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Northwestern Wildcats (Last Year: 20-14, 7-11 in Big Ten)
2010-11 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Luka Mirkovic (Jr)/Davide Curletti (Sr)
F: John Shurna (Jr)/Ivan Peljusic (Sr)
F: Jeff Ryan (Sr)/Mike Capocci (Sr)
SG: Drew Crawford (So)/Jershon Cobb (Fr)/Reggie Hearn (So)/Nick Fruendt (So)
PG: Juice Thompson (Sr)/Alex Marcotullio (So)
Gone: F-Kevin Coble, SG-Jeremy Nash, C-Kyle Rowley (transfer-St. Mary’s)
2010-11 Outlook:
Last year, it was a season-ending injury to Kevin Coble that hurt the Wildcats’ chances of making their first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. This year, it was Coble’s decision to graduate early and not return for a medical redshirt season that will likely cost Northwestern an invitation to the Dance.
With Coble sidelined, John Shurna stepped up by more than doubling his scoring and rebounding output from his freshman season. Juice Thompson continued to evolve as a college point guard, improving his decision-making while still being a threat from the outside. Meanwhile, Drew Crawford became the first Wildcat to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.
All three players return and figure to play a big role in what Northwestern will try to do this season. Senior Jeff Ryan is back from a knee injury that cost him all but one game last season and should replace Jeremy Nash’s production on the wing. Luke Mirkovic showed solid progress in his second season and will be counted on to provide an inside presence for the Wildcats while also using his ability to step out and knock down jump shots.
The Wildcats were not a very deep team last season but return most of their key bench contributors except for stiff 7-footer Kyle Rowley who decided to transfer. Northwestern does add talented freshman shooting guard Jershon Cobb who should see playing time from the get-go.
This team is close… very close. If things fall into place and their Princeton-style offense causes opponents headaches, they may finally get over the hump. In order to do so, the Wildcats must be a better team on the boards and not get swallowed up by the major players at the top of the Big Ten. The hope is still alive that this will finally be the year.
Player to Watch: Drew Crawford, G/F
Shurna and Thompson are the “stars” of the Wildcats, but Crawford’s second season in Evanston could ultimately decide the fate of this team. Crawford will need to build off a successful freshman campaign and also solidify what the backcourt will miss from the graduation of Jeremy Nash.
Key Non-Conference Games:
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2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
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NFL Picks - Feb. 12
