It's official. Sophomore forward Kaitlin McInerney tore her ACL Wednesday night against Wake Forest. She will miss the rest of the season.
The Northwestern bench has become a hospital ward. There are now 6 players missing time due to injury. At the risk of hyperbole, all systems are breaking down.
Take a look at what the projected starting lineup looked like in June versus what it is tonight.
C - Amy Jaeschke // Ellen Jaeschke
F - Kaitlin McInerney // Melissa Miller
G/F - Sara Stutz // Sara Stutz
F/G - Kristin Cartwright // Nadia Bibbs
G - Beth Marshall // Jenny Eckhart
The only starter still healthy is ironically the one struggling the most (see "A Case of the Yips" below). Stutz is playing like she's injured while the rest of the team tries to fill roles they weren't expecting to.
Of those 4, Bibbs is the most prepared. She basically knew since Cartwright's season-ending ACL tear (yep, two on this team) that she'd be starting as a senior. Her defense has been fabulous and she' shown some life offensively.
Eckhart was competing for a starting job, but didn't think she could play until December because of transfer rules. Ellen Jaeschke was competing for the 4-spot, which she would have slid into for McInerney if her cousin hadn't gotten injured first. So she's been doing an admirable job in a position she wasn't primed for. And finally, Melissa Miller, who has struggled throughout her career, gets new life now as the temporary starting forward until both Jaeschkes are back in their element.
This team is being held together by scotch tape and toothpicks. Not sure what that means, but you get the idea. It's a rag-tag group of would-be reserves starting.
Which brings up what is now the weakest part of the team. Who comes in for Miller? Freshman Savannah Stedman. Freshman Shantina Boyd is Jaeschke's replacement. And that's where the rotation stops.
The guards are just as week. Erin Dickerson and Meshia Reed. That's it and that's all. Reed could do very well, as she led the team in points against Wake. And Dickerson has a nice stroke. But right now, they shouldn't be the first two off the bench.
Garth Brooks once wrote "a dream is like a river." Well, this river has run dry. A collection of crutches are stuck in the mud bank and these players are thirsting to travel down the stream to the post-season. But it's not going to happen this year.
I'm afraid to say this is bad as it could get. That's what I said before K-Mac went down.
Friday, November 30, 2007
A Case of the Yips
Ever hear of "the yips?" No, not the obscure golf term. The even more obscure term used this past Monday on the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." Never have I learned something from TV at a more appropriate time. You see, one of Northwestern's players has a serious case of the yips.
It's not the first time in NU history. Chuck Knoblauch is the classic example. If there was an NU Yips Hall of Fame, Evan Seacat would be a charter member. Craig Moore at certain times last season. Corey Wootton, Marquice Cole, and various other under-performing defensive players over the years. Now, Sara Stutz.
HIMYM defines "the yips" as "over-thinking something simple to the point where you can't do it at all."
That's Sara Stutz's season in a nutshell. Everyone expected her to be the senior go-to player this year. She was already the team's leading three-point shooter (top 10 in school history) but now with AJ Glasauer gone, there was even more pressure for her to be a perimeter threat. Pressure she apparently can't handle anymore. Her field goal percentage on the season is 21.7%, she's 2 of 15 behind the arc, and even 5 of 12 from the free throw line.
It's hard to pinpoint a cause of "the yips." But I blame it on the "sense of urgency," a phrase Coach Combs threw around constantly before the season. "Sara Stutz has come in with a real sense of urgency her senior season." That's the problem. Stutz feels like everything is on her shoulders right now if this team is going to finally perform well. After suffering through three terrible seasons, she urgently wants to go out on top.
Imagine how much more pressure she felt when Marshall went down. And then Jaeschke. She must feel like she's the team's only option right now. That's not good for the team and it's not good for her. The pressure has ruined her shot and taken away a primary scoring threat for the 'Cats.
So how do you lose "the yips"? On HIMYM, the character had to revisit what caused his yips and conquer it. So should Stutz just keep shooting until they fall? Should her teammates be taking all the shots? Does she need to hit a game-winner before it all falls into place?
I'm not sure. Neither is Combs. This is something Stutz needs to just work through. Hopefully, a relaxed December can take the pressure off. Hopeffuly Jaeschke's return alleviates it.
