Head coach Chris Collins, forward Nick Martinelli and center Matt Nicholson addressed the media before tonight's key matchup with Iowa. Here's our notebook on what they had to say on the importance of a Big Ten Tournament berth, the new format, an emotional upcoming Senior Night and more.
Notebook: Northwestern fighting to secure Big Ten Tournament bid in final stretch
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Head coach Chris Collins, forward Nick Martinelli and center Matt Nicholson addressed the media before tonight's key matchup with Iowa. Here's our notebook on what they had to say on the importance of a Big Ten Tournament berth, the new format, an emotional upcoming Senior Night and more.
I every time I hear CCC speak or read his quotes, it reinforces to me what a great leader he is.
Secure this man to a lifetime contract. If the team doesn’t return to the tournament again, he has already deserved it, and I also dont think anyone else that would come to NU is going to do a better job.
Probably the greatest pre-game interview in the history of basketball, despite Collins saying nothing significant.
But seriously, folks...
Collins said "its been kind of a crazy season, with the unexpected injuries..."
Barnhizer was injured before the season and missed several games.
Leach had missed 15 games due to injury in each of his first two seasons at Fairfield.
Berry and Nicholson both had their seasons ended by injuries last year.
The year before, it was Julian Roper and Luke Hunger.
Injuries are part of the game - and they shouldn't be "unexpected" so it is surprising to hear Collins put it that way.
Later, when talking about KJ Windham's play Collins said "I just feel there's no substitute for game experience"
which blows my mind, given that Windham got a total of 6 minutes of "game experience" in December, despite the blowouts - and the team's weakness at point guard.
People on this board have insisted that "game experience" doesn't matter... well Collins just said it matters a lot.
Lastly, Nick Martinelli was talking about Jordan Clayton, praising his work ethic and his willingness to burn his redshirt - and said "I knew right when coach asked him - I called him and said 'I already know what your answer is gonna be...'" So that doesn't quite line up with the official story....
But seriously, folks...
Collins said "its been kind of a crazy season, with the unexpected injuries..."
Barnhizer was injured before the season and missed several games.
Leach had missed 15 games due to injury in each of his first two seasons at Fairfield.
Berry and Nicholson both had their seasons ended by injuries last year.
The year before, it was Julian Roper and Luke Hunger.
Injuries are part of the game - and they shouldn't be "unexpected" so it is surprising to hear Collins put it that way.
Later, when talking about KJ Windham's play Collins said "I just feel there's no substitute for game experience"
which blows my mind, given that Windham got a total of 6 minutes of "game experience" in December, despite the blowouts - and the team's weakness at point guard.
People on this board have insisted that "game experience" doesn't matter... well Collins just said it matters a lot.
Lastly, Nick Martinelli was talking about Jordan Clayton, praising his work ethic and his willingness to burn his redshirt - and said "I knew right when coach asked him - I called him and said 'I already know what your answer is gonna be...'" So that doesn't quite line up with the official story....
I've said this many times here, probably every fan base believes to be so unlucky when injuries happen. And they happen every year.
Having said that, I don't disagree with CC that it has been a bit crazy. First because not all injuries are season ending, and both BB and JL's were (same with TB and MN's last season, but not RL's). Second, it was 2 of our 3 best going down, that's where the craziness comes in I believe.
Good Lord! Amazing how you twist meaning to support your belief that CCC is incompetent. Oh, I know you never said that, you never said you don’t care for him, you just imply it in nearly every post. I could counter these thoughts, but what’s the point? Really?
There is one common thread to this. I love CCC but he plays a very short bench and tired players get injured.
It seems like the young guys are doing pretty well now that they are on the court. I think they should play more before the B1G season starts.