I haven't watched much big ten basketball this year outside of the big 4...Other than Shurna, is Northwestern actually any good?

Juice Thompson is generally very good.

I haven't watched much big ten basketball this year outside of the big 4...Other than Shurna, is Northwestern actually any good?

 

They are better than their records indicates. Lots of injuries this year really screwed them. The loss of Coble in the off season didn't help.

I haven't watched much big ten basketball this year outside of the big 4...Other than Shurna, is Northwestern actually any good?

 

Thompson has actually been their best player most of the year, Craft is giving him fits though. Shurna has been off most of conference play struggling with a high ankle sprain. He'd light up the lesser teams and not do much against the good teams that are more physical defensively. Crawford is up and down, he can make an impact if he's aggressive but often settles for 3's (and his stroke has been off of late) and challenged mid-range jumpers.

Edited March 11, 201115 yr by ZoomSlowik

I haven't watched much big ten basketball this year outside of the big 4...Other than Shurna, is Northwestern actually any good?

 

Every year I root for them to do something. I don't know why, I just do. It really stunk when their top scorer left before the season even started.

They are better than their records indicates. Lots of injuries this year really screwed them. The loss of Coble in the off season didn't help.

Coble probably puts them squarely in the tournament discussion.

Maybe, but I think we all know Illinois is not actually a tournament quality team. And I am not sure they will make it in. Using ESPN's bubble watch as a guide, there's like 10 spots for 14 bubble teams (unless I miscounted). I can easily come up with 10 bubble teams I'd take over Illinois:

Utah St, UAB, Georgia, BC, Saint Mary's, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Colorado, Nebraska, Alabama

 

And there's probably more (Michigan...maybe USC....probably some mid-majors with lousy RPIs but who have actually won a bunch of games which Illinois did not). The expansion of the field helps Illinois a lot, but I think until you know if there are any upsets for the automatic bids, it's really hard to say. I don't think Illinois is in now and I don't think beating Michigan moves them to safely in. In fact, unless they beat tOSU they should be sweating.

 

LOL. Man, a half day late on this, but wow. The legitimacy of your opinions in this thread is now at a zero. Did someone at Illinois steal a girlfriend of yours? Maybe kill your dog ? What's with the crazy hate?

I knew they lost Coble in the off season and just haven't paid much attention - I assumed this game wouldn't even be close.

Ah yes 5 seconds of game, ticky tack foul, commercial.

Meanwhile, UNC is down by 11 with about 11 minutes to play.

 

I can't believe (well, actually yes I can) Dickie V was actually saying they had a shot at a #1 if they won this tournament. THEY AREN"T THAT GOOD!

Coble would have helped, but I personally question how much. While they clearly could have used his scoring ability, especially in some of those games where Shurna couldn't get a shot off and Crawford was barely there, he doesn't help their main issues with defense and rebounding. Several of their losