressive height of 6'4". He is expected to contribute effectively in the 1-2 positions for the team. We are hopeful that either Strauss or Clayton would be capable of handling the offense and allowing Buie to take a short break for about 5 minutes. However, if these freshmen players lack the necessary skills, we may need to consider one of our returning players for this role. During his time in High School, Parker showcased exceptional statistics, averaging 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. He is known for his outstanding versatility as a guard, possessing a combination of height and unique abilities. According to his high school coach, Parker's most significant strength lies in his ability to create opportunities for his teammates through skilled passing. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing his skills in action while wearing a purple jersey.

Parker decided to redshirt this season, which aligns with my expectation for freshmen players. While I always hold out hope for newcomers to see playing time, it's important to temper our expectations for them, particularly on a talented team with experienced players. It takes time for freshmen to adjust and grow before they can make a significant impact on the court.

Jordan Clayton
GP 28, MPG 7.1, Raw +/- -49

Jordan, a 6'2" guard, possesses the necessary skills to fit perfectly into the 1-2 role for the team. It is expected that Strauss or Clayton will step up and take charge of the offense, relieving Buie for a brief 5-minute break. However, if neither of them, as freshmen, demonstrate this ability, we may need to rely on one of our returning players to fill in this crucial position.
In his high school last year, Jordan showcased his talent by averaging an impressive 12 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. His outstanding performance led to his recognition as a member of the All-NEPSAC Class AA team. His coach admired his defensive prowess, considering him capable of competing at the highest level. Moreover, Jordan's coach had nothing but praise for him as an individual, emphasizing his admirable character off the court. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing his skills in action while wearing a purple jersey.

At the start of the season, Clayton received meaningful playing time, reaching a peak of 24 minutes against Rhode Island. However, as the season advanced and Northwestern University faced tougher opponents, his minutes began to diminish. At times, he demonstrated solid fundamentals and impressive defense, only to falter with poor positioning and communication in the other possestions. Offensively, he showed hesitancy and failed to showcase his full potential. Despite this, he displayed decent ball movement and the ability to bring the ball up the court. Looking ahead, the upcoming offseason will be crucial for Clayton's development, as he will be forced to run the offense and create since Buie will no longer fill that role.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Justin Mullins
GP 19, MPG 5.2, Raw +/- +13

Standing at a height of 6'4", Mullins seems like a perfect fit for the 2-4 position on the cat's team. Last year, as a freshman, Justin started in 27 games, showcasing his defensive skills and impressive scoring ability in transition. He possesses a great deal of athleticism and demonstrates a decent three-point shooting ability, with a success rate of 36.5% from deep. We are yet to determine how well he will adapt offensively in half-court situations. Nonetheless, Mullins, as a sophomore, presents an intriguing prospect for the cat's team, considering his athletic prowess and vast potential that could prove vital in the future. I eagerly anticipate witnessing this individual in purple attire.

Mullins had a rather up-and-down season, struggling to find his stride and fulfill his considerable potential. Justin displayed glimpses of his untapped talent all season. His potential was best showcased with his standout performance during the Rutgers game. In that game, he scored 8 points making all his shots from the field and only missing one free throw. Not only did he shine offensively, but he also showcased his defensive prowess with 4 very athletic blocks and 1 steal.

Blake Preston
GP 28, MPG 10.3, RPG 2, APG .9, PPG 2.1, Raw +/- +5

Preston is expected to do fine in a defensive role as a backup center. In terms of offense, one should not anticipate a high volume of scoring, but he has displayed efficiency with his opportunities at Liberty University. Particularly in pick and roll situations, Preston's skills align well with Northwestern University's offensive strategy, especially with Buie leading the way. As a freshman, he showcased considerable promise, although his playing time became limited at Liberty. However, it is worth mentioning that free throws have been a challenge for him. Multiple sources indicate that Preston brings a positive influence to the team dynamics, both with his experience and attitude. Consequently, he is a valuable addition as a backup center. If he can replicate or even approach the level of defense that Tydus provided, it would be an outstanding acquisition. Blake is a mobile big man who can effectively move away from the paint, set screens, and score off those screens. This presents an offensive improvement in the backup center position. I eagerly anticipate seeing this individual donning the purple uniform.

I had higher expectations for his offensive performance, given his previous experience at Liberty, but Preston added valuable depth and a strong veteran presence for the team. Despite being relegated to the 3rd center position, he was consistently active and gave his all throughout the season. His standout moment came when he made a crucial steal against Edey, ultimately leading to the team's victory against top-ranked Purdue.

Ryan Langborg
GP 32, MPG 33.3, RPG 3, APG 2.5, SPG 1.3, PPG 12.7, Raw +/- +72

Ryan has the ability to play in multiple positions and could potentially take over as the offensive initiator when Buie is given a rest. Last season, Ryan was the second highest scorer on Princeton's team and ranked 12th in scoring within the Ivy League. His exceptional performance in the NCAA tournament demonstrated his skills as a scorer and what he can contribute to his team, the Cats, in the upcoming year. One much-needed asset that Ryan brings to the team is his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, as he successfully made at least one three-pointer in 30 out of 32 games last season. It will be intriguing to observe how he adapts to the offensive and defensive challenges of B1G play in the upcoming season. I am eagerly anticipating the sight of this talented player in purple attire.