Until then, Stutz needs to stay in the starting lineup. Last year seemed like a breakout season for Stutz. She shot over 40% from the field for the first time, averaged 11 points per game, and led the team in free throw percentage. She has it in her. It's just going to take time. And contrary to popular belief, she has time. If she keeps pushing herself because of this "urgency" it's never going to improve.
But it could be worse. Like Knoblauch, she could be tossing the ball into the stands every time.
It's not the first time in NU history. Chuck Knoblauch is the classic example. If there was an NU Yips Hall of Fame, Evan Seacat would be a charter member. Craig Moore at certain times last season. Corey Wootton, Marquice Cole, and various other under-performing defensive players over the years. Now, Sara Stutz.
HIMYM defines "the yips" as "over-thinking something simple to the point where you can't do it at all."
That's Sara Stutz's season in a nutshell. Everyone expected her to be the senior go-to player this year. She was already the team's leading three-point shooter (top 10 in school history) but now with AJ Glasauer gone, there was even more pressure for her to be a perimeter threat. Pressure she apparently can't handle anymore. Her field goal percentage on the season is 21.7%, she's 2 of 15 behind the arc, and even 5 of 12 from the free throw line.
It's hard to pinpoint a cause of "the yips." But I blame it on the "sense of urgency," a phrase Coach Combs threw around constantly before the season. "Sara Stutz has come in with a real sense of urgency her senior season." That's the problem. Stutz feels like everything is on her shoulders right now if this team is going to finally perform well. After suffering through three terrible seasons, she urgently wants to go out on top.
Imagine how much more pressure she felt when Marshall went down. And then Jaeschke. She must feel like she's the team's only option right now. That's not good for the team and it's not good for her. The pressure has ruined her shot and taken away a primary scoring threat for the 'Cats.
So how do you lose "the yips"? On HIMYM, the character had to revisit what caused his yips and conquer it. So should Stutz just keep shooting until they fall? Should her teammates be taking all the shots? Does she need to hit a game-winner before it all falls into place?
I'm not sure. Neither is Combs. This is something Stutz needs to just work through. Hopefully, a relaxed December can take the pressure off. Hopeffuly Jaeschke's return alleviates it.
Until then, Stutz needs to stay in the starting lineup. Last year seemed like a breakout season for Stutz. She shot over 40% from the field for the first time, averaged 11 points per game, and led the team in free throw percentage. She has it in her. It's just going to take time. And contrary to popular belief, she has time. If she keeps pushing herself because of this "urgency" it's never going to improve.
But it could be worse. Like Knoblauch, she could be tossing the ball into the stands every time.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ugly, Ugly, Ugly
I doubt many people were expecting Northwestern to beat Virginia; those that were are probably delusional. Even the most optimistic guy I know, me, didn't expect Northwestern to win tonight. Most fans probably didn't even think Northwestern would keep it close.
But what was that?
Well, it was the worst loss during Bill Carmody's tenure at Northwestern.
A 94-52 thrashing on the road at the hand of the Virginia Cavaliers left a lot of NU fans searching for answers to some of these questions:
"Are we going to win a conference game?"
"Was that a JV team out there?"
"Do we know how to play defense?"
"Do we know how to play offense?"
"Do we know how to play basketball?"
"Is the team really as bad as they looked tonight?"
Let's address the last question first. Northwestern is not 42 points worse than Virginia. They are significantly worse than the Cavaliers, but Virginia shot an insane 16 for 32 from behind the three-point line. The Wildcat perimeter defense is notably horrible, but there were times, particularly in the first half when NU was still within 10, where a UVA player would come down the court, launch a longer-than-NBA-range three and hit nothing but net.
So the 'Cats had that going against them. Then there were the normal rebounding problems. Northwestern was out-rebounded by 15. So even when Virginia was missing three-pointers, they were getting their own rebounds and getting second chance baskets. That's not going to change.
The 1-3-1 stunk tonight. Bill Carmody, on the WGN postgame show, said that he was probably going to switch the defense, most likely to a 2-3, because his team simply can't play the 1-3-1. I agree with that assessment. The defense was atrocious.
And the offense was horrid, too. Rushed shots, turnovers, broken plays, air balls. It was all ugly. I don't even know how to fix that one. Most of this team is lacking any sort of grasp on the Princeton Offense.
