Takeaways: Barnhizer returns and NU survives Montana State

[lou v]

Here's @mshelton33's story from Welsh-Ryan.

Barnhizer returns and NU survives Montana State with a 72-69 win

Preseason All-Big Ten selection Brooks Barnhizer made his debut and the Wildcats escaped disaster.

northwestern.rivals.com

 

[eastbaycat99]

Here's @mshelton33's story from Welsh-Ryan.

Barnhizer returns and NU survives Montana State with a 72-69 win

Preseason All-Big Ten selection Brooks Barnhizer made his debut and the Wildcats escaped disaster.

northwestern.rivals.com

I was not surprised by Collins’ comment on how few practices together the primary rotation had. At times on both ends of the floor, the Cats looked like they were playing a pickup game. I’m glad they have a few tune up before conference play.

 

[SmellyCat]

I was not surprised by Collins’ comment on how few practices together the primary rotation had. At times on both ends of the floor, the Cats looked like they were playing a pickup game. I’m glad they have a few tune up before conference play.

My question about that is: haven't we been hearing Barnhizer was practicing a lot but just not playing in games the first couple of weeks?

I guess there is practice, and there is PRACTICE, and maybe he was just non-contact shooting on his own while everyone else practiced? I just can't believe there would've been only three practices (I suppose Collins could have been exaggerating downward) with Barnhizer and his teammates playing together considering how important he is to the team.

 

[CappyNU]

My question about that is: haven't we been hearing Barnhizer was practicing a lot but just not playing in games the first couple of weeks?

I guess there is practice, and there is PRACTICE, and maybe he was just non-contact shooting on his own while everyone else practiced? I just can't believe there would've been only three practices (I suppose Collins could have been exaggerating downward) with Barnhizer and his teammates playing together considering how important he is to the team.

I'm sure if they knew he wasn't playing, he would be practicing with the backups instead of the starters, so he wouldn't be getting the time with the 1s. That's my uninformed guess though.

 

[SmellyCat]

I guess that makes sense, but I just would've thought at least a week of practices together before he plays. Whatever. He looked fine last night, and if he didn't spend as much time with the ones in practice, he sure did run the perfect play with Nicholson for the Nicholbomb.

 

[CatJones]

Has the nature of Brooks' injury been revealed to the public?

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

I guess that makes sense, but I just would've thought at least a week of practices together before he plays. Whatever. He looked fine last night, and if he didn't spend as much time with the ones in practice, he sure did run the perfect play with Nicholson for the Nicholbomb.

That was a beautiful play. Looking forward to seeing many of them this year.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

Has the nature of Brooks' injury been revealed to the public?

Yes. Lower body injury.

 

[mickbula]

Yes. Lower body injury.

I was surprised he was so effective his first game back. Now they all have to work on team chemistry

 

[SmellyCat]

I was surprised he was so effective his first game back. Now they all have to work on team chemistry

I have a feeling the team will play very well tomorrow. We had to "see what we've got" on Tuesday, and now I have confidence we can make the necessary adjustments.

The spread on Tuesday was just 11 points I believe (NU's biggest lead was six and Montana State's was five), which is unusually tight, but it forced Collins and the team to figure out what works much more than the Lehigh laugher did. Don't get me wrong, I love a good blowout NU win as much as the next guy, but we learned a lot more (good and bad) Tuesday than we did against Lehigh.

 

[NJCat]

Has the nature of Brooks' injury been revealed to the public?

The TV announcers kept calling it a "foot injury". Makes sense for how long he was in a boot. Much more serious than an ankle sprain.

 

[Catreporter]

The timing of Brooks' return is good. Two home games and then almost a full week of practice before the schedule gets much tougher!

 

[Deeringfish]

I was surprised he was so effective his first game back. Now they all have to work on team chemistry

I'm trying to be optimistic that this is true and that when the chemistry comes together Nu is really going to be really good. I think Montana is a better team than their record and that the win was a show of talent on the floor more than a coordinated team effort.

 

[CatJones]

Yes. Lower body injury.

The TV announcers kept calling it a "foot injury". Makes sense for how long he was in a boot. Much more serious than an ankle sprain.

Not that we should know his exact injury, treatment regimen, and progress, but I care about Brooks and the team and get curious.