Thursday, April 16, 2009

2010 Preview: Northwestern

After taking a look at the Iowa yesterday, let's go to the Chicago area to preview next year's Northwestern Wildcats.
Key Returnees: F Kevin Coble, F John Shurna, G Michael Thompson
Key Departures: G Craig Moore
Recruits: G Drew Crawford (Naperville, IL), G Alex Marcotullio (Warren, MI)
Biggest Need: Center
2010 Outlook: To many, Northwestern probably exceeded expectations last year, going 17-14 and making the NIT. Remember, this same group went 1-17 in the Big Ten the previous year. But this year, they were very competitive in nearly every conference game and even managed to go to East Lansing and beat Michigan State on their home floor.


The question for Northwestern next year will be if they can maintain their success. They've got necessary pieces back to do it, including second team all-Big Ten selection Kevin Coble (left). He was the Wildcats' leading scorer at 15.5 ppg and expect that number to stay the same or even rise next year. Coble's versatility at the forward spot causes mismatch problems for many teams, due to his ability to play inside and out. Also returning are sophomore point guard Michael "Juice" Thompson and Coble-like forward John Shurna. Thompson was a spark for the Wildcat offense and proved himself capable of running Bill Carmody's team.

The knock on Northwestern has always been their lack of a big man; however, they seem to have found one in massive freshman Kyle Rowley (7'0", 280 lbs.). Though still very new to basketball, Rowley is a project-type center that not many teams in the Big Ten can match up with. He only averaged 13 minutes per game this year, but with one full season under his belt, expect him to make huge strides next season and be the immovable object in the paint.

The departure of sharpshooter Craig Moore certainly hurts Northwestern. When the Wildcats needed a big three, Moore was the go-to guy. However, Northwestern fans feel they have a capable replacement in the wings in freshman guard Drew Crawford of Naperville, who is drawing early comparisons to Moore. Don't be surprised to see him in the starting lineup next year.

Next Up: Indiana Hoosiers

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