It is forgivable if NU fans feel a little bit like Charlie Brown today. This is because news broke this afternoon of a possibly severe injury to Kevin Coble's left foot suffered during Tuesday practice. There isn't much in the way of facts available on the injury, but the latest word from the Trib is that Coble will be out for at least a few weeks. So, much like Charlie Brown cajoled by Lucy to try to kick that football but only to find that the minx pulled the football away at the last second yet again, the promise of THE SEASON has seemingly been pulled out from under us just as the season is about to get started. Good grief!
Immediate reaction among NU fans ranged from despondence (season is over) to paranoia (NU is cursed) to reassurance. It is always interesting to see how different folks deal with loss. While this is clearly terrible news for Kevin and for NU, there is no reason to completely lose our heads. At the very least it is way too early to give up hope for the NCAAs -- let's at least know Kevin's expected absence before drawing any type of conclusions.
What we do know at this point is Coble will be out for the NIU game. This is sure to improve NIU's chances and to hearten the 300+ NIU students who will be given free bus rides and tickets to the game. I was amused to read in this article that one of the student's interviewed is an NU fan and that there are alot of NU fans on NIU's campus. Whodathunkit?
Showing posts with label Northwestern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northwestern. Show all posts
11 November 2009
10 November 2009
Better Know An Opponent: Northern Illinois University
On Friday November 13 at 7pm local time, NU takes on Northern Illinois University ("NIU") in its first game of the historic 2009-10 men's basketball season. The game is at the Welsh and will be streamed online at the Big Ten Network (available for $2.99).
NIU Quick Facts:
Location: DeKalb, IL
Nickname: Huskies
Coach: "Ricky" Ricardo Patton
Team Colors: Black and Red
Conference: Mid-American
Student Population: 25K
Most Famous Alum: Dan Castellanta (doh!!!!)
Other Notable Alums: Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins drummer), Terry Boers (yes, of WSCR), Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons RB)
NIU is located in DeKalb, IL which is about 65 miles west of Chi-town. NIU better fits the Big Ten profile than Northwestern as it is a member of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and has a student population that is much larger than Northwestern. To better serve its student masses and lack of viable entertainment alternatives in bustling DeKalb, NIU also sports a good-sized, state-of-the-art basketball arena, the Convocation Center, which seats 10K. Academically, NIU is best known for its bean counters as the school is ranked around the top 10 in the nation for accountants. It must be a laugh a minute out there in DeKalb.
NIU is in the Mid-American Conference (aka, a "MAC-Daddy"), and is predicted to finish second by the media and first by Sporting News in the MAC West this year. These are heady expectations for the Huskies who finished fifth last year in the MAC West. The thinking is that NIU played lots of sophs and frosh last year, and their growing pains will begin to pay dividends this season.
It's difficult to get a bead on these Huskies because, well, this is the first game of the year. Hence, we at Carmody Court are forced to extrapolate from last year's season. Overall, the Huskies return 88% of their scoring and 79% of their rebounding. Their best player was Darion "Jake" Anderson, a junior guard who averaged 17 ppg and 5.5 rpg and can fill it up from distance (37% 3FGM, about 4 attempts per game). Anderson declared for the NBA draft (sans agent) in May 2009 but returns for another year to build his resume. Joining Anderson in the backcourt is Mike DiNunno, a soph guard who also likes to launch bombs but isn't quite as proficient at it (34% 3FGM, about 5 attempts per game). The Huskies have their own version of Alex Marcotullio in Troy Nixon, a true frosh sharpshooter from South Holland IL.
It is appropriate to think of the Huskies as Boulder-East as they have Sean Kowal at center, a kid who made the switch along with Coach Patton from Colorado. Kowal led the MAC in FG% last year. Xavier Silas makes his debut in a Huskie uniform against NU after also transferring in from Colorado.
NIU's weaknesses last year play right into NU's hands. They were prone to turning the ball over (Nash should have a field day) and defensive lapses (never a good thing against an offense as perpetually active as Northwestern). NIU also struggled a bit from the charity stripe (60% FTM overall), so NU should not be allowing any easy baskets on slashes toward the hoop.
In short, NIU shapes up to be a worthy foe on Friday. NIU's backcourt should have an advantage as Crawford gets his legs, though I fully expect Nash to come in quickly off the bench to neutralize this advantage by creating some turnovers and easy fast break points. NU's advantage is in the front court given our height advantage. I don't think NIU will have a collective answer for Mirk, Coble, and Shurna which should prove to be NIU's downfall.
NIU Quick Facts:
Location: DeKalb, IL
Nickname: Huskies
Coach: "Ricky" Ricardo Patton
Team Colors: Black and Red
Conference: Mid-American
Student Population: 25K
Most Famous Alum: Dan Castellanta (doh!!!!)
Other Notable Alums: Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins drummer), Terry Boers (yes, of WSCR), Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons RB)
NIU is located in DeKalb, IL which is about 65 miles west of Chi-town. NIU better fits the Big Ten profile than Northwestern as it is a member of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and has a student population that is much larger than Northwestern. To better serve its student masses and lack of viable entertainment alternatives in bustling DeKalb, NIU also sports a good-sized, state-of-the-art basketball arena, the Convocation Center, which seats 10K. Academically, NIU is best known for its bean counters as the school is ranked around the top 10 in the nation for accountants. It must be a laugh a minute out there in DeKalb.