And why can't this team shoot free throws? You would think a team that is so undersized at such an athletic disadvantage would capitalize on FREE POINTS. Instead, the 'Cats shot FOUR FOR FIFTEEN from the stripe.
I'm frustrated, but I guess I shouldn't have expected much. I just didn't think it would be THAT ugly. If we are playing this poorly on the road against UVA, I don't want to think what games against Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana are going to look like.
It's going to be a long season.
But what was that?
Well, it was the worst loss during Bill Carmody's tenure at Northwestern.
A 94-52 thrashing on the road at the hand of the Virginia Cavaliers left a lot of NU fans searching for answers to some of these questions:
"Are we going to win a conference game?"
"Was that a JV team out there?"
"Do we know how to play defense?"
"Do we know how to play offense?"
"Do we know how to play basketball?"
"Is the team really as bad as they looked tonight?"
Let's address the last question first. Northwestern is not 42 points worse than Virginia. They are significantly worse than the Cavaliers, but Virginia shot an insane 16 for 32 from behind the three-point line. The Wildcat perimeter defense is notably horrible, but there were times, particularly in the first half when NU was still within 10, where a UVA player would come down the court, launch a longer-than-NBA-range three and hit nothing but net.
So the 'Cats had that going against them. Then there were the normal rebounding problems. Northwestern was out-rebounded by 15. So even when Virginia was missing three-pointers, they were getting their own rebounds and getting second chance baskets. That's not going to change.
The 1-3-1 stunk tonight. Bill Carmody, on the WGN postgame show, said that he was probably going to switch the defense, most likely to a 2-3, because his team simply can't play the 1-3-1. I agree with that assessment. The defense was atrocious.
And the offense was horrid, too. Rushed shots, turnovers, broken plays, air balls. It was all ugly. I don't even know how to fix that one. Most of this team is lacking any sort of grasp on the Princeton Offense.
And why can't this team shoot free throws? You would think a team that is so undersized at such an athletic disadvantage would capitalize on FREE POINTS. Instead, the 'Cats shot FOUR FOR FIFTEEN from the stripe.
I'm frustrated, but I guess I shouldn't have expected much. I just didn't think it would be THAT ugly. If we are playing this poorly on the road against UVA, I don't want to think what games against Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana are going to look like.
It's going to be a long season.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Disappointing Loss #1
Dismay, shock, disappointment…all words that can be used to describe the emotions most Northwestern fans are feeling following this crushing loss to Brown at home.
The Bears came into Welsh-Ryan Arena and exploited nearly every one of the ‘Cats’ flaws. It seemed that Craig Robinson knew Bill Carmody’s offense a little too well from his days as an assistant in Evanston, as the Bears picked apart NU all day long on offense.
Brown hit a scorching 52.2% from behind the arch. Yes, they had some good shooters, but is the Wildcats’ perimeter defense really bad enough to give up that high of a percentage? Game after game the ‘Cats are unable to stop 3-point shooters from behind the arch. I love the 1-3-1 defense as much as anyone else, but there are definitely alternative defenses that would help NU defend the weakside 3-pointer. In games against Stanford, Benedictine, and Brown, NU has failed to stop 3-point shooters. They’ve been lethargic and late on their rotations on the perimeter. Is the risk of giving up an open three-pointer, worth the reward of getting a steal a few times a game? This defense needs to be tweaked to avoid such open 3-point attempts.
Another reason to tweak the defense is to help out the rebounding. If the ‘Cats tweak the defense, the rebounding is bound to impr…wait, who am I kidding, this rebounding problem is not going away.
Something that should go away is the 7-man rotation Coach Carmody continues to use. He has never been a man who trusts his bench, but with his reluctance to give big minutes to Mike Capocci and Nikola Baran, will Moore, Okrzesik, Ryan, Thompson, and Williams break down because of too many minutes? This problem will go away when Nash and Coble return, but in the meantime this short rotation could cause fatigue late in games.
On the brightside, it looks like the ‘Cats got their disappointing non-conference loss out of the way early in the season, so everything should be smooth sailing from here. (Ehh…if it only were that simple).
The Bears came into Welsh-Ryan Arena and exploited nearly every one of the ‘Cats’ flaws. It seemed that Craig Robinson knew Bill Carmody’s offense a little too well from his days as an assistant in Evanston, as the Bears picked apart NU all day long on offense.