This season, Ryan proved to be a valuable asset for the team, particularly with his exceptional three-point shooting that helped create space on the court for the NU offense. In addition to his long-range abilities, he also demonstrated a strong mid-range game and the skill to drive to the basket and finish plays. Not only was he a hardworking player, but he was a serviceable defender and made some hustle plays defensively. He had a high basketball IQ and helped serve as a secondary ball handler at times. Langborg's standout performance of 27 points in the NCAA tournament victory against FAU truly highlighted his impact on the team during his brief tenure in purple. Despite only playing for one season, his impact was greatly felt.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

2+ Years in Purple

Blake Smith
GP 11, MPG 14, RPG .7, PPG 2.4, Raw +/- +20

I did not anticipate conducting a player assessment for Blake, as I never imagined a walk-on player would receive significant minutes during the season. Blake's impact on the team was truly unexpected and he stepped up filling in for injured players. He had some nice athleticism, excelled in defense, and was a valuable asset on the boards. Despite originally going to NU with no intention of playing basketball, he sure did well at the B1G level.

Luke Hunger
GP 31, MPG 12.8, RPG 2.1, PPG 3.8, Raw +/- -4

Hunger is a promising player who is expected to be a backup 5. Despite limited playing time, Hunger has already demonstrated his potential with his impressive size and shooting abilities. However, there are areas he needs to work on, particularly his defensive positioning, strength in the post, and ability to work effectively within the team's offensive system. As a freshman, Hunger's first season was unfortunately cut short due to an injury. During his appearances, he appeared to be struggling to keep up with the game's speed. It is unlikely that Hunger will receive significant playing time, especially since there are two more experienced players ahead of him in the center position. However, if Hunger does manage to earn some minutes, it would be a remarkable achievement and a sign of his accelerated development. It is important to note that Hunger is still young and, historically, big players tend to require more time to fully develop their skills. Nevertheless, I am excited to witness the trajectory of this young man's career and see where he will be in the next 2-3 years.

Hunger got more minutes than I originally expected. There is still significant potential for growth in his skills as a player. Hunger consistently displayed unwavering determination every time he set foot on the court. His relentless effort and energy were evident every time he played. Moreover, Hunger flashed offensive, and with proper strength training and development in both offense and defense positioning, he has the potential to become a very valuable asset for the team

Nick Martinelli
GP 34, MPG 25.9, RPG 4.3, APG 1.1, PPG 8.8, Raw +/- 0

Nick is set to assume the role of backup 4 this year. He showcased his ability to perform under pressure last season, fearlessly confronting the spotlight. On the other hand, Martinelli displayed some promising skills, but he still has a long way to go in terms of development. His defensive abilities are hindered by a lack of foot speed, footwork, and strength. Additionally, he relies heavily on his left hand to score. To improve, Martinelli needs to focus on playing within the offensive flow and learn from the freshman mistakes he made last season. However, he does have a natural talent for grabbing offensive rebounds and possesses a commendable touch with his left hand. It also seems that he has a reliable three-point shot, although we have yet to see how consistent he can be as he progresses and assumes a larger role on the team. Notably, he demonstrates a high level of energy and determination. The transition from freshman to sophomore year is often when players make the most significant improvements, and Martinelli certainly rose to the occasion when there was an injury to Roper, giving his all. It is undeniably challenging for a freshman to step into such a prominent role, but Martinelli managed to do so.

Once again, Martinelli stepped up when a player got injured. His determination and drive are unquestionable. His skill in scoring the ball, finding opportunities, and thriving under pressure have all remained since his freshman year. His impressive performance in scoring 27 points against Maryland showcased his touch around the basket and ability to get buckets. While he occasionally overextends himself on offense and needs to work on his footspeed and footwork defensively, his overall defensive capabilities have seen significant improvements from drastically improved positioning. The hard work put in the weight-room is clearly paying off for him. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how much more he can grow with another offseason of development.

Matt Nicholson
GP 29, MPG 22.3, RPG 4.3, APG 1.8, BPG 2.8, PPG 5.3, Raw +/- +78

Matt will be starting at the 5 this season. Nicholson has significantly increased his muscle mass during his tenure in Evanston. His positioning on both defense and offense is highly impressive. Matt excels as a strong post defender. Northwestern's doubling efforts perfectly complement Matt's position and wingspan. These strategies are implemented to generate turnovers and prevent easy scoring opportunities near the basket. In terms of offense, Matt displays exceptional screening skills (although occasionally moves without getting called for it, but if it’s not called who cares). Additionally, he does a great job at shielding away the "extra" defender. Matt plays a crucial role in this team's defensive prowess. He possesses a deep understanding of their responsibilities and executes them flawlessly. Throughout their time here, Matt has experienced tremendous growth and development. However, he still encounters difficulties when it comes to finishing near the rim. Matt needs to replicate his successful performances against UCLA and provide scoring options beyond alley-oops this season.

