Bilas is a believer

[SouthportCat]

#60 in his first top 68 list. Mentions Martinelli as an AA candidate and says the target is not the dance but the second weekend. I agree on all counts.

The Bilas Index: The best 68 men's basketball teams in 2025-26

It's time for the only NCAA season preview you need. You're welcome.

www.espn.com

Two games in (yeah yeah cool my jets), I think we will have a very un-Northwestern problem this year of too many mouths to feed.

We went long stretches vs. Boston where Nick didn’t even get a touch, let alone a shot, and the offense still moved fine. Love the tempo that Reid is bringing. Green just looks bigger than I expected watching full games. Hope he plays big against tougher competition.

I think minutes for the freshman will thin a bit as we play up when defensive lapses cost us more. I expect more Clayton and Mullins minutes for that reason and still hoping my guys get on track offensively. Mullins just needs to get slashing off Reid and we could see some highlight reel jams, same with Gelo. Can’t believe I am saying that about a ‘Cat offense.

Really optimistic. Want somebody to really punch us to see how we respond. Reckon it is coming in the Greenbrier.

 

[macarthur31]

#60 in his first top 68 list. Mentions Martinelli as an AA candidate and says the target is not the dance but the second weekend. I agree on all counts.

The Bilas Index: The best 68 men's basketball teams in 2025-26

It's time for the only NCAA season preview you need. You're welcome.

www.espn.com

Two games in (yeah yeah cool my jets), I think we will have a very un-Northwestern problem this year of too many mouths to feed.

We went long stretches vs. Boston where Nick didn’t even get a touch, let alone a shot, and the offense still moved fine. Love the tempo that Reid is bringing. Green just looks bigger than I expected watching full games. Hope he plays big against tougher competition.

I think minutes for the freshman will thin a bit as we play up when defensive lapses cost us more. I expect more Clayton and Mullins minutes for that reason and still hoping my guys get on track offensively. Mullins just needs to get slashing off Reid and we could see some highlight reel jams, same with Gelo. Can’t believe I am saying that about a ‘Cat offense.

Really optimistic. Want somebody to really punch us to see how we respond. Reckon it is coming in the Greenbrier.

I was noticing that both Mullins and Clayton were low on minutes, and attributed that to Collins wanting to learn more about what he's got with his newcomers. However, once we get to the tougher non-con tilts (perhaps as soon as DePaul next week?) I'm also expecting that Mullins will get more run. I love your point that Mullins will benefit with JR at point finding him on cuts, and that his excellent point of attack defense will just be too irresistible to keep off the floor.

I also think Clayton can contribute more in scoring - the game really appears to be slowing down for him, and being relieved from PG duties can free him up.

 

[catcrazy]

West is the freshman who I think will see about 15 minutes a game. He can distribute and shoot

 

[Davidgolds5]

How much sample size of Clayton do people need to see before the realization hits that he is not going to be scoring respectable amount of points?

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

How much sample size of Clayton do people need to see before the realization hits that he is not going to be scoring respectable amount of points?

That’s not his role in this team.

 

[No Chores]

That’s not his role in this team.

Agreed, which is the reason he should only be playing when necessary.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Agreed, which is the reason he should only be playing when necessary.

His playing time (at least early in the year) is inversely related to Reid’s playing time.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Agreed, which is the reason he should only be playing when necessary.

He only played 7 minutes and it was a blow out.

 

[No Chores]

He only played 7 minutes and it was a blow out.

Which sounds right to me. We already know what he can and can't do, and I'd rather see the younger guys get his minutes

 

[No Chores]

His playing time (at least early in the year) is inversely related to Reid’s playing time.

I understand that, but I'd rather see younger guards like West getting those minutes. As PPD has pointed out, Clayton only played 7 minutes I the game, presumably because he doesn't bring much to the table and Coach Collins would rather see the younger guys get more playing time. In my view, Clayton should play only when our other ball handlers are in foul trouble or being rested

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

I understand that, but I'd rather see younger guards like West getting those minutes. As PPD has pointed out, Clayton only played 7 minutes I the game, presumably because he doesn't bring much to the table and Coach Collins would rather see the younger guys get more playing time. In my view, Clayton should play only when our other ball handlers are in foul trouble or being rested

I expect West to gain more minutes as the season progresses. Don’t underestimate what handling the ball well and just running the offense without doing to much brings compared to a freshman learning the system.