Brown hit a scorching 52.2% from behind the arch. Yes, they had some good shooters, but is the Wildcats’ perimeter defense really bad enough to give up that high of a percentage? Game after game the ‘Cats are unable to stop 3-point shooters from behind the arch. I love the 1-3-1 defense as much as anyone else, but there are definitely alternative defenses that would help NU defend the weakside 3-pointer. In games against Stanford, Benedictine, and Brown, NU has failed to stop 3-point shooters. They’ve been lethargic and late on their rotations on the perimeter. Is the risk of giving up an open three-pointer, worth the reward of getting a steal a few times a game? This defense needs to be tweaked to avoid such open 3-point attempts.
Another reason to tweak the defense is to help out the rebounding. If the ‘Cats tweak the defense, the rebounding is bound to impr…wait, who am I kidding, this rebounding problem is not going away.
Something that should go away is the 7-man rotation Coach Carmody continues to use. He has never been a man who trusts his bench, but with his reluctance to give big minutes to Mike Capocci and Nikola Baran, will Moore, Okrzesik, Ryan, Thompson, and Williams break down because of too many minutes? This problem will go away when Nash and Coble return, but in the meantime this short rotation could cause fatigue late in games.
On the brightside, it looks like the ‘Cats got their disappointing non-conference loss out of the way early in the season, so everything should be smooth sailing from here. (Ehh…if it only were that simple).
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Takin' Care of Business
Sure, it was only Benedictine, a D-III school. But Northwestern is off the shnide and has its first win of the season, defeating the Eagles 95-63.
And this was not a non-conference squeaker that fans have grown used to seeing from this team. Rather, this is the kind of win you see from the established programs during this time of the season. NU jumped out to an 18-3 lead early in the game and never looked back. In fact, Jean Marc Melchoir was in the game in the first half.
Great games by Jeff Ryan, who was very effective in the paint, and Craig Moore, who, when he's hot, can shoot with the best of the Big Ten. I was also impressed with Mike Capocci, especially defensively. Rumors have been that he has been slow to pick up Bill Carmody's system, and at times he looked a bit lost on the floor, but it seemed to me like he had a pretty good grasp and will only continue to be more effective.
Props to Ivan Peljusic for a fast break dunk, prompting the loudest cheers of the night and bringing the entire NU bench to its feet. It was really the only thing he did well tonight, though.
And lost in the 95 points was the performance of Juice Thompson, who sat most of the second half with Northwestern in complete control of the game. Thompson already has a great grasp of the offense, and had 7 assists in the game.
The most impressive thing about him is his leadership on the court. It takes a lot for a freshman to come in and assume the role that he has, point guard or not, but Thompson seems willing to embrace it. He seems to hold his teammates accountable for their play on the court, which was something that seemed to be lacking last season.
At one point in the game Thompson made a nice entry pass to Nikola Baran, who didn't go up very strong, was fouled, but missed the shot. Juice was visibly upset with Baran for not finishing strong. It's that sort of accountability that can push this team forward.
It's an unimpressive win in regards to the opponent, but important because NU took care of business like a legitimate program should. This team still has a ways to go, but it was another step in the right direction. Eventually, if these steps keep adding up, we may see some real progress
And this was not a non-conference squeaker that fans have grown used to seeing from this team. Rather, this is the kind of win you see from the established programs during this time of the season. NU jumped out to an 18-3 lead early in the game and never looked back. In fact, Jean Marc Melchoir was in the game in the first half.
Great games by Jeff Ryan, who was very effective in the paint, and Craig Moore, who, when he's hot, can shoot with the best of the Big Ten. I was also impressed with Mike Capocci, especially defensively. Rumors have been that he has been slow to pick up Bill Carmody's system, and at times he looked a bit lost on the floor, but it seemed to me like he had a pretty good grasp and will only continue to be more effective.
Props to Ivan Peljusic for a fast break dunk, prompting the loudest cheers of the night and bringing the entire NU bench to its feet. It was really the only thing he did well tonight, though.
And lost in the 95 points was the performance of Juice Thompson, who sat most of the second half with Northwestern in complete control of the game. Thompson already has a great grasp of the offense, and had 7 assists in the game.
The most impressive thing about him is his leadership on the court. It takes a lot for a freshman to come in and assume the role that he has, point guard or not, but Thompson seems willing to embrace it. He seems to hold his teammates accountable for their play on the court, which was something that seemed to be lacking last season.