Matt faced challenges at the beginning of the season, but when he returned to the starting lineup, he reestablished himself as a crucial defensive anchor for the team. His strategic positioning on the court was key to the team's success on both offense and defense. He was able to elevate his game by enhancing his passing skills and improving his overall court awareness. With his towering height, he was a formidable force defensively and was able to take advantage of opportunities created by Buie offensively. His impressive double-double performance against Indiana highlighted his value to the team. When Matt was sidelined with an injury, it created a significant gap in the team's frontcourt, as no other player could match his defensive prowess, size, and strength.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Ty Berry
GP 23, MPG 29.7, RPG 3.9, APG 1.4, SPG 1.3 PPG 11.6, Raw +/- +49

Ty will thrive in the 2-3 position this year. He possesses an impressively smooth jump shot that catches the eye. However, during the previous season, his shot did not always find the mark. Additionally, he lacked the ability to beat opponents off the dribble. In terms of consistency, Ty fell slightly short of our expectations. Nevertheless, he excels as a guard in the rebounding aspect of the game. His hands are exceptionally quick and he effectively disrupts passing lanes. Without a doubt, he is NU's top perimeter defender among the returning players. Keep an eye on Ty in the upcoming season, as he is poised to generate numerous steals for both himself and his teammates.

Ty significantly improved his consistency during this season. He played a crucial role in elevating the team's potential to its highest level ever. The NU team experienced a significant shift whenever Ty was in top form. He had the ability to effectively defend the opposing team's top perimeter player. His proficiency in stretching the court made him one of the most formidable deep threats in the B1G. Ty's impeccable shooting skills enabled NU to compete against any opponent, as demonstrated by the impressive 25-point performance in the triumph over the then top-ranked Purdue team. His absence this season was deeply felt, with his defensive prowess, rebounding, and scoring capabilities sorely missed. Ty was truly showcasing his potential as a standout player in the competitive B1G conference before being sidelined by injury.

Brooks Barnhizer
GP 34, MPG 36.7, RPG 7.5, APG 2.6, SPG 1.8, PPG 14.6, Raw +/- +53

Barnhizer is set to take on the starting position at the 4 this year. He appears ready to embrace a significant role in the upcoming season. In the previous year, Barnhizer excelled in all the minor details of the game and gradually displayed his scoring ability as the season unfolded. Not only does he possess excellent shooting skills, but his footwork and relentless hustle are also commendable. Defensively, he showcases remarkable agility and quick feet, allowing him to defend effectively. Brooks has the opportunity to become an outstanding player in the Big Ten Conference. He exhibits good core strength and adeptly maintains his position on the court. Furthermore, Barnhizer possesses the skill to create his own shot, adding another dimension to his game. It is my hope to witness his continued progress and witness the tremendous potential I believe he holds within him come to fruition.

Brooks was a standout player for the Wildcats due to his versatility and impact on the court. Not only did he excel in areas that may not be reflected in the statistics, but he also shone in the aspects that did show up on the scorecard. He earned a spot on the All-Big Ten defensive team for his remarkable skills as a defensive player, proving himself as a reliable and adaptable stopper. With his exceptional determination, hustle, positioning, and physical strength, Brooks made a significant impact on the defensive end of the court throughout the season. He consistently demonstrated his ability to step up and fulfill any defensive requirements of the team. In addition to his defensive contributions, Brooks also played a crucial role in rebounding and supporting the team's offense in place of Buie. While his shooting percentages may have been inconsistent at times, he displayed his offensive potential by delivering a crucial layup during the FAU game to force overtime when it mattered most. Furthermore, he made a significant impact on the team's victory over scUM with an impressive 19 point double-double. With his outstanding qualities and contributions, Brooks is poised to be the leader of the team in the upcoming season.

Boo Buie
GP 34, MPG 36.9, RPG 3.3, APG 5, SPG 1.4, PPG 19, Raw +/- +89

Buie, our starting point guard, served as the driving force behind the team's success, earning the well-deserved title of 1st team all B1G. With his handles, he can easily dismantle opposing players and is particularly lethal when driving to the basket with his dominant right hand. Additionally, Buie possesses exceptional shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, displaying an incredibly pure shot. His exceptional court vision and adept passing skills make him a highly skilled playmaker. As a perimeter defender, Buie is considered above average. However, it is crucial for him to improve his ability to drive using his non-dominant left hand, as well as enhance his shooting efficiency. Nevertheless, when his shots are not falling, Buie compensates by effectively drawing fouls and finding his way to the free throw line. He excels in free throw shooting. The success of the team heavily relies on Buie's performance, as he was the sole player capable of operating the offense at a high level in the previous season, establishing himself as the team's most outstanding player. It is a rare occurrence to witness a player like Buie in an NU uniform, as he possesses an unmatched ability to breakdown defenders off the dribble. I eagerly anticipate another season with Buie leading the team from the point guard position.

I am at a loss for words on where to even begin. Boo has undeniably had a legendary career that surpasses any other player who has worn an NU uniform. He not only holds the record for all-time scoring, but also ranks second in assists and eighth in steals. Who would have thought someone labeled as "not a true point guard" by this board could achieve such remarkable feats?

Buie showed steady improvement each and every season he played. With a relentless drive to elevate his game, he led the team to consecutive tournament appearances for the first time ever. He was the driving force behind the team's success, setting the tone and leaving a lasting impact that transcends mere statistics or victories on the court. Buie commanded the attention of the entire opposing team whenever he stepped onto the court, creating opportunities for his teammates to shine.

