2020-21 Roster

[torque-cat]

1: Buie, Greer
2: Gaines, Berry, Audige
3. Kopp, Beran
4. Nance, Beran
5. Young, Nance, Nicholson

Who am I missing?
Is Audige any good? His tape looked pretty good.
Is Nicholson any good?
Berry seemed really good to me, but we'll see.
I think none of these guys would be seniors so we could have a major upward trajectory for next 2 years.
Looks like nice talent, depth, interchangeable positions, size and length.

 

[hdhntr1]

1: Buie, Greer
2: Gaines, Berry, Audige
3. Kopp, Beran
4. Nance, Beran
5. Young, Nance, Nicholson

Who am I missing?
Is Audige any good? His tape looked pretty good.
Is Nicholson any good?
Berry seemed really good to me, but we'll see.
I think none of these guys would be seniors so we could have a major upward trajectory for next 2 years.
Looks like nice talent, depth, interchangeable positions, size and length.

Jones

 

[torque-cat]

Jones

Good catch, Jones would be 2nd or 3rd string at the 4/5 spots. But hopefully his skills will catch up with his body.

 

[freewillie07]

Notably, if Gaines takes a medical redshirt and comes back for a fifth year, this is also 11/13 of the roster for 2021-22.

Nine of the 13 scholarship players on the roster two years from now might currently be on NU’s team today.

 

[Titanium999]

1: Buie, Greer
2: Gaines, Berry, Audige
3. Kopp, Beran
4. Nance, Beran
5. Young, Nance, Nicholson

Who am I missing?
Is Audige any good? His tape looked pretty good.
Is Nicholson any good?
Berry seemed really good to me, but we'll see.
I think none of these guys would be seniors so we could have a major upward trajectory for next 2 years.
Looks like nice talent, depth, interchangeable positions, size and length.

Best group of basketball players northwestern has ever seen or had!

 

[Hungry Jack]

Best group of basketball players northwestern has ever seen or had!

Even without Ash? Dang!

 

[Catfanincolo]

And just think what we’ll be in 21-22 when Baldwin and Christie arrive

 

[7th Cir. Cat]

I agree that the roster looks solid. But remember, we don't progress in a vacuum. Every other team (like those Sophomores on the Gophers) will have gained a year in experience, and in the weight room etc. We really need Nance to take a leap in attitude and mindset if we are going to compete for a tourney spot next year. We need a reliable 3rd scoring option who is capable of giving us 15-20 points on nights when Buie's shot is not falling.

We also need Collins to step up in terms of getting the team motivated and ready to play KenPom 250+ teams. We can't afford bad losses if we want to get to 20 wins. He needs to get better as a coach as well

 

[GatoLouco]

Every other team (like those Sophomores on the Gophers) will have gained a year in experience, and in the weight room etc. We really need Nance to take a leap in attitude and mindset if we are going to compete for a tourney spot next year. We need a reliable 3rd scoring option who is capable of giving us 15-20 points on nights when Buie's shot is not falling.

Could not agree more.

In my opinion, that was exactly what happened the year after the made the tourney. It was not All State, loss of Sanjay, injuries. Every team has adversity. The big problem was that others got better. And we did not.

To me it seems like we only make the tournament if the Kopp/Nance duo puts up 30, ideally 35 points per game consistently. That will draw enough defense for other guys to contribute much more easily. If that does not happen, Buie better be Trae Young 2.0.

 

[IdahoAlum]

You can't predict a future roster because, as last year taught us, there will be transfers. And as NU's sorry basketball history has taught us, there will be debilitating injuries as well.

 

[7th Cir. Cat]

Could not agree more.

In my opinion, that was exactly what happened the year after the made the tourney. It was not All State, loss of Sanjay, injuries. Every team has adversity. The big problem was that others got better. And we did not.

To me it seems like we only make the tournament if the Kopp/Nance duo puts up 30, ideally 35 points per game consistently. That will draw enough defense for other guys to contribute much more easily. If that does not happen, Buie better be Trae Young 2.0.