NIU is in the Mid-American Conference (aka, a "MAC-Daddy"), and is predicted to finish second by the media and first by Sporting News in the MAC West this year. These are heady expectations for the Huskies who finished fifth last year in the MAC West. The thinking is that NIU played lots of sophs and frosh last year, and their growing pains will begin to pay dividends this season.
It's difficult to get a bead on these Huskies because, well, this is the first game of the year. Hence, we at Carmody Court are forced to extrapolate from last year's season. Overall, the Huskies return 88% of their scoring and 79% of their rebounding. Their best player was Darion "Jake" Anderson, a junior guard who averaged 17 ppg and 5.5 rpg and can fill it up from distance (37% 3FGM, about 4 attempts per game). Anderson declared for the NBA draft (sans agent) in May 2009 but returns for another year to build his resume. Joining Anderson in the backcourt is Mike DiNunno, a soph guard who also likes to launch bombs but isn't quite as proficient at it (34% 3FGM, about 5 attempts per game). The Huskies have their own version of Alex Marcotullio in Troy Nixon, a true frosh sharpshooter from South Holland IL.
It is appropriate to think of the Huskies as Boulder-East as they have Sean Kowal at center, a kid who made the switch along with Coach Patton from Colorado. Kowal led the MAC in FG% last year. Xavier Silas makes his debut in a Huskie uniform against NU after also transferring in from Colorado.
NIU's weaknesses last year play right into NU's hands. They were prone to turning the ball over (Nash should have a field day) and defensive lapses (never a good thing against an offense as perpetually active as Northwestern). NIU also struggled a bit from the charity stripe (60% FTM overall), so NU should not be allowing any easy baskets on slashes toward the hoop.
In short, NIU shapes up to be a worthy foe on Friday. NIU's backcourt should have an advantage as Crawford gets his legs, though I fully expect Nash to come in quickly off the bench to neutralize this advantage by creating some turnovers and easy fast break points. NU's advantage is in the front court given our height advantage. I don't think NIU will have a collective answer for Mirk, Coble, and Shurna which should prove to be NIU's downfall.
05 November 2009
Save the Date: NCAA Tourney First & Second Rounds
No excuses, folks. Mark your calendars and tell your friends and family ASAP that you WILL NOT be available for that annual ski trip, that St Patrick's Day pilgrimage to St James's Gate, that golf trip with your buddies to Palm Springs, etc...
Forgo that trip to Mardi Gras and save up that work vacation time. Cut short that holiday vacation plan with the family. Start squirreling away $250 per month. Get that purple and white face paint and Kevin Coble cut out faces. Buy that Drew Crawford jersey, and dust off those purple & black pom poms from past bowl games.
Because you do NOT want to miss out on NU's first ever trip to the NCAAs. So here's the deal...
First and Second Rounds
March 18 and 20:
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Providence, Rhode Island
San Jose, California
March 19 and 21:
Buffalo, New York
Jacksonville, Florida
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spokane, Washington
04 November 2009
Recap: NU 78 RMU-IL 49 (Exh)
So... NU took care of business against the Eagles of RMU-IL this year. What does this mean? Not much. It was an exhibition after all. Still, I will take a shot at recapping the game because, well, I am just so damn excited for this season.
Overall, well, NU looked like a good team. They looked solid across the board. They played good defense. They looked organized and fluid on offense. They looked tall and aggressive on the boards. They looked reasonably athletic (still a work in progress, but improved over any NU squad in memory). They did what good teams do -- pull away and coast against inferior competition. Even with Carmody emptying the bench.
On Shurna... the guy looks much, much better. Last year he was soft. He looked like a frosh inside. Not now.
On Coble... the guy will be Mr Reliable. Sort of like Cal Cheaney from IU his senior year (no, I'm not predicting a Naismith for Kevin). He's going to give us a dependable 16 and 6 night-in and night-out.
On Capocci.... he looks very athletic and probably should see some time against teams aggressive on the interior but with bigs who are bad passers (a small niche, yes, but a niche). Why? Because he shows good anticipation off the ball to block shots and can get up there.
On Curletti... still aggressive, still not much range.
On Fruendt... looks assertive but probably was a bit nervous as he didn't knock but one down from distance.
On Marcotullio... looks like a frosh. Makes me nervous.
On Crawford... incomplete. looks the part.
On Ryan... looks bigger, more confident
On Thompson... not his best game. Not worried.
On Mirkovic... Looked ok. Expect more from him this season.
On Peljusic... aggressive as always. plays at 100 miles per hour which is unusual for a big.
Other recaps:
Welsh Ryan Ramblings
Chicago Now
The Daily
Northwestern Official Athletic Site
Lake the Posts
Next up: No Ill @ the Welsh on 11/13 7pm CST.
PS: While searching for recaps, I came across this article on the Trib's website. I think it's safe to say we'd be looking for back-to-back tourney berths if Luke had come to NU instead of ND.
Overall, well, NU looked like a good team. They looked solid across the board. They played good defense. They looked organized and fluid on offense. They looked tall and aggressive on the boards. They looked reasonably athletic (still a work in progress, but improved over any NU squad in memory). They did what good teams do -- pull away and coast against inferior competition. Even with Carmody emptying the bench.
On Shurna... the guy looks much, much better. Last year he was soft. He looked like a frosh inside. Not now.
On Coble... the guy will be Mr Reliable. Sort of like Cal Cheaney from IU his senior year (no, I'm not predicting a Naismith for Kevin). He's going to give us a dependable 16 and 6 night-in and night-out.
On Capocci.... he looks very athletic and probably should see some time against teams aggressive on the interior but with bigs who are bad passers (a small niche, yes, but a niche). Why? Because he shows good anticipation off the ball to block shots and can get up there.
On Curletti... still aggressive, still not much range.
On Fruendt... looks assertive but probably was a bit nervous as he didn't knock but one down from distance.
On Marcotullio... looks like a frosh. Makes me nervous.
On Crawford... incomplete. looks the part.
On Ryan... looks bigger, more confident
On Thompson... not his best game. Not worried.
On Mirkovic... Looked ok. Expect more from him this season.
On Peljusic... aggressive as always. plays at 100 miles per hour which is unusual for a big.
Other recaps:
Welsh Ryan Ramblings
Chicago Now
The Daily
Northwestern Official Athletic Site
Lake the Posts
Next up: No Ill @ the Welsh on 11/13 7pm CST.
PS: While searching for recaps, I came across this article on the Trib's website. I think it's safe to say we'd be looking for back-to-back tourney berths if Luke had come to NU instead of ND.
03 November 2009
On NU breakthrough season's effect on Chicago
I saw comments recently from Shon Morris (a heckuva a guy, BTW) that when NU makes it to NCAAs that it will have a similar, though maybe somewhat smaller, splash in the Chicago area as the 1995 football run for the roses had. I don't think making the NCAAs would suffice (though it would be newsworthy and garner some attention).
For those paying attention to preseason pub, unlike the 1995 football team, the 2009-10 basketball team isn't flying nearly as far under the radar. Everywhere you look, you see NU and the NCAAs mentioned side-by-side. The shock factor isn't there as much as it was with the football team.
Also, the basketball team doesn't have an early season shock factor game like football had with its opener in the ND game. The closest thing is the Butler game. As good as Butler may be (ironically, they will probably be better in basketball this year than Notre Dame was in football in 1995), Butler does not resonate in the college basketball world as Notre Dame does in the college football world. A victory over Butler would indeed be impressive, but it wouldn't turn heads in the same way that the victory in South Bend did. A poor second is the Chicago tourney with a matchup against, yes, Notre Dame. If NU wins that game, especially in conjunction with a victory over Butler, there could be some buzz. A distant third would be an NU victory over NC State in what may be the year that the Big Ten finally gets over the hump in the Big Ten-ACC "Challenge".
Another factor is the simple difference in the number of games. There are more games in college basketball, so each game carries a bit less weight than one of (then) eleven games in football. A victory over MSU in January would turn heads, but again, not in the same way that beating Michigan at the big house did.
No, nothing short of vying for the Big Ten regular season title would be needed to create the same type of buzz that 1995 football created. Carmody Court is not predicting that will happen, though one should never say never as it would be more expected than NU's Run for the Roses in 1995.
For those paying attention to preseason pub, unlike the 1995 football team, the 2009-10 basketball team isn't flying nearly as far under the radar. Everywhere you look, you see NU and the NCAAs mentioned side-by-side. The shock factor isn't there as much as it was with the football team.
Also, the basketball team doesn't have an early season shock factor game like football had with its opener in the ND game. The closest thing is the Butler game. As good as Butler may be (ironically, they will probably be better in basketball this year than Notre Dame was in football in 1995), Butler does not resonate in the college basketball world as Notre Dame does in the college football world. A victory over Butler would indeed be impressive, but it wouldn't turn heads in the same way that the victory in South Bend did. A poor second is the Chicago tourney with a matchup against, yes, Notre Dame. If NU wins that game, especially in conjunction with a victory over Butler, there could be some buzz. A distant third would be an NU victory over NC State in what may be the year that the Big Ten finally gets over the hump in the Big Ten-ACC "Challenge".
Another factor is the simple difference in the number of games. There are more games in college basketball, so each game carries a bit less weight than one of (then) eleven games in football. A victory over MSU in January would turn heads, but again, not in the same way that beating Michigan at the big house did.
No, nothing short of vying for the Big Ten regular season title would be needed to create the same type of buzz that 1995 football created. Carmody Court is not predicting that will happen, though one should never say never as it would be more expected than NU's Run for the Roses in 1995.
Better Know an Opponent: Robert Morris University Illinois
NU takes on the Eagles of Robert Morris University Illinois ("RMU-IL") for an exhibition tomorrow (11/4/09) at 7pm. The game is at the Welsh and will be streamed online at the Big Ten Network (available for $2.99).
RMU-IL, not to be confused with the better known RMU in Pittsburgh, play in the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) which is part of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). RMU is a perennial NAIA tourney team and made it to the NAIA Final Four last year.
This is the second straight year NU and RMU (IL) have laced 'em up for an exhibition. Last year, NU lost which had some NU fans in a tizzy. Of course, the reason why NU lost was not because NU was bad but because Coach Carmody used the exhibition for what it was intended (i.e, to throw a bunch of things onto the wall to see what sticks -- including a baptism by fire for the five frosh).
Since last year's exhibition loss, Robert Morris has become a University (was a college) and opened a ninth campus in Elgin (go Fighting Elgins!).
So.... what to expect from tomorrow's game? As was the case last year, Carmody will certainly use the exhibition to try different things and test out some unknowns (the frosh, and the sophs/juniors who didn't play much last year). The final score? Aside from some fans who don't understand the point of an exhibition, no one should care nor take anything from it (except for getting a first look at this year's historic squad!!!!!).
RMU-IL, not to be confused with the better known RMU in Pittsburgh, play in the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) which is part of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). RMU is a perennial NAIA tourney team and made it to the NAIA Final Four last year.
This is the second straight year NU and RMU (IL) have laced 'em up for an exhibition. Last year, NU lost which had some NU fans in a tizzy. Of course, the reason why NU lost was not because NU was bad but because Coach Carmody used the exhibition for what it was intended (i.e, to throw a bunch of things onto the wall to see what sticks -- including a baptism by fire for the five frosh).
Since last year's exhibition loss, Robert Morris has become a University (was a college) and opened a ninth campus in Elgin (go Fighting Elgins!).
So.... what to expect from tomorrow's game? As was the case last year, Carmody will certainly use the exhibition to try different things and test out some unknowns (the frosh, and the sophs/juniors who didn't play much last year). The final score? Aside from some fans who don't understand the point of an exhibition, no one should care nor take anything from it (except for getting a first look at this year's historic squad!!!!!).
21 September 2009
NU lands Cobb, reaps benefits of program stability
Jershon Cobb, a Class of 2010 Rivals Top 100 recruit from Atlanta Georgia, orally committed to Northwestern over the weekend. This is a HUGE get for a variety of reasons.
1. NU has three slots to fill for the 2010 class (though some think NU will bank one or possibly two of those scholarships given the impressive list of recruits expressing interest in NU from the 2011 class. More on that below), and the natives were starting to get restless. This should placate even the most hardened Carmody critic.
2. Cobb is the highest ranked recruit landed by Carmody (and Hardy -- Tavaras is a monster on the recruiting trail!) in his nine-plus years at NU. Recruiting trajectory continues to point upward and has never looked more promising.
3. And, last but certainly not least, Cobb could be NU's hook to landing the "Georgia Peaches", three very highly regarded Class of 2011 prospects from Atlanta who play AAU ball together. Could a package deal be in the offing?
I have to believe that Bill Carmody is officially off the hot seat, much to the chagrin of some. Pretty much everyone is in agreement that Bill Carmody can coach the X's and O's. The knock on him was that he couldn't recruit. Well, that issue is pretty much dead.
To me, the bigger picture of inking Cobb (and last year's significant class of Shurna, Mirkovic, Rowley, Fruendt, and Curletti) is that NU is finally harvesting the fruits from investing in the Carmody tree. Frankly, it would have been easy for NU to have gone a different course a few years back. It would have been easy to justify canning Bill Carmody after the drop-off in 2006-07, Carmody's seventh year at the helm. Coaches are typically given four to five years to establish themselves.
Of course, there is nothing typical about NU's incomparable history of futility (only major conference program to never make NCAAs, etc...). Fortunately, we had a good AD (Mark Murphy) and president (Henry Bienen) at the time who not only could appreciate Carmody's worth as a coach but also the shackles he had from 70 some odd years of program futility.
Onward and upward, NU.
1. NU has three slots to fill for the 2010 class (though some think NU will bank one or possibly two of those scholarships given the impressive list of recruits expressing interest in NU from the 2011 class. More on that below), and the natives were starting to get restless. This should placate even the most hardened Carmody critic.
2. Cobb is the highest ranked recruit landed by Carmody (and Hardy -- Tavaras is a monster on the recruiting trail!) in his nine-plus years at NU. Recruiting trajectory continues to point upward and has never looked more promising.
3. And, last but certainly not least, Cobb could be NU's hook to landing the "Georgia Peaches", three very highly regarded Class of 2011 prospects from Atlanta who play AAU ball together. Could a package deal be in the offing?
I have to believe that Bill Carmody is officially off the hot seat, much to the chagrin of some. Pretty much everyone is in agreement that Bill Carmody can coach the X's and O's. The knock on him was that he couldn't recruit. Well, that issue is pretty much dead.
To me, the bigger picture of inking Cobb (and last year's significant class of Shurna, Mirkovic, Rowley, Fruendt, and Curletti) is that NU is finally harvesting the fruits from investing in the Carmody tree. Frankly, it would have been easy for NU to have gone a different course a few years back. It would have been easy to justify canning Bill Carmody after the drop-off in 2006-07, Carmody's seventh year at the helm. Coaches are typically given four to five years to establish themselves.
Of course, there is nothing typical about NU's incomparable history of futility (only major conference program to never make NCAAs, etc...). Fortunately, we had a good AD (Mark Murphy) and president (Henry Bienen) at the time who not only could appreciate Carmody's worth as a coach but also the shackles he had from 70 some odd years of program futility.
Onward and upward, NU.
16 September 2009
Hopes of landing Gasser further diminish
Two Wisconsin guards have been dropped from the men's bball program which increases the odds that Bo Ryan will offer Josh Gasser a full ride. MOTHER F@#$ER!
I know the old adage that you don't worry about the ones you miss but rather the ones you land, but PG was a real position of need for the Class of 2010.
Who knows? Maybe it will all work out even if Gasser goes to Wisconsin or elsewhere. More opportunity for the well regarded crew from Georgia who have been reported to show interest in NU.
I know the old adage that you don't worry about the ones you miss but rather the ones you land, but PG was a real position of need for the Class of 2010.
Who knows? Maybe it will all work out even if Gasser goes to Wisconsin or elsewhere. More opportunity for the well regarded crew from Georgia who have been reported to show interest in NU.