Buie's performance on the court exemplified true All-American caliber play. His contributions to the program extended far beyond his scoring, passing, and defensive skills. Watching him skillfully drive to the rim, make clutch shots, and deliver beautiful passes was a pure delight. His absence on the court will truly be felt, as we have had the privilege of witnessing greatness in action.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Final Thoughts

We just finished watching, when healthy, the best NU team ever. This squad possessed a remarkable skill set, capable of holding their own and beating any opponent in the nation. They were led by one of the best players in the country in Boo Buie. The team was also distinguished by a roster of sharpshooters and resilient defenders. The last two seasons have been a source of immense delight for me, as witnessing high-quality basketball at NU has been an absolute pleasure. Under the guidance of Coach Collins, we find ourselves in a truly golden era for the program.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Great write up, and always good to go back and compare what happened to expectations.

I waffle back and forth if I’m excited or nervous for next year, assuming everybody returns. On one hand, Matt N, Ty, and Brooks are a very formidable core of a team, Martinelli is also a great piece with more upside, and Hunger’s upside if he continues to develop give this team a potential to have two truly good bigs (imagine a big-centric NU team that can choose to mix both Nicholson and Hunger at you to get them both rested or can go to a huge lineup that features Nicholson, Hunger, Martinelli, and Brooks all on the floor at once).

On the other hand, your analysis rightly reminds us of Boo. It’s truly incredible that he made his incredible leaps last year and came back this year DRASTICALLY better yet again. I think it was Beilein who said on BTN after one of our wins that Boo Buie was unstoppable last year… and now he’s MUCH better, which was scary. Boo was so damn good that it’s hard to imagine how we can replace the impact of a player if that caliber.

But still, it’s a strong roster coming back as it sits.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Final Thoughts

We just finished watching, when healthy, the best NU team ever. This squad possessed a remarkable skill set, capable of holding their own and beating any opponent in the nation. They were led by one of the best players in the country in Boo Buie. The team was also distinguished by a roster of sharpshooters and resilient defenders. The last two seasons have been a source of immense delight for me, as witnessing high-quality basketball at NU has been an absolute pleasure. Under the guidance of Coach Collins, we find ourselves in a truly golden era for the program.

Could not be stated any more effectively or eloquently

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

Great write up, and always good to go back and compare what happened to expectations.

I waffle back and forth if I’m excited or nervous for next year, assuming everybody returns. On one hand, Matt N, Ty, and Brooks are a very formidable core of a team, Martinelli is also a great piece with more upside, and Hunger’s upside if he continues to develop give this team a potential to have two truly good bigs (imagine a big-centric NU team that can choose to mix both Nicholson and Hunger at you to get them both rested or can go to a huge lineup that features Nicholson, Hunger, Martinelli, and Brooks all on the floor at once).

On the other hand, your analysis rightly reminds us of Boo. It’s truly incredible that he made his incredible leaps last year and came back this year DRASTICALLY better yet again. I think it was Beilein who said on BTN after one of our wins that Boo Buie was unstoppable last year… and now he’s MUCH better, which was scary. Boo was so damn good that it’s hard to imagine how we can replace the impact of a player if that caliber.

But still, it’s a strong roster coming back as it sits.

The two biggest questions for me are:

1.) What is the recovery time for Ty and Matt?
If they spend the offseason getting healthy and back to game shape, that doesn’t bode as well as spending it working on their game and getting better.

2.) Who is NU bringing in with the two open slot?
You can’t replace Buie and all that he brings, but someone needs to run the offense. There’s 19 points and 5 assists a game that are lost. Better bring in two guys who can replace that production and defend at a B1G level. If we can bring in a solid point and someone good enough to push Barnhizer to the 3 and Martinelli back to 6th man that would be a good sign. Having a player of Martinelli's caliber on the bench would do wonders for bench depth.

 

[Catdude]

I agree that this team goes down as the best ever at NU AND the one with the most potential. I can't get over how close we were to having an even better season if we won a couple more close games and Berry and Nicholson stayed healthy. We got blown out by Illinois but our other seven Big 10 losses were extremely winnable and basically came down to the final minute (or OT). So we had a very real shot at 15-5 or 16-4 in conference and a 3 or 4 seed.

 

[wocka]

Great write up, and always good to go back and compare what happened to expectations.

I waffle back and forth if I’m excited or nervous for next year, assuming everybody returns. On one hand, Matt N, Ty, and Brooks are a very formidable core of a team, Martinelli is also a great piece with more upside, and Hunger’s upside if he continues to develop give this team a potential to have two truly good bigs (imagine a big-centric NU team that can choose to mix both Nicholson and Hunger at you to get them both rested or can go to a huge lineup that features Nicholson, Hunger, Martinelli, and Brooks all on the floor at once).

On the other hand, your analysis rightly reminds us of Boo. It’s truly incredible that he made his incredible leaps last year and came back this year DRASTICALLY better yet again. I think it was Beilein who said on BTN after one of our wins that Boo Buie was unstoppable last year… and now he’s MUCH better, which was scary. Boo was so damn good that it’s hard to imagine how we can replace the impact of a player if that caliber.

But still, it’s a strong roster coming back as it sits.

The reason I'm optimistic about next year is the same reason I was optimistic about this year - despite losing key pieces there are also areas for obvious improvement.

For this year's team, we knew the defense wasn't going to be as good with Chase leaving. But our offense was also pretty bad last year outside of Buie and some streaky shooting and basically was good enough because we didn't turn the ball over and could compensate for low efficiency with higher volume than other teams. We were able to makeup the ground lost by Audige by improving significantly on offense particularly three point shooting and having more weapons that Boo could pass to.