At one point in the game Thompson made a nice entry pass to Nikola Baran, who didn't go up very strong, was fouled, but missed the shot. Juice was visibly upset with Baran for not finishing strong. It's that sort of accountability that can push this team forward.
It's an unimpressive win in regards to the opponent, but important because NU took care of business like a legitimate program should. This team still has a ways to go, but it was another step in the right direction. Eventually, if these steps keep adding up, we may see some real progress
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Remember the Past
As Northwestern gets ready to host Benedictine tonight at 7, they should think back to December 14, 2006. On that day a tough-minded Division III school came to Evanston and almost knocked off the ‘Cats. Entering that game 5-2 after tight victories over Miami and Western Michigan, the 'Cats were anticipating an easy victory over an inferior opponent. However, what they got was a tough, scrappy group who was playing in their biggest game of the year, their one shot at a Division 1 opponent. The 'Cats barely ended up squeaking out a 41-39 win as a three-pointer by Wheaton rimmed out at the buzzer. Throughout the game the 'Cats looked unprepared, complacent, and outright terrible. They bricked shots left and right, turned the ball over at inopportune times, and got out-rebounded 36-19 by a more aggressive opponent.
The players seemed fazed by Wheaton's loud contingent of fans at Welsh-Ryan, and were unable to get any rhythm going. I hope the 'Cats learned from their mistakes and will make quick work of Benedictine. They need to put pressure on Benedictine early with hustle and aggressive defense. They cannot afford to let Benedictine hang around all game. If they do, we could witness a repeat of December 14, 2006; something nobody wants to see.
The players seemed fazed by Wheaton's loud contingent of fans at Welsh-Ryan, and were unable to get any rhythm going. I hope the 'Cats learned from their mistakes and will make quick work of Benedictine. They need to put pressure on Benedictine early with hustle and aggressive defense. They cannot afford to let Benedictine hang around all game. If they do, we could witness a repeat of December 14, 2006; something nobody wants to see.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Injury Bugs Bite
For 25 minutes everything seemed wonderful. Amy Jaeschke had 19 points and was looking like the star-studded phenom everyone predicted. Then, she went for a blocked shot. Instantly, all those expectations came crashing down with her left hand, which ended up broken for 4-6 weeks.
But Amy Jaeschke isn't alone on the bench. Actually, it's a little cramped. Northwestern's projected starting point guard, Beth Marshall, is also out 4-6 weeks with a left femoral stress fracture. F/C Julie Bielawski has lower back issues (day-to-day), guard Lakhiyia Hicks is recovering from hip surgery (day-to-day), and of course Kristin Cartwright is red-shirting the season after tearing her ACL. Knock on wood, but it's a miracle K-Mac is doing well despite her repaired labrum.
I didn't expect greatness from the Wildcats this year. But I did see full-scale improvements being made. With just Cartwright not contributing, Northwestern could still compete. But now with Jaeschke and Marshall out for most, if not all, the non-conference games, this season could be worse than last.
At the risk of hyperbole, Jaeschke's injury is like losing Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. Not because that's how talented she is, but because the offense was geared solely around her. Combs made no secret about this year's gameplan: get the ball to Amy. Her cousin did a nice job filling in initially, but she doesn't have the natural post skills, height, or scoring ability that Amy does.
As a result, we're seeing the same team as always. Guards taking outside shot after outside shot, just chucking it up there without wasting any time off the clock. They look desperate. And that's coming through in Stutz, Bibbs, and Eckhart's inability to either make their shots or find K-Mac or El-Jae down low (does that nickname work? I like it).
Kristin's out all year. Beth and Amy are out till December at least. It's far from ideal, but the losses shouldn't change the gameplan. Replace the missing pieces, don't start a new puzzle. Eckhart needs to manage the game like Beth did, and El-Jae needs to get the ball in the paint like Amy would have. They won't do as well, probably, but it gives you a much better chance than running around without a system.
They're only 1-3 right now. No need to panic...yet. Playing Wednesday in Atlanta vs. Georgia Tech will be tough. But they have to Loyola at home.
But Amy Jaeschke isn't alone on the bench. Actually, it's a little cramped. Northwestern's projected starting point guard, Beth Marshall, is also out 4-6 weeks with a left femoral stress fracture. F/C Julie Bielawski has lower back issues (day-to-day), guard Lakhiyia Hicks is recovering from hip surgery (day-to-day), and of course Kristin Cartwright is red-shirting the season after tearing her ACL. Knock on wood, but it's a miracle K-Mac is doing well despite her repaired labrum.