14 September 2009
There's a new sheriff over at Purple Reign
and he seems on the (basket)ball. It's great to see that site rejuvenate after Coach Roy made the mistake of moving from Rivals and then letting his hard work slowly slip away. Plus, it's great for long-neglected NU basketball fans as LouV has been forced to respond to defend his rear flank with his own flurry of basketball-related activity.
Kudos to you WildcatAbbey. Attaboy!
Kudos to you WildcatAbbey. Attaboy!
Drew Crawford is #1
Incoming frosh has chosen #1 as his uniform number. Let's hope the kid can back up the bravado on the court. I'm thinking he will.
2009-10 Schedule Released
The Road to NU's First NCAAs Has Been Revealed. Rejoice.
2009-10 NORTHWESTERN MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location Time
11/04/09 vs. Robert Morris (Ill.) -- Exhib. Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/13/09 vs. Northern Illinois Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/18/09 vs. Butler Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/22/09 vs. Tennessee State Evanston, Ill. 1:00 p.m. CT
11/24/09 vs. Liberty Evanston, Ill. 5:30 p.m. CT
11/27/09 vs. Notre Dame Chicago, Ill. (UIC Pavilion) 7:30 p.m. CT
11/28/09 Iowa State or Saint Louis Chicago, Ill. (UIC Pavilion) TBA
12/01/09 at North Carolina State Raleigh, N.C. 6:00 p.m. CT
12/13/09 vs. North Carolina A&T Evanston, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
12/16/09 vs. North Florida Evanston, Ill. 8:00 p.m. CT
12/19/09 vs. Stanford Evanston, Ill. 1:00 p.m. CT
12/22/09 vs. Central Connecticut State Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
12/30/09 at Illinois * Champaign, Ill. 8:00 p.m. CT
01/02/10 vs. Michigan State * Evanston, Ill. 5:30 p.m. CT
01/07/10 vs. Texas-Pan American Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
01/10/10 at Michigan * Ann Arbor, Mich. 1:00 p.m. CT
01/13/10 vs. Wisconsin * Evanston, Ill. 7:30 p.m. CT
01/16/10 vs. Purdue * Evanston, Ill. 4:30 p.m. CT
01/19/10 at Ohio State * Columbus, Ohio 6:00 p.m. CT
01/23/10 vs. Illinois * Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
01/26/10 at Minnesota * Minneapolis, Minn. 8:00 p.m. CT
01/30/10 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/02/10 vs. Michigan * Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/07/10 vs. Indiana * Evanston, Ill. 1:30 p.m. CT
02/10/10 at Iowa * Iowa City, Iowa 7:30 p.m. CT
02/14/10 vs. Minnesota * Evanston, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
02/17/10 vs. Penn State * Evanston, Ill. 7:30 p.m. CT
02/21/10 at Wisconsin * Madison, Wis. 1:00 p.m. CT
02/25/10 vs. Iowa * Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/28/10 at Penn State * University Park, Pa. 11:00 a.m. CT
03/03/10 vs. Chicago State Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
03/06/10 at Indiana * Bloomington, Ind. 11:00 a.m. CT
2009-10 NORTHWESTERN MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location Time
11/04/09 vs. Robert Morris (Ill.) -- Exhib. Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/13/09 vs. Northern Illinois Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/18/09 vs. Butler Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
11/22/09 vs. Tennessee State Evanston, Ill. 1:00 p.m. CT
11/24/09 vs. Liberty Evanston, Ill. 5:30 p.m. CT
11/27/09 vs. Notre Dame Chicago, Ill. (UIC Pavilion) 7:30 p.m. CT
11/28/09 Iowa State or Saint Louis Chicago, Ill. (UIC Pavilion) TBA
12/01/09 at North Carolina State Raleigh, N.C. 6:00 p.m. CT
12/13/09 vs. North Carolina A&T Evanston, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
12/16/09 vs. North Florida Evanston, Ill. 8:00 p.m. CT
12/19/09 vs. Stanford Evanston, Ill. 1:00 p.m. CT
12/22/09 vs. Central Connecticut State Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
12/30/09 at Illinois * Champaign, Ill. 8:00 p.m. CT
01/02/10 vs. Michigan State * Evanston, Ill. 5:30 p.m. CT
01/07/10 vs. Texas-Pan American Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
01/10/10 at Michigan * Ann Arbor, Mich. 1:00 p.m. CT
01/13/10 vs. Wisconsin * Evanston, Ill. 7:30 p.m. CT
01/16/10 vs. Purdue * Evanston, Ill. 4:30 p.m. CT
01/19/10 at Ohio State * Columbus, Ohio 6:00 p.m. CT
01/23/10 vs. Illinois * Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
01/26/10 at Minnesota * Minneapolis, Minn. 8:00 p.m. CT
01/30/10 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/02/10 vs. Michigan * Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/07/10 vs. Indiana * Evanston, Ill. 1:30 p.m. CT
02/10/10 at Iowa * Iowa City, Iowa 7:30 p.m. CT
02/14/10 vs. Minnesota * Evanston, Ill. 4:00 p.m. CT
02/17/10 vs. Penn State * Evanston, Ill. 7:30 p.m. CT
02/21/10 at Wisconsin * Madison, Wis. 1:00 p.m. CT
02/25/10 vs. Iowa * Evanston, Ill. 6:00 p.m. CT
02/28/10 at Penn State * University Park, Pa. 11:00 a.m. CT
03/03/10 vs. Chicago State Evanston, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT
03/06/10 at Indiana * Bloomington, Ind. 11:00 a.m. CT
10 August 2009
OT: Welcome NU football frosh
The long summer dry spell for NU fanatics came to an end this weekend as NU frosh reported for duty this past weekend. Welcome into the fold, boys. Make us proud!