For next year, I see the opposite - I think there's a huge opportunity to become a defense-first team that can compensate for the losses of Boo and Ryan. While they were both terrific shooters and great on offense, I don't think anyone can deny that when everyone is healthy they were our two weakest defenders in the starting lineup. Until the midpoint of the season too Big Matt wasn't particularly good. Brooks, Ty, and Matt are all good defenders when healthy and if we can bring in a lead guard who plays good defense and is a steady hand I think we can become a similar team to last year's. We also had basically no depth this year and if some of the younger guys can develop or a second transfer comes in that can actually give bench minutes it would be a huge advantage on this year's team.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

The reason I'm optimistic about next year is the same reason I was optimistic about this year - despite losing key pieces there are also areas for obvious improvement.

For this year's team, we knew the defense wasn't going to be as good with Chase leaving. But our offense was also pretty bad last year outside of Buie and some streaky shooting and basically was good enough because we didn't turn the ball over and could compensate for low efficiency with higher volume than other teams. We were able to makeup the ground lost by Audige by improving significantly on offense particularly three point shooting and having more weapons that Boo could pass to.

For next year, I see the opposite - I think there's a huge opportunity to become a defense-first team that can compensate for the losses of Boo and Ryan. While they were both terrific shooters and great on offense, I don't think anyone can deny that when everyone is healthy they were our two weakest defenders in the starting lineup. Until the midpoint of the season too Big Matt wasn't particularly good. Brooks, Ty, and Matt are all good defenders when healthy and if we can bring in a lead guard who plays good defense and is a steady hand I think we can become a similar team to last year's. We also had basically no depth this year and if some of the younger guys can develop or a second transfer comes in that can actually give bench minutes it would be a huge advantage on this year's team.

To be clear, I’m probably 70% optimistic and 30% naggingly worried that there’s no way NU is in position to replace a literal all American and just roll on.

 

[SmellyCat]

I see people are mostly split on who the second transfer should be - either a big guy, or a shooter. It's clear we all think a point guard is a must.

The thing is, we're replacing not one shooter but two. Part of the reason NU was so good at three-point shooting this year is not just because Berry and Langborg hit a lot of shots, but because Boo himself was other-worldly from three. He had the confidence to take (and to his credit make) some ridiculously long shots this year that will be among the hardest things to replace. I just think with Langborg and Boo gone and Berry perhaps losing something with his injury, a three-point shooter is a must, especially if the PG we do get ends up being a decent-but-not-special outside shooter like many good point guards are. The big man is a total luxury in my eyes.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I see people are mostly split on who the second transfer should be - either a big guy, or a shooter. It's clear we all think a point guard is a must.

The thing is, we're replacing not one shooter but two. Part of the reason NU was so good at three-point shooting this year is not just because Berry and Langborg hit a lot of shots, but because Boo himself was other-worldly from three. He had the confidence to take (and to his credit make) some ridiculously long shots this year that will be among the hardest things to replace. I just think with Langborg and Boo gone and Berry perhaps losing something with his injury, a three-point shooter is a must, especially if the PG we do get ends up being a decent-but-not-special outside shooter like many good point guards are. The big man is a total luxury in my eyes.

I have the exact opposite view. The whole roster is loaded full of wing players and many proven shooters return. However, the team only has two guys who can defend at the rim or defend the plethora of Big Ten bigs. If Hunger doesn’t develop significantly or either gets hurt, it’s a pretty bad disaster.

More outside shooting would be great, but with Berry and Brooks you already have two good shooters and either a PG or Martinelli could be serviceable, to say nothing of development from our other wings.

For a PG my top priorities would be somebody who can run the pick and roll with the big and generate kick opportunities off the drive and generally ball handle. If they can get to the rim and score off of that a lot that’s even better. Obviously they need to be enough of a threat to shoot to help facilitate their drive, but I don’t need that to be a primary weapon from them. Anything else is a bonus.

 

[clarificationcat]

I have the exact opposite view. The whole roster is loaded full of wing players and many proven shooters return. However, the team only has two guys who can defend at the rim or defend the plethora of Big Ten bigs. If Hunger doesn’t develop significantly or either gets hurt, it’s a pretty bad disaster.

More outside shooting would be great, but with Berry and Brooks you already have two good shooters and either a PG or Martinelli could be serviceable, to say nothing of development from our other wings.

For a PG my top priorities would be somebody who can run the pick and roll with the big and generate kick opportunities off the drive and generally ball handle. If they can get to the rim and score off of that a lot that’s even better. Obviously they need to be enough of a threat to shoot to help facilitate their drive, but I don’t need that to be a primary weapon from them. Anything else is a bonus.

I am not sure why we didn’t recruit a big in either of the past 2 classes. Looks like we are aggressively pursuing bigs in the portal.

But Berry is currently the only guy comfortable coming off of screens to shoot 3’s. Without a post presence, our point guard is going to need to be able to create shots because Barnhizer and Martinelli need to be open with their feet set to shoot 3’s. So another Langborg type shooter would be great if we have 3 scholarships. A point guard that can also shoot from 3 would solve the problem as well.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I am not sure why we didn’t recruit a big in either of the past 2 classes. Looks like we are aggressively pursuing bigs in the portal.

But Berry is currently the only guy comfortable coming off of screens to shoot 3’s. Without a post presence, our point guard is going to need to be able to create shots because Barnhizer and Martinelli need to be open with their feet set to shoot 3’s. So another Langborg type shooter would be great if we have 3 scholarships. A point guard that can also shoot from 3 would solve the problem as well.