I didn't expect greatness from the Wildcats this year. But I did see full-scale improvements being made. With just Cartwright not contributing, Northwestern could still compete. But now with Jaeschke and Marshall out for most, if not all, the non-conference games, this season could be worse than last.
At the risk of hyperbole, Jaeschke's injury is like losing Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. Not because that's how talented she is, but because the offense was geared solely around her. Combs made no secret about this year's gameplan: get the ball to Amy. Her cousin did a nice job filling in initially, but she doesn't have the natural post skills, height, or scoring ability that Amy does.
As a result, we're seeing the same team as always. Guards taking outside shot after outside shot, just chucking it up there without wasting any time off the clock. They look desperate. And that's coming through in Stutz, Bibbs, and Eckhart's inability to either make their shots or find K-Mac or El-Jae down low (does that nickname work? I like it).
Kristin's out all year. Beth and Amy are out till December at least. It's far from ideal, but the losses shouldn't change the gameplan. Replace the missing pieces, don't start a new puzzle. Eckhart needs to manage the game like Beth did, and El-Jae needs to get the ball in the paint like Amy would have. They won't do as well, probably, but it gives you a much better chance than running around without a system.
They're only 1-3 right now. No need to panic...yet. Playing Wednesday in Atlanta vs. Georgia Tech will be tough. But they have to Loyola at home.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Heartbreaker
54-53, Depaul. A gut-wrenching loss for an NU team on the road, looking for its first win of the year. Depaul has a ridiculous home record the last couple of years. And the 'Cats almost had them.
Up 53-52 with a little over 45 seconds to go, Northwestern needed to make a stop. A missed shot by Draelon Burns could have done it. But the ball went off Northwestern (although several players insist that it should have been their ball), and with 6.4 seconds left, Burns hit an off-balanced shot to win it for Depaul.
It's hard to continue to take positives from close losses, but through two games, NU has played two quality opponents tough. The 'Cats really struggled on the road last year, so the fact that they had a lead against Depaul with under a minute is definitely encouraging.
And how about Juice? On a day when the football team couldn't handle Illinois' Juice Williams, Depaul's defense couldn't handle NU's Juice Thompson. He racked up 24 points before fouling out with 3 minutes to go. Through two games, Thompson has been playing like a diaper dandy, and NU fans can only hope he continues to get better and Bill Carmody keeps tweaking the offense to capitalize on his strengths.
Now, if only Kevin Coble was playing. The 'Cats would probably be 1-1, if not 2-0. The fact that they have played so well without him can only mean good things when he returns.
Next up: Benedictine. It will be the first time I get to see the 'Cats in person, and it should also be the first win for NU. Let's hope they have put their habit of allowing bad teams to stay in games behind them
Up 53-52 with a little over 45 seconds to go, Northwestern needed to make a stop. A missed shot by Draelon Burns could have done it. But the ball went off Northwestern (although several players insist that it should have been their ball), and with 6.4 seconds left, Burns hit an off-balanced shot to win it for Depaul.
It's hard to continue to take positives from close losses, but through two games, NU has played two quality opponents tough. The 'Cats really struggled on the road last year, so the fact that they had a lead against Depaul with under a minute is definitely encouraging.
And how about Juice? On a day when the football team couldn't handle Illinois' Juice Williams, Depaul's defense couldn't handle NU's Juice Thompson. He racked up 24 points before fouling out with 3 minutes to go. Through two games, Thompson has been playing like a diaper dandy, and NU fans can only hope he continues to get better and Bill Carmody keeps tweaking the offense to capitalize on his strengths.
Now, if only Kevin Coble was playing. The 'Cats would probably be 1-1, if not 2-0. The fact that they have played so well without him can only mean good things when he returns.
Next up: Benedictine. It will be the first time I get to see the 'Cats in person, and it should also be the first win for NU. Let's hope they have put their habit of allowing bad teams to stay in games behind them
Thursday, November 15, 2007
What On Earth Was That?!?