30 July 2009
My kingdom for a PG
NU has as much quality depth as I can remember and for years to come. Except at the PG position. Juice Thompson is going to be the only true PG on the squad this fall. As such PG is NU's most pressing need on the recruiting front. It is very important that NU lands a good PG in the 2010 recruiting class. That would give the NU frosh some time to acclimate under Juice's wing during his senior year.
The most visible NU target is Josh Gasser, a PG from Wisconsin whom NU got "in on" early but has yet to pull the trigger on NU's offer. The scuttlebutt is that Gasser would like to play for a Big Ten team and preferably for a team that will vie for the conference championship and play in the NCAAs. Those latter two points are probably the best explanation for why Gasser hasn't committed to NU.
My best guess is that Gasser is holding out hope for a Wisconsin offer. Although I'm sure Gasser wouldn't mind offers from MSU, Illinois, or Purdue. Heck, perhaps currently downtrodden Indiana would be attractive as IU will no doubt rise like the phoenix in a matter of years under Crean.
Based on scouting reports Gasser would be a good fit for NU and would most likely get a ton of playing of time starting his sophomore year. NU faithful believe that NU is on the cusp of the NCAAs, but Gasser may not either believe this or may require proof.
With recent offers from Maryland and Arizona State I'm guessing more programs will take notice of Gasser. Plus, I suspect the reason Wisconsin never offered Gasser is because they had their eyes set on another prospect by the name of Vander Blue who had committed but has since reneged. This is not good news for NU.
The most visible NU target is Josh Gasser, a PG from Wisconsin whom NU got "in on" early but has yet to pull the trigger on NU's offer. The scuttlebutt is that Gasser would like to play for a Big Ten team and preferably for a team that will vie for the conference championship and play in the NCAAs. Those latter two points are probably the best explanation for why Gasser hasn't committed to NU.
My best guess is that Gasser is holding out hope for a Wisconsin offer. Although I'm sure Gasser wouldn't mind offers from MSU, Illinois, or Purdue. Heck, perhaps currently downtrodden Indiana would be attractive as IU will no doubt rise like the phoenix in a matter of years under Crean.
Based on scouting reports Gasser would be a good fit for NU and would most likely get a ton of playing of time starting his sophomore year. NU faithful believe that NU is on the cusp of the NCAAs, but Gasser may not either believe this or may require proof.
With recent offers from Maryland and Arizona State I'm guessing more programs will take notice of Gasser. Plus, I suspect the reason Wisconsin never offered Gasser is because they had their eyes set on another prospect by the name of Vander Blue who had committed but has since reneged. This is not good news for NU.
05 April 2009
Paging D Coleman. Paging J Thompson
Care to revisit your excitement over this year's Big East? No doubt that the Big East was the deepest and most talented conference this year. The Best Ever? Nahhh. That is unless the Big East can somehow lay claim to Sparty and Izzo's bunch.
Michigan State continued its march with another shockingly easy victory down the stretch over UConn. That makes two Big East bad boys knocked out by MSU. Not bad. Not bad at all.
MSU now takes on UNC, which defeated Villanova --the last of the Big East titans, in the title game. MSU got waxed by UNC at Ford Field back in December as part of the ACC-B10 challenge. Has there ever been a rematch like this in tournament history? Doubtful. Regardless, much has changed since then -- most importantly Sparty's health. UNC is the favorite as they are stocked with NBA talent (again). I think UNC will win as talent has a way of winning out in the biggest of games. Win or lose, Sparty can be proud of its run.
PS: In a move that is sure to surprise many followers of college basketball, Seth Davis picked Carolina to win. Maybe Sparty has a chance after all!
Michigan State continued its march with another shockingly easy victory down the stretch over UConn. That makes two Big East bad boys knocked out by MSU. Not bad. Not bad at all.
MSU now takes on UNC, which defeated Villanova --the last of the Big East titans, in the title game. MSU got waxed by UNC at Ford Field back in December as part of the ACC-B10 challenge. Has there ever been a rematch like this in tournament history? Doubtful. Regardless, much has changed since then -- most importantly Sparty's health. UNC is the favorite as they are stocked with NBA talent (again). I think UNC will win as talent has a way of winning out in the biggest of games. Win or lose, Sparty can be proud of its run.
PS: In a move that is sure to surprise many followers of college basketball, Seth Davis picked Carolina to win. Maybe Sparty has a chance after all!
29 March 2009
Final Four 2009
Let the buildup to Saturday begin. Michigan St and Carolina joined UConn and Nova in the Final Four as the NCAA Tourney peeled off another layer to its cube root. Carolina was expected to win and did so handily. The story of the day belonged to Sparty which upset Louisville with surprising ease down the stretch , and for now put on ice the coronation of this year's Big East as the best conference in college basketball history.
Michigan St has everything going for it at this point. They have nothing to lose as they were not expected to get past Louisville, the Beast of the East. Plus, they get to play in Detroit which they can easily drive so long as they remember to hold their noses at the Ann Arbor exit off I-94. MSU's opponent on Saturday will be UConn which has a bit of history on their side -- this year fits with UConn's five-year pattern in which it rides a #1 seed in the Phoenix Regional to a national championship. Logic says this history should be meaningless to a completely different UConn squad, but athletes are notoriously superstitious so this historical anecdote can't be entirely dismissed.