Well if we have three scholarships a whole host of options indeed open up, but that requires an existing wing or guard on the roster to leave.

I don’t think we need to replace all the outside shooting we’re losing to be effective. NU had arguably the best outside shooting team in the country this season, we don’t need to replace every ounce of outside power to be effective. We can be a different type of team. Frankly we have several very dangerous outside guys returning already, certainly plenty enough to space the floor and be a threat. Ty Berry is one of the premier floor spacers, perimeter defenders, and guard rebounders in the conference.

Chucky Hepburn is a good comp offensively for a type of player that would be a great fit. He shoots 32% from the outside, which is enough to keep the defense honest but not enough to strike terror or be a focal point. He moves the ball well, he gets into the lane, he facilitates, he’s capable of scoring at the rim both on and off the ball. He creates opportunities. He’s a smart player. In his case, he’s also an elite defender which is why he’s a really fantastic player and not just a solid little complimentary point guard. A player who is a competent defender and a Chucky Hepburn clone on offense would be a great fit to me that would could reasonably hope and expect to land. Not that we shouldn’t get more if we could.

But sure, if like Strauss leaves and we land a Hepburn and some big then by all means go out and get an Essingen or the shooter kid from Yale or whoever, that would be just great.

Or go out and land a coup and get Perkins and grab some big and just be ****ing absolutely loaded for bear entering next year, that would be fun!

 

[clarificationcat]

Well if we have three scholarships a whole host of options indeed open up, but that requires an existing wing or guard on the roster to leave.

I don’t think we need to replace all the outside shooting we’re losing to be effective. NU had arguably the best outside shooting team in the country this season, we don’t need to replace every ounce of outside power to be effective. We can be a different type of team. Frankly we have several very dangerous outside guys returning already, certainly plenty enough to space the floor and be a threat. Ty Berry is one of the premier floor spacers, perimeter defenders, and guard rebounders in the conference.

I don’t know about several. We have Berry and Barnhizer. And only Berry can shoot coming off of screens. Martinelli shot 27 percent from 3 and Hunger shot 20 percent. And they only took wide open 3’s. We are losing 2 guys who shot over 40 percent from 3 (and even higher in conference) and made more than 2/3rds of all of our 3’s this year. That’s a lot to lose if the new point guard isn’t a good shooter. We need more scoring to come from somebody. Martinelli’s ceiling is only so high.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I don’t know about several. We have Berry and Barnhizer. And only Berry can shoot coming off of screens. Martinelli shot 27 percent from 3 and Hunger shot 20 percent. And they only took wide open 3’s. We are losing 2 guys who shot over 40 percent from 3 (and even higher in conference) and made more than 2/3rds of all of our 3’s this year. That’s a lot to lose if the new point guard isn’t a good shooter. We need more scoring to come from somebody. Martinelli’s ceiling is only so high.

We’re just tremendously unlikely to shoot or make as many threes next year as we did this year. We don’t need to make a 1 for 1 replacement or be the exact same type of team. We also need our existing guys to develop, and a great example of that would be Martinelli becoming a better outside shooter. We don’t need the entire team to be able to shoot coming off screens either if we have a PG and Brooks on the floor at the same time who can both move the ball and create space for spot shooters.

Realistically, some of the guards and wings on the roster who didn’t play or score much this year MUST develop to fill in gaps in the roster. We can’t have like 6 Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior guards on the roster who can’t contribute offensively. Clayton, Mullins, one of the others, SOMEBODY is going to have to start contributing and that likely means doing so at least in part by shooting. Mullins getting it together would be great given that he’s shown the ability to shoot well before.

 

[Hungry Jack]

As much as I agree with Gato and AOF about Perkins, I feel a strategic imperative is a catch and shoot guard who can hit 3s. Basically another Langborg.

In an ideal world, the Stanford guard Carlyle, a Langborg clone, and a big like Ajogbor would be ideal (I don’t think Reed is possible).

Maybe Strauss becomes that outside shooter. Who knows. But we really need one, IMO, to space the floor.

 

[clarificationcat]

We’re just tremendously unlikely to shoot or make as many threes next year as we did this year. We don’t need to make a 1 for 1 replacement or be the exact same type of team. We also need our existing guys to develop, and a great example of that would be Martinelli becoming a better outside shooter. We don’t need the entire team to be able to shoot coming off screens either if we have a PG and Brooks on the floor at the same time who can both move the ball and create space for spot shooters.

Realistically, some of the guards and wings on the roster who didn’t play or score much this year MUST develop to fill in gaps in the roster. We can’t have like 6 Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior guards on the roster who can’t contribute offensively. Clayton, Mullins, one of the others, SOMEBODY is going to have to start contributing and that likely means doing so at least in part by shooting. Mullins getting it together would be great given that he’s shown the ability to shoot well before.

Not saying one for one. We are losing 2/3rds of our made 3’s so replacing half of those would be great. And the whole team doesn’t need to come off screens, but more than one player would be helpful. We are losing a guy who ran our offense, drew 2 defenders, created a ton of open looks for others, rarely turned the ball over and shot almost 50 percent from 3 in the conference. If we plug in an average point guard without more shooters, it’s going to be tough to score consistently and replace the 30 points we are losing. I don’t care how much better our defense gets.