I've actually lowered my expected ceiling for Nance and raised it for Young. I think he's actually averaging more points right now than Nance. Who knows, maybe Young is the guy who ends up as the 3rd option giving us 13-15 points and the random 20+ game when we need it.

 

[GatoLouco]

You can't predict a future roster because, as last year taught us, there will be transfers. And as NU's sorry basketball history has taught us, there will be debilitating injuries as well.

If you take that logic you can't predict anything. Predictions are guesses, which, in most cases, are wrong. Some more wrong than others. What's next? You can't budget because history has taught us budgets are, in most cases, missed?

 

[GatoLouco]

I've actually lowered my expected ceiling for Nance and raised it for Young. I think he's actually averaging more points right now than Nance. Who knows, maybe Young is the guy who ends up as the 3rd option giving us 13-15 points and the random 20+ game when we need it.

That's smart and probably saves you a lot of annoyance. But it's not a good sign for our future competitiveness if Nance can't score solidly in the double figures.

 

[haywood jahblowme]

I've actually lowered my expected ceiling for Nance and raised it for Young. I think he's actually averaging more points right now than Nance. Who knows, maybe Young is the guy who ends up as the 3rd option giving us 13-15 points and the random 20+ game when we need it.

young 10.8/7.2 - B1G - 6.3 /7.6
nance 10.4/6/7 - B1G - 12/5.3

 

[Medill90]

It's incredible to me how NU fans here are crapping on Nance and using complete garbage to make their argument.

A month ago they were crapping on Greer ("not a Big Ten talent"). Now they're organizing a parade for him.

Rather than enjoy the ride of watching two, still very young and inexperienced players develop, they write these student athletes off. It's really something.

 

[DaCat]

I've actually lowered my expected ceiling for Nance and raised it for Young. I think he's actually averaging more points right now than Nance. Who knows, maybe Young is the guy who ends up as the 3rd option giving us 13-15 points and the random 20+ game when we need it.

I still have very high expectations for Nance, but I agree that Young can be a significant contributor on a consistent basis. One thing I noticed is that he had the ball ripped out of his hands a few times for rebounds and loose ball scrambles -- nothing that adding some strength won't remedy. I hope he really pounds that weight room in the off season.

 

[IdahoAlum]

If you take that logic you can't predict anything. Predictions are guesses, which, in most cases, are wrong. Some more wrong than others. What's next? You can't budget because history has taught us budgets are, in most cases, missed?

Okay, let me predict this, then. NU will experience at least one, and probably two significant transfers before next season, and will lose at least one expected contributor to injury for an extended period of time sometime over the next season.

 

[torque-cat]

Okay, let me predict this, then. NU will experience at least one, and probably two significant transfers before next season, and will lose at least one expected contributor to injury for an extended period of time sometime over the next season.

define significant transfer? I would consider the following significant: Buie, Nance, Beran, Kopp, Gaines, Young. If 1 or 2 of those guys transfer it would be significant.

 

[IdahoAlum]

define significant transfer? I would consider the following significant: Buie, Nance, Beran, Kopp, Gaines, Young. If 1 or 2 of those guys transfer it would be significant.

Add Greer and Jones, and either of the two early recruits, who could always change their minds.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Okay, let me predict this, then. NU will experience at least one, and probably two significant transfers before next season, and will lose at least one expected contributor to injury for an extended period of time sometime over the next season.

I’ll take a piece of that action.

 

[torque-cat]

Add Greer and Jones, and either of the two early recruits, who could always change their minds.

I have not heard anyone say Greer is a significant player--although I personally like him. You're basically saying almost anyone on the roster transferring not just major contributors. I'm guessing most programs have at least 1 significant injury and 1 transfer per year on average.

 

[IdahoAlum]

I have not heard anyone say Greer is a significant player--although I personally like him. You're basically saying almost anyone on the roster transferring not just major contributors. I'm guessing most programs have at least 1 significant injury and 1 transfer per year on average.

At least, which is my point.

 

[GatoLouco]

Rather than enjoy the ride of watching two, still very young and inexperienced players develop, they write these student athletes off. It's really something.

Come on, that's a bit harsh. I don't think most people here have written off either player. Just stating concerns, frustrations, etc. And if they did write either of them off, it's because they think they won't be successful.