In the other game, Nova takes on Carolina. Carolina came into the season as the unanimous pick for NCAA champion with unabashed talk of an unblemished record. Carolina has not performed up to those lofty expectations but are where they need to be now. Still, the pressure is clearly on Carolina as they are now the highest remaining seed (Louisville and Pitt were higher seeds), and they are now at the stage where they lost last year. Plus, they have to overcome Nova which is looking like a team of destiny.
Like UConn, Nova can point to history to gain an unneeded boost to confidence. Back in 1985, the Big East's previous pinnacle, an underdog Villanova squad overcame all odds and toppled more highly regarded Big East foes on its way to a national title. Villanova has already toppled Pitt in what was easily the best game of this tournament. Though MSU's victory over Louisville threw into doubt whether another Big East team would stand in Nova's way in the finals, UConn very well could be this year's Georgetown and Hasheem Thabeet playing the role of Patrick Ewing (sans grey undershirt).
Oh, and Northwestern can now claim not only that it beat a Final Four team, but that it was able to do it in East Lansing -- something none of the rest of the Final Four will be able to claim.
Michigan St has everything going for it at this point. They have nothing to lose as they were not expected to get past Louisville, the Beast of the East. Plus, they get to play in Detroit which they can easily drive so long as they remember to hold their noses at the Ann Arbor exit off I-94. MSU's opponent on Saturday will be UConn which has a bit of history on their side -- this year fits with UConn's five-year pattern in which it rides a #1 seed in the Phoenix Regional to a national championship. Logic says this history should be meaningless to a completely different UConn squad, but athletes are notoriously superstitious so this historical anecdote can't be entirely dismissed.
In the other game, Nova takes on Carolina. Carolina came into the season as the unanimous pick for NCAA champion with unabashed talk of an unblemished record. Carolina has not performed up to those lofty expectations but are where they need to be now. Still, the pressure is clearly on Carolina as they are now the highest remaining seed (Louisville and Pitt were higher seeds), and they are now at the stage where they lost last year. Plus, they have to overcome Nova which is looking like a team of destiny.
Like UConn, Nova can point to history to gain an unneeded boost to confidence. Back in 1985, the Big East's previous pinnacle, an underdog Villanova squad overcame all odds and toppled more highly regarded Big East foes on its way to a national title. Villanova has already toppled Pitt in what was easily the best game of this tournament. Though MSU's victory over Louisville threw into doubt whether another Big East team would stand in Nova's way in the finals, UConn very well could be this year's Georgetown and Hasheem Thabeet playing the role of Patrick Ewing (sans grey undershirt).
Oh, and Northwestern can now claim not only that it beat a Final Four team, but that it was able to do it in East Lansing -- something none of the rest of the Final Four will be able to claim.
27 March 2009
Elite Eight is Set
We are now at the square root of the original tourney field (after play-in game), and this tourney continues to go largely as expected. The Big East has lived up to its lofty billing, the Big XII has exceeded expectations, the Big Ten has acquitted itself and set the stage for next year, the Pac 10 went about as expected. In short, all the major conferences have performed about as expected except for the ACC which has been exposed as a fraud (Duke, which bowed out after the S16, is the latest ACC team to come up short of expectations).
Elite 8 by conference:
Big East (4) -- 1 Pitt, 1 Louisville, 1 UConn, 3 Nova
Big XII (2) -- 2 Oklahoma, 3 Mizzou
Big Ten (1) -- 2 Michigan St
ACC (1) -- 1 Carolina
Looking forward, will all the 1 seeds advance? I say not. Most likely candidate for falling short? All are vulnerable, but I think UConn is most vulnerable -- especially with the recruiting violations distractions swirling about.
Elite 8 by conference:
Big East (4) -- 1 Pitt, 1 Louisville, 1 UConn, 3 Nova
Big XII (2) -- 2 Oklahoma, 3 Mizzou
Big Ten (1) -- 2 Michigan St
ACC (1) -- 1 Carolina
Looking forward, will all the 1 seeds advance? I say not. Most likely candidate for falling short? All are vulnerable, but I think UConn is most vulnerable -- especially with the recruiting violations distractions swirling about.
26 March 2009
Down to 12
Memphis is out (Calipari's lack of coaching skill once again trumped his recruiting prowess) after losing to surprising Mizzou, Xavier nearly pulled out the upset over Pitt, UConn pulled away from undersized Purdue, and Nova blasted Duke (always brings a smile to my face to see the Vitales get waxed).
The ACC continues to disappoint (somehow Vegas still has UNC as the favorite to win despite this revelation and Lawson's injury????), the Big East continues its Tour de Force, and the Big XII has proven that it had more to offer than Oklahoma and Blake Griffin.
Big Ten fans are down to pulling for MSU. They can pull it out tomorrow night, but at some point Sparty's defensive deficiencies will doom their run.
The ACC continues to disappoint (somehow Vegas still has UNC as the favorite to win despite this revelation and Lawson's injury????), the Big East continues its Tour de Force, and the Big XII has proven that it had more to offer than Oklahoma and Blake Griffin.
Big Ten fans are down to pulling for MSU. They can pull it out tomorrow night, but at some point Sparty's defensive deficiencies will doom their run.
22 March 2009
NCAAs Round 2 Analysis
We're down to the Sweet 16, and it looks like this year is shaping up much like last year with the "power conferences" dominating. The two remaining dance crashers are Gonzaga and Xavier, two 4 seeds that have been ranked most of the year and were seeded to make it this far. Ho hum.