That was not Northwestern basketball. No, it was something much, much better. It was face-paced, high-energy and exciting. No longer was it a stagnant offense with three passes and a shot. Instead, it was Sterling Williams, Craig Moore and Jason Okrzesik flying around the perimeter and cutting to the basket. But at the heart of it all was freshman Michael "Juice" Thompson.
Now, Northwestern was beaten by a better team in Stanford. So let's not get overly excited, because the 'Cats still have a long way to go. But Juice gives this program something it hasn't had in a while: hope.
If the offense can perform like it did tonight on a consistent basis, and then it welcomes back Kevin Coble, it could make some waves in the Big Ten. NU won't be the best, but it won't be the worst, either.
Am I naive in thinking the 'Cats offense can play as well as they did tonight for the rest of the season? Maybe. But here's to hoping.
Now, Northwestern was beaten by a better team in Stanford. So let's not get overly excited, because the 'Cats still have a long way to go. But Juice gives this program something it hasn't had in a while: hope.
If the offense can perform like it did tonight on a consistent basis, and then it welcomes back Kevin Coble, it could make some waves in the Big Ten. NU won't be the best, but it won't be the worst, either.
Am I naive in thinking the 'Cats offense can play as well as they did tonight for the rest of the season? Maybe. But here's to hoping.
Its Gameday
Ahhh...the Northwestern Men's basketball season is hours from tip-off and you can just feel the excitement building around campus. (Note: a portion of the previous sentence is not true). As usual at Northwestern, only a select number of students know that the basketball team opens its season at home tonight against #20 Stanford. And sadly, only a small number of those who know will even attend the game.
Leading into each Northwestern basketball season there are always reasons for optimism. Northwestern basketball fans must have hope because, well without hope, there isn't much left to cling onto. So, here are 3 things to be excited and happy about before your thoughts about this team turn negative after the first loss.
1. THE MIKES: Mike Capocci and Mike "Juice" Thompson enter this season with huge expectations. They come to Northwestern as top recruits and they are expected to make an immediate impact, and should. Coach Carmody has called Capocci the best leaper he has coached at NU and should bring a new dynamic to the offense with his athleticism. Thompson is going to be running the offense from game 1, and his speed, strength, and hustle should allow the 'Cats to employ a faster paced offense.
2. FASTER PACED OFFENSE: In the exhibition game last week against the University of Chicago, the 'Cats scored 84 points. Last year the 'Cats eclipsed that point total once. That was on December 31st against Northwestern State, a game where the 'Cats shot 73% in the first half and 63% for the game. In the game last week against U of C, I had a hunch that there was a change in philosophy for the 'Cats. They were taking advantage of fast break opportunities and taking open shots instead of waiting for the shot clock to click down. This hunch was confirmed on the Sportsvoice last Sunday where Sterling Williams confirmed that the 'Cats were shooting sooner in the shot clock with the support of Coach Carmody. This change in philosophy should lead to a more exciting brand of basketball at Welsh-Ryan this fall.
3. A NEW SEASON FOR CRAIG MOORE AND JASON OKRZESIK: Last season, these two struggled mightily down the stretch. Sure there were games where they made their shots, but for the majority of the second half of the season Moore and Okrzesik struggled both offensively and defensively. The good news is, it’s a new season for these two and a fresh start. The offense will be depending on their 3-point shots this season and it’s important that they knock it down on a consistent basis. During the exhibition against U of C, they appeared confident, motivated, and very intense. Their leadership and play will prove important for this team come Big Ten season.
So get ready ‘Cats fans. This season is sure to have its ups and downs. Hopefully they get off to a good start tonight against Stanford.
Leading into each Northwestern basketball season there are always reasons for optimism. Northwestern basketball fans must have hope because, well without hope, there isn't much left to cling onto. So, here are 3 things to be excited and happy about before your thoughts about this team turn negative after the first loss.
1. THE MIKES: Mike Capocci and Mike "Juice" Thompson enter this season with huge expectations. They come to Northwestern as top recruits and they are expected to make an immediate impact, and should. Coach Carmody has called Capocci the best leaper he has coached at NU and should bring a new dynamic to the offense with his athleticism. Thompson is going to be running the offense from game 1, and his speed, strength, and hustle should allow the 'Cats to employ a faster paced offense.