There's no lack of players, at NU or otherwise, who never live up to the promise they once had.

I am sure close to everyone here see themselves as a realist.

I am fairly critical of CC. Does not mean I am rooting for him to fail. If anything I am rooting for being wrong about my concerns.

Fandom is a range of emotions. Being critical is not being less of a fan.

Will be in attendance tonight as it's 75 minutes away from my house. Hoping we can keep them below the low 60's and get some of our shots to fall

 

[Medill90]

Come on, that's a bit harsh.

This is the most popular NU sports board.

Friends and family....and the athletes themselves...read this.

I see pushing back hard on poorly reasoned criticism as the same as going to the games. It supports the players and the team. Just like going to games.

Broad criticism such as, "I've been watching Sanjay for three years and just don't see it" or "X is not a Big Ten Player" are really cheap shots.

If one knows enough about bball to arrive at such a conclusion, detail it. Write about their game without belittling them in front of friends and family.

The coach is a bit different. He gets paid a million bucks, have at it.

 

[GatoLouco]

I see your point. And, for the most part, agree with you.

I guess my words were more to highlight that I do not think most people have written Nance or Greer off (though some have). They are just being critical at where they are at the moment. And will feel joy if they see them develop into great players.

 

[freewillie07]

Okay, let me predict this, then. NU will experience at least one, and probably two significant transfers before next season, and will lose at least one expected contributor to injury for an extended period of time sometime over the next season.

I seriously doubt this. You don’t seem to consider at all the roles of the players who have transferred out of the program vs. the current roster.

You seem to think that bad team = transfers. I don’t think that’s the calculus at all.

Brown wasn’t getting playing time and there was little hope that he would. Same for Ash, plus injuries. Ivanauskas was injury-prone and needed a fresh start, as did Falzon. Benson likely saw a rebuilding year and Young’s development and wanted to move down to a lower level of competition.

There is not an equal comparison on this current roster. Buie, Kopp, Beran, Nance, Young are the core of this team. Jones could have used a redshirt but there’s no reason he couldn’t get at least 15-20 minutes a game as soon as next year and could even surpass Young eventually. Gaines feels like a guy who will see his time through at NU like Law. Audige sat out a year to play here — he’s in it for the long haul. It’s far too soon to say Greer is on his way out — even if Berry is as good as advertised, NU will always be an injury away from counting on him to play 10-15 minutes as a backup lead guard. Think Sobo to BMac.

So I don’t see where the transfers come from. I think this is the core of the team for the next two years, just as Collins wants.

 

[IdahoAlum]

I seriously doubt this. You don’t seem to consider at all the roles of the players who have transferred out of the program vs. the current roster.

You seem to think that bad team = transfers. I don’t think that’s the calculus at all.

Brown wasn’t getting playing time and there was little hope that he would. Same for Ash, plus injuries. Ivanauskas was injury-prone and needed a fresh start, as did Falzon. Benson likely saw a rebuilding year and Young’s development and wanted to move down to a lower level of competition.

There is not an equal comparison on this current roster. Buie, Kopp, Beran, Nance, Young are the core of this team. Jones could have used a redshirt but there’s no reason he couldn’t get at least 15-20 minutes a game as soon as next year and could even surpass Young eventually. Gaines feels like a guy who will see his time through at NU like Law. Audige sat out a year to play here — he’s in it for the long haul. It’s far too soon to say Greer is on his way out — even if Berry is as good as advertised, NU will always be an injury away from counting on him to play 10-15 minutes as a backup lead guard. Think Sobo to BMac.

So I don’t see where the transfers come from. I think this is the core of the team for the next two years, just as Collins wants.

I'll be surprised if we don't experience at least a couple of transfers, but I've been surprised before. I'll be shocked if we don't experience at least one serious injury because, well, we're Northwestern and that's just what we do.

 

[PurpleFaze]

That's smart and probably saves you a lot of annoyance. But it's not a good sign for our future competitiveness if Nance can't score solidly in the double figures.

Nance needs to improve on the mental side of the game. He’s got a lot of raw skills, but all the on court brain farts have a tendency to lower his value.