Why have the last couple of years gone more or less according to plan? Why hasn't a George Mason come out of the woodwork to captivate the college basketball nation? I am of the opinion that this is just part of the randomness of college basketball and athletics more generally (some sports are more random than others, but that is neither here nor there). What we have seen the past couple of years are simply a couple of observations in which things went according to plan. I don't think there is any trend here, and the chances of next year going "mad" is just as likely as it was this year, last year, or in all the years since the rules for the entry into the NBA changed (one of the key exogenous variables that I think does affect NCAA teams differently -- there are others but this is the biggest recent shock to the system -- the economy may be another if things continue to go down the crapper).
I will say that I find the results disappointing since it is more fun to root for the underdog. You have to suspect that "small school" fans are chagrined by this year's results, particularly since Arizona, their poster child for the undeserving bid that was stolen from a smaller school, is still standing. With results like the past couple of years, these fans can probably expect more bias towards the major conference schools for the at-large bids (which is good news for Northwestern, I guess).
Below is a continuation of the Round 1 Analysis I posted a couple of days ago...
Actual Predicted Difference
Round 2 (based on Round 1 results and seeds)
BgE 5-1 5-1 +0
B12 3-3 3-3 +0
ACC 2-1 2-1 +0
B10 2-2 1-3 +1
P10 1-4 1-4 +0
SEC 0-1 0-1 +0
Conclusion? Round 2 went largely to plan. I suppose that the Big 10 outperformed, but that is a bit of a stretch as the +1 is due to 5 Purdue beating 4 Washington, not exactly a stunner.
Another way to look at the tourney results so far is that 14 of the top 16 seeds made it to the Sweet 16. The two crashers are Purdue and 12 Arizona (4 Wake Forest flamed out in the first round to Cleveland St). I guess this suggests that the Big Ten has done slightly better than expected while the ACC has done worse (see my Round 1 analysis, plus WF's absence from long weekend #2 of the tourney). The Big XII and Pac 10 have done slightly better than expected primarily because of their Round 1 results. Again -- Ho hum.
I have to say that I was uber-impressed with Memphis. They look like an NBA team again with their length on the perimeter and girth down on the blocks. Weren't they decimated by NBA defections after last year's loss in the national championship game (which reminds me --Calipari is such a bonehead for allowing Kansas to hoist a three to send the game into OT)? It is impressive that they could reload so quickly. Thad Matta is good at stocking his roster with elite athletes, but it seems Calipari has outdone even him.
Why have the last couple of years gone more or less according to plan? Why hasn't a George Mason come out of the woodwork to captivate the college basketball nation? I am of the opinion that this is just part of the randomness of college basketball and athletics more generally (some sports are more random than others, but that is neither here nor there). What we have seen the past couple of years are simply a couple of observations in which things went according to plan. I don't think there is any trend here, and the chances of next year going "mad" is just as likely as it was this year, last year, or in all the years since the rules for the entry into the NBA changed (one of the key exogenous variables that I think does affect NCAA teams differently -- there are others but this is the biggest recent shock to the system -- the economy may be another if things continue to go down the crapper).
I will say that I find the results disappointing since it is more fun to root for the underdog. You have to suspect that "small school" fans are chagrined by this year's results, particularly since Arizona, their poster child for the undeserving bid that was stolen from a smaller school, is still standing. With results like the past couple of years, these fans can probably expect more bias towards the major conference schools for the at-large bids (which is good news for Northwestern, I guess).
Below is a continuation of the Round 1 Analysis I posted a couple of days ago...
Actual Predicted Difference
Round 2 (based on Round 1 results and seeds)
BgE 5-1 5-1 +0
B12 3-3 3-3 +0
ACC 2-1 2-1 +0
B10 2-2 1-3 +1
P10 1-4 1-4 +0
SEC 0-1 0-1 +0
Conclusion? Round 2 went largely to plan. I suppose that the Big 10 outperformed, but that is a bit of a stretch as the +1 is due to 5 Purdue beating 4 Washington, not exactly a stunner.
Another way to look at the tourney results so far is that 14 of the top 16 seeds made it to the Sweet 16. The two crashers are Purdue and 12 Arizona (4 Wake Forest flamed out in the first round to Cleveland St). I guess this suggests that the Big Ten has done slightly better than expected while the ACC has done worse (see my Round 1 analysis, plus WF's absence from long weekend #2 of the tourney). The Big XII and Pac 10 have done slightly better than expected primarily because of their Round 1 results. Again -- Ho hum.
I have to say that I was uber-impressed with Memphis. They look like an NBA team again with their length on the perimeter and girth down on the blocks. Weren't they decimated by NBA defections after last year's loss in the national championship game (which reminds me --Calipari is such a bonehead for allowing Kansas to hoist a three to send the game into OT)? It is impressive that they could reload so quickly. Thad Matta is good at stocking his roster with elite athletes, but it seems Calipari has outdone even him.
20 March 2009
At last some March Madness!
Last year was a dud. The first round this year was a dud until the Big Ten livened things up at the very end with a 2OT thriller in which 9 Siena squeaked by 8 Ohio State. Moments earlier 12 Wisconsin "upset" 5 FSU in OT in a battle between teams that lost to Northwestern this season. Perhaps after the game they swapped horror stories of their visits to Welsh-Ryan?
God how I've missed those times when CBS had to switch furiously back and forth between nail biters!
God how I've missed those times when CBS had to switch furiously back and forth between nail biters!
19 March 2009
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:
"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.
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