 

[DaCat]

I think Clayton is a solid insurance piece, with Reid and West ahead of him at lead guard. We know injuries will happen over the course of the season, so he’s an important sub to fill in when needed.

 

[No Chores]

I expect West to gain more minutes as the season progresses. Don’t underestimate what handling the ball well and just running the offense without doing to much brings compared to a freshman learning the system.

I would agree with that if Clayton was just handling the ball and running the offense. Unfortunately, though, while doing that he also takes a number of shots and misses most of them. The reason he gets those shots is that other teams lay off him and invite him to take those shots because they think the odds are that he will miss.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

I would agree with that if Clayton was just handling the ball and running the offense. Unfortunately, though, while doing that he also takes a number of shots and misses most of them. The reason he gets those shots is that other teams lay off him and invite him to take those shots because they think the odds are that he will miss.

He has taken a total of five shots over two games. Four came in the first game when he got extended minutes because of Gelo’s injury and Reid’s foul trouble, and one came in the next game. Five shots in two games isn’t much. He has taken fewer shots than anyone on the roster besides Kropp and Gill. I agree that Clayton shooting isn’t the ideal outcome for the offense, but the reality is he doesn’t shoot often.

 

[SDakaGordie]

I would add that having him stuck to the bench is not a productive way to coach a kid who is productive in a number of ways on the court.

 

[Sec_112]

I like Mullins, but he earned his limited time against BU. Three fouls and one turnover in his ten minutes. And a couple fouls were of the dumb variety.

I'll assume it was an off night, but not helpful when minutes are as tight as they are on the wings.

 

[No Chores]

He has taken a total of five shots over two games. Four came in the first game when he got extended minutes because of Gelo’s injury and Reid’s foul trouble, and one came in the next game. Five shots in two games isn’t much. He has taken fewer shots than anyone on the roster besides Kropp and Gill. I agree that Clayton shooting isn’t the ideal outcome for the offense, but the reality is he doesn’t shoot often.

He has taken a total of five shots over two games. Four came in the first game when he got extended minutes because of Gelo’s injury and Reid’s foul trouble, and one came in the next game. Five shots in two games isn’t much. He has taken fewer shots than anyone on the roster besides Kropp and Gill. I agree that Clayton shooting isn’t the ideal outcome for the offense, but the reality is he doesn’t shoot often.

He doesn't shoot often. you're right, but so far he hasn't made a shot on the season. He really has to make a few shots, and until he does other teams won't take him seriously and will let him take those shots from long range.

 

[No Chores]

I would add that having him stuck to the bench is not a productive way to coach a kid who is productive in a number of ways on the court.

He'll get more minutes when he starts making a few shots.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I was noticing that both Mullins and Clayton were low on minutes, and attributed that to Collins wanting to learn more about what he's got with his newcomers. However, once we get to the tougher non-con tilts (perhaps as soon as DePaul next week?) I'm also expecting that Mullins will get more run. I love your point that Mullins will benefit with JR at point finding him on cuts, and that his excellent point of attack defense will just be too irresistible to keep off the floor.

I also think Clayton can contribute more in scoring - the game really appears to be slowing down for him, and being relieved from PG duties can free him up.

Mullins and Clayton are not good at offense and we’re looking for more production

 

[macarthur31]

Mullins and Clayton are not good at offense and we’re looking for more production

Love how you write these guys off after two games. Will either of them lead the team in scoring - probably not - but both are able to contribute. Last year, Mullins had 3 double digit scoring games vs. B1G opponents, and Clayton did that twice.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Love how you write these guys off after two games. Will either of them lead the team in scoring - probably not - but both are able to contribute. Last year, Mullins had 3 double digit scoring games vs. B1G opponents, and Clayton did that twice.