2. FASTER PACED OFFENSE: In the exhibition game last week against the University of Chicago, the 'Cats scored 84 points. Last year the 'Cats eclipsed that point total once. That was on December 31st against Northwestern State, a game where the 'Cats shot 73% in the first half and 63% for the game. In the game last week against U of C, I had a hunch that there was a change in philosophy for the 'Cats. They were taking advantage of fast break opportunities and taking open shots instead of waiting for the shot clock to click down. This hunch was confirmed on the Sportsvoice last Sunday where Sterling Williams confirmed that the 'Cats were shooting sooner in the shot clock with the support of Coach Carmody. This change in philosophy should lead to a more exciting brand of basketball at Welsh-Ryan this fall.
3. A NEW SEASON FOR CRAIG MOORE AND JASON OKRZESIK: Last season, these two struggled mightily down the stretch. Sure there were games where they made their shots, but for the majority of the second half of the season Moore and Okrzesik struggled both offensively and defensively. The good news is, it’s a new season for these two and a fresh start. The offense will be depending on their 3-point shots this season and it’s important that they knock it down on a consistent basis. During the exhibition against U of C, they appeared confident, motivated, and very intense. Their leadership and play will prove important for this team come Big Ten season.
So get ready ‘Cats fans. This season is sure to have its ups and downs. Hopefully they get off to a good start tonight against Stanford.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tip off just a day away
Welcome to the NU Basketblog, where we hope you will find insight about the men's and women's hoops teams at NU.
Tip-off for the men is just a little over 24 hours away (!!!!), with Northwestern hosting the Stanford Cardinal at Welsh-Ryan arena at 8 pm. Most people who have any familiarity with the team know the storylines heading into the season: no Coble for a while, 3 freshman in the starting lineup, lack of size, etc.
I like to think I have a pulse on the excitement level on campus in regards to NU athletics. Not surprisingly, there is little buzz about this team just a day before the season opener. Those who know anything about the team assume it will be a rough year, and those who know nothing about the team rehash the same, tired (but painfully true) line about the team never making it to the Big Dance.
And why not? What reason has this team given, besides an exhibition victory over sorry neighbor-smart school UChicago, that this year will be any different? Chances are, this team will win more non-conference games than it will lose and will lose (many) more conference games than it will win. So why should already apathetic students and casual fans show up to the game tomorrow when they will probably only be met with heartbreak?
The answer is this: The core of this team right now, in all its youth and inexperience, is exciting. Bill Carmody's Princeton Offense, which with the right talent has proven to be effective, might finally have the tools to work in the Big Ten. Maybe not this year, and maybe not next, but this Northwestern team is going to turn some heads. The light at the end of the tunnel is still too far away to see, but there is at least hope that there is a light, and for Northwestern fans that is great news in and of itself.
It might not be pretty tomorrow (though the team's track record at home indicates that it should be close for a while), but this is a team with a young core that will only continue to grow. Might be worth it when one day NU reaches the Dance to say you were there when the seeds were planted.
Tip-off for the men is just a little over 24 hours away (!!!!), with Northwestern hosting the Stanford Cardinal at Welsh-Ryan arena at 8 pm. Most people who have any familiarity with the team know the storylines heading into the season: no Coble for a while, 3 freshman in the starting lineup, lack of size, etc.
I like to think I have a pulse on the excitement level on campus in regards to NU athletics. Not surprisingly, there is little buzz about this team just a day before the season opener. Those who know anything about the team assume it will be a rough year, and those who know nothing about the team rehash the same, tired (but painfully true) line about the team never making it to the Big Dance.
And why not? What reason has this team given, besides an exhibition victory over sorry neighbor-smart school UChicago, that this year will be any different? Chances are, this team will win more non-conference games than it will lose and will lose (many) more conference games than it will win. So why should already apathetic students and casual fans show up to the game tomorrow when they will probably only be met with heartbreak?
The answer is this: The core of this team right now, in all its youth and inexperience, is exciting. Bill Carmody's Princeton Offense, which with the right talent has proven to be effective, might finally have the tools to work in the Big Ten. Maybe not this year, and maybe not next, but this Northwestern team is going to turn some heads. The light at the end of the tunnel is still too far away to see, but there is at least hope that there is a light, and for Northwestern fans that is great news in and of itself.
It might not be pretty tomorrow (though the team's track record at home indicates that it should be close for a while), but this is a team with a young core that will only continue to grow. Might be worth it when one day NU reaches the Dance to say you were there when the seeds were planted.
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