The crazy things fans say

The Crystal Ball Edition:

"If we don't make [the NCAAs] next year, it'll be another 3-4 year rebuilding process, and we've seen how those go . . ."

I'm as big a Kevin Coble fan as the next guy (Nash and Ryan will also depart after next year, but context suggests this comment was motivated only by Kevin's departure), but to insinuate that NU will fall off the map after he graduates is at best giving the guy too much credit and at wost giving the current sophomores (Juice, Capocci, Peljusic) and current frosh (Shurna, Mirkovic, Rowley, Fruendt, Curletti) too little credit.

It's hard enough to predict from year to year, let alone two years out. There are too many x-factors which no one can say pin down with any degree of certainty. These x-factors include:

• How strong will the Big 10 be (injuries, transfers, early departures for NBA, etc...)
• How the current players on the roster will develop next year (and the following year)
• How strong will the incoming frosh be (Crawford, Marcotullio)
• Who will be in the Class of 2010 (currently looks like 3 scholarships will be available)

Crystal balls are fun and add to message board fodder. However, I always find it remarkable how confident some people are in their prognostications. I realize that I have my own crystal ball which forecasts NU in the NCAAs next year. I honestly believe this to be the case, but my projected confidence in that forecast is made in jest. Perhaps this fan is bluffing his crystal ball confidence? It's possible, but this poster's history suggests otherwise.

Unconventional Lineup Comes Up Short Against Minnesota

Coach Carmody went to an unconventional lineup of Williams, Nash, Mirkovic, Thompson, and Shurna last week in a move to rest his big guns for the stretch run at #19 Purdue in West Lafayette. Surprisingly, this lineup not only managed to hold onto a slim NU lead but actually built upon the lead thanks in no small part to offensive contributions from Williams.

Against Minnesota in today's Big Ten Tournament game, with 4 fouls for Coble and Thompson late in the second half, Carmody opted for a similarly unconventional lineup of Nash, Williams, Moore, Ryan and Peljusic during a pivotal late second half stretch. Carmody gambled to ensure Thompson and Coble would be available for the closing minutes, but perhaps Carmody also wanted to get a little breather for his stars as Thompson had exerted a lot of energy to get NU back into the game, and Coble was hounded by multiple Minnesota defenders after a stellar first half.

This move proved less successful than the Purdue game lineup as Minnesota opened up a 3 point lead while Thompson and Coble sat. There is some overblown criticism to Carmody's decision because of this 3 point gap, but this was not the reason NU lost. No, NU lost because it could not make a bucket even once the stars came back into the game. Had NU won this game (like the Purdue game), there wouldn't be much attention paid to this at all. It just goes to show that winning is a great salve.

NIT Bound?

So much for the hope of a 2 game run in the Big Ten Tournament and an invitation to the NCAAs. NU went one and done thanks to a 16-0 Minnesota run in the first half and Northwestern turning ice cold down the stretch. NU did manage to take a small lead late in the second half, but the momentum seemed to switch on a dime as Jeremy Nash clanked 2 free throws and Moore couldn't land a long range dagger. NU's first ever NCAA berth will just have to wait 'til next year (for a change, NU fans can mean it when they say it).

Northwestern took large strides this year but in the end came up just a bit short of the mark. I feel for Craig Moore who stepped up his play once again this year and took on the leadership mantle and thrived in that role. I expect to see Craig sitting right behind the bench next year in our first round game in the Big Dance with a big smile on his face.

The NIT awaits NU as a reward for a 17-13 and 8-11 season. The question of whom will be NU's opponent and where the first game will be answered in due time. NU fans have reason to be optimistic for an NIT run. Many NU fans have eyed Notre Dame as a potential first round foe. That would be a fun match-up and give us a chance to get a close look at former Wildcat recruit Luke Harangody who received much preseason praise.