 

[IGNORE2]

Great write up, and always good to go back and compare what happened to expectations.

I waffle back and forth if I’m excited or nervous for next year, assuming everybody returns. On one hand, Matt N, Ty, and Brooks are a very formidable core of a team, Martinelli is also a great piece with more upside, and Hunger’s upside if he continues to develop give this team a potential to have two truly good bigs (imagine a big-centric NU team that can choose to mix both Nicholson and Hunger at you to get them both rested or can go to a huge lineup that features Nicholson, Hunger, Martinelli, and Brooks all on the floor at once).

On the other hand, your analysis rightly reminds us of Boo. It’s truly incredible that he made his incredible leaps last year and came back this year DRASTICALLY better yet again. I think it was Beilein who said on BTN after one of our wins that Boo Buie was unstoppable last year… and now he’s MUCH better, which was scary. Boo was so damn good that it’s hard to imagine how we can replace the impact of a player if that caliber.

But still, it’s a strong roster coming back as it sits.

Your idea reminds me of when Purdue had Swanson and that other tower. Definitely was a force to work around.

 

[IGNORE2]

The two biggest questions for me are:

1.) What is the recovery time for Ty and Matt?
If they spend the offseason getting healthy and back to game shape, that doesn’t bode as well as spending it working on their game and getting better.

2.) Who is NU bringing in with the two open slot?
You can’t replace Buie and all that he brings, but someone needs to run the offense. There’s 19 points and 5 assists a game that are lost. Better bring in two guys who can replace that production and defend at a B1G level. If we can bring in a solid point and someone good enough to push Barnhizer to the 3 and Martinelli back to 6th man that would be a good sign. Having a player of Martinelli's caliber on the bench would do wonders for bench depth.

Should not try to replace Boo. Barney is ready to step up and do more. So is Mart. Add another Berry three. Get more MN hugeness. Let Hunger start taking the 5 off the dribble - he has that in his set. He is a mobile C on O. The points are there to be replaced. Maintain the D.

 

[IGNORE2]

We’re just tremendously unlikely to shoot or make as many threes next year as we did this year. We don’t need to make a 1 for 1 replacement or be the exact same type of team. We also need our existing guys to develop, and a great example of that would be Martinelli becoming a better outside shooter. We don’t need the entire team to be able to shoot coming off screens either if we have a PG and Brooks on the floor at the same time who can both move the ball and create space for spot shooters.

Realistically, some of the guards and wings on the roster who didn’t play or score much this year MUST develop to fill in gaps in the roster. We can’t have like 6 Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior guards on the roster who can’t contribute offensively. Clayton, Mullins, one of the others, SOMEBODY is going to have to start contributing and that likely means doing so at least in part by shooting. Mullins getting it together would be great given that he’s shown the ability to shoot well before.

Well, smith showed potential - like BB and Mart did in their first exposure. Mullins had a game or two — can he put it together? Then, as coaches, you have to have a feeling about what stauss and barkley bring.

 

[GatoLouco]

As much as I agree with Gato and AOF about Perkins, I feel a strategic imperative is a catch and shoot guard who can hit 3s. Basically another Langborg.

In an ideal world, the Stanford guard Carlyle, a Langborg clone, and a big like Ajogbor would be ideal (I don’t think Reed is possible).

Maybe Strauss becomes that outside shooter. Who knows. But we really need one, IMO, to space the floor.

We are discussing ideal worlds, just board fodder. Ultimately I think along the lines of what I believe @ThatkidfromHolland has said multiple times. We get the best we can and we make it work.

Your suggestion makes us a team more similar to last year's. Makes the team more dependent on 3 pt shooting. Last year we were great shooters. But we don't necessarily need to shoot that many 3's. We don't need either to be looking so much for shooters off screens.

 

[EagerFan]

Have I said this already? For me the mystery is our red shirts and whether they have developed and are ready to start producing or were really just on the bench because they didn't have anything to offer and maybe transfer because they won't see the court next year either. I'm hopeful it's the former.

We need to get a point guard who can control the ball, run the offense, assist, and not turn it over. We can generate points elsewhere if we need to, but I've lived thru the season(s) without an actual point guard and the pain is real.

 

[GatoLouco]

For me the mystery is our red shirts

My view is that if you RS, you are probably thinking about those guys being meaningful contributors at least 2 years down the road, not the next season. That would make Barkley and Strauss more believable as rotation players for 25/26.

We should go 7 meaningful deep at a minimum. Which is what we had last year before injuries. Martinelli and Hunger/Preston were the 5+2 deep on the bench. I am guessing Barkley/Strauss are not ready to be a part of that 2 off the bench. They can play, but very short stints, part of the other than the 7 deep, few minutes here and there.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

My view is that if you RS, you are probably thinking about those guys being meaningful contributors at least 2 years down the road, not the next season. That would make Barkley and Strauss more believable as rotation players for 25/26.

We should go 7 meaningful deep at a minimum. Which is what we had last year before injuries. Martinelli and Hunger/Preston were the 5+2 deep on the bench. I am guessing Barkley/Strauss are not ready to be a part of that 2 off the bench. They can play, but very short stints, part of the other than the 7 deep, few minutes here and there.