Contribute, of course. Mullins in particular doesn’t lot of good stuff. But having ONE on the floor at a time is already plenty and it’s not a featured role, hence the limited minutes. Seems like CCC is actively trying to get West ready to take over a lot of Clayton’s minutes. That’s a role player with role player minutes.

 

[hdhntr1]

#60 in his first top 68 list. Mentions Martinelli as an AA candidate and says the target is not the dance but the second weekend. I agree on all counts.

The Bilas Index: The best 68 men's basketball teams in 2025-26

It's time for the only NCAA season preview you need. You're welcome.

www.espn.com

Two games in (yeah yeah cool my jets), I think we will have a very un-Northwestern problem this year of too many mouths to feed.

We went long stretches vs. Boston where Nick didn’t even get a touch, let alone a shot, and the offense still moved fine. Love the tempo that Reid is bringing. Green just looks bigger than I expected watching full games. Hope he plays big against tougher competition.

I think minutes for the freshman will thin a bit as we play up when defensive lapses cost us more. I expect more Clayton and Mullins minutes for that reason and still hoping my guys get on track offensively. Mullins just needs to get slashing off Reid and we could see some highlight reel jams, same with Gelo. Can’t believe I am saying that about a ‘Cat offense.

Really optimistic. Want somebody to really punch us to see how we respond. Reckon it is coming in the Greenbrier.

Green got in for some minutes tonight and put up 16 in about 6-7 minutes. Was in for a total of about 9 but his damage was done in about 6-7 minutes including 4/6 from 3 including one from just short of half court and 6/8 overall. Also two rebounds and two steals. Blink and you would have missed it

 

[hdhntr1]

I like Mullins, but he earned his limited time against BU. Three fouls and one turnover in his ten minutes. And a couple fouls were of the dumb variety.

I'll assume it was an off night, but not helpful when minutes are as tight as they are on the wings.

He looked good tonight 7/10 overall and 2/4 3s plus 4 RB and 3 steals so he got 26 minutes and looked very good.. Cleveland State had some nice pieces but we were hot and blew them out

 

[SouthportCat]

Green got in for some minutes tonight and put up 16 in about 6-7 minutes. Was in for a total of about 9 but his damage was done in about 6-7 minutes including 4/6 from 3 including one from just short of half court and 6/8 overall. Also two rebounds and two steals. Blink and you would have missed it

One of the most incredible five minute runs I can remember watching, regardless of opponent

 

[Deeringfish]

One of the most incredible five minute runs I can remember watching, regardless of opponent

I feel like that is what a good player coming off the bench, totally fresh, late in the game when everyone else is exhausted can do. It is a deep bench advantage.

 

[hdhntr1]

I feel like that is what a good player coming off the bench, totally fresh, late in the game when everyone else is exhausted can do. It is a deep bench advantage.

I am surprised we hadn't seen more of him so far because he was one of the big aquisitions through the portal and so far in the 3 games he has been mostly in cleanup time

 

[Sec_112]

He looked good tonight 7/10 overall and 2/4 3s plus 4 RB and 3 steals so he got 26 minutes and looked very good.. Cleveland State had some nice pieces but we were hot and blew them out

MUCH, MUCH better. Hope last night is the norm. But I get the feeling somewhere in the middle is what we'll see. But definitely not the BU game.

Mullins is one of several players I'm glad I don't have to make rotation decisions on. Good choices, but tough decisions.

 

[DaCat]

I am surprised we hadn't seen more of him so far because he was one of the big aquisitions through the portal and so far in the 3 games he has been mostly in cleanup time

He didn't look so good against BU. This team is so deep, if you don't got it on a given night, it's next man up. A good problem to have, and the players have to accept the situation and be ready, which Collins tells them all the time.

 

[hdhntr1]

He didn't look so good against BU. This team is so deep, if you don't got it on a given night, it's next man up. A good problem to have, and the players have to accept the situation and be ready, which Collins tells them all the time.

Well last night should get him extra minutes, This is what I mean when I say we may have the ability to substitute in waves and just wear out opponents