Probably a fair way to think:

Transfer PG - Berry - Brooks - Nicky - Matt

Clayton - Hunger - Smith - Mullins(?) - Transfer big

Any additional contributions

Just like this year, obviously guys will need to step up. A guy like Martinelli will need to step up like Berry did and go from a complimentary piece to an offensive weapon (Nicky buckets is already ahead of where Berry was here arguably). A couple other guys will have to make steps forward like Martinelli did. Unless we land a total star coup at PG we’re gonna need Clayton or Strauss to become a guy who can run the point at least 12-15 minutes a game.

If a bunch of guys are going to not develop, we need some to leave so we can bring in a veteran contributor. Its just that simple in today’s game.

That said, you’re starting with a strong starting five that has additional improvement opportunity and a somewhat experienced second line that could roll 3-5 deep and has a lot of development potential. And that’s before you need a minute from any RS. The Berry and Langborg injury was very helpful in that way.

Image how good the team would have been if Berry returned after Langborg did. Those two injuries at once forced Collins to go deep into the bench and some guys proved they could contribute a little. Frankly Martinelli should have been playing more than 19 mpg earlier in the year and Smith probably should have been getting a few minutes a game to give the other guys quick rest too.

 

[IGNORE2]

My view is that if you RS, you are probably thinking about those guys being meaningful contributors at least 2 years down the road, not the next season. That would make Barkley and Strauss more believable as rotation players for 25/26.

We should go 7 meaningful deep at a minimum. Which is what we had last year before injuries. Martinelli and Hunger/Preston were the 5+2 deep on the bench. I am guessing Barkley/Strauss are not ready to be a part of that 2 off the bench. They can play, but very short stints, part of the other than the 7 deep, few minutes here and there.

Similar but shorter right here. RS to learn D and the speed. Followed by bench rotation, then to start, then to be main player. And if there is a stumble along the way - transfer out.

 

[mickbula]

I have a feeling that Mullins might be most prone of roster to transfer via portal this offseason....

 

[PurpleWhiteBoy]

My take on Mullins is that he is definitely better than Casey Simmons. Unless something is wrong with his work ethic, he should be playing (and contributing) next year, because he may be able to touch higher on the backboard than anybody on the team. He adds athleticism to the lineup and could be our defensive stopper.

Blake Smith looked capable of providing solid bench minutes and the team played well when he was on the court.
It may be a different dynamic next season, depending on who replaces Buie and Langborg.

Hunger did not progress very much after he had the starting job. His outside shot disappeared. He seemed a bit slow defensively and doesn't jump very high. He does play hard, but he needs to hit from 3 to be a good player. Like Nicholson, he would benefit from working with a specialist for big men in the offseason.

Martinelli, I believe, wore down due to his heavy minutes after Ty Berry got injured. Prior to the last few games, he was more effective.

Clayton played better after Berry got hurt, but not to the level of Smith or Mullins. My guess is he gets another year.

I liked Strauss' enthusiasm on the bench. He gave off positive energy, suggesting that he feels he belongs.

My concern with the current roster is a lack of quickness. None of our returning starters will dazzle in that regard.

 

[SmellyCat]

I liked Strauss' enthusiasm on the bench. He gave off positive energy, suggesting that he feels he belongs.

This is the way I always felt about Hunger, like he was having a lot of fun being part of this team. I'm not a body-language expert though.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

I added under each players name the Raw +/- for the 27 games against "Power 6" caliber opponents compiled by @PurpleWhiteBoy.

 

[ThatkidfromHolland]

My take on Mullins is that he is definitely better than Casey Simmons. Unless something is wrong with his work ethic, he should be playing (and contributing) next year, because he may be able to touch higher on the backboard than anybody on the team. He adds athleticism to the lineup and could be our defensive stopper.

Blake Smith looked capable of providing solid bench minutes and the team played well when he was on the court.
It may be a different dynamic next season, depending on who replaces Buie and Langborg.

Hunger did not progress very much after he had the starting job. His outside shot disappeared. He seemed a bit slow defensively and doesn't jump very high. He does play hard, but he needs to hit from 3 to be a good player. Like Nicholson, he would benefit from working with a specialist for big men in the offseason.

Martinelli, I believe, wore down due to his heavy minutes after Ty Berry got injured. Prior to the last few games, he was more effective.

Clayton played better after Berry got hurt, but not to the level of Smith or Mullins. My guess is he gets another year.

I liked Strauss' enthusiasm on the bench. He gave off positive energy, suggesting that he feels he belongs.

My concern with the current roster is a lack of quickness. None of our returning starters will dazzle in that regard.

Martinelli (and the whole team) lost a ton of floor spacing when Ty went down. This resulted in the defense being able to congest the lane more and Martinelli gets most of his buckets inside. Moreover, Martinelli was now a moved up a slot on the opponent's game plan, drawing attention that Berry previously had. Additionally, Martinelli found himself matched up against the other team's starters more frequently since he was in the starting lineup. Finally, playing intensely in limited action is much easier than pacing oneself over 30-minutes of basketball. So a bit more than tired legs due to limited depth imo.

 

[ballerog711]

Appreciate the reflection. Fair point of view.

To me you need a big. Every team that advanced to the sweet 16 had a big that could play pick and role (catch the ball and score), make a post move and hit a mid range. That opens the floor for other players.

Imagine if other centers could not camp in the middle and Boo had space when driving.

Also need a big that protects the rim and help to control the boards.

MN did a great job. But usually when bigs break their foot, they have issues for a year or so. Luke has a spring and summer to develop and coaches see him all the time. Maybe he could be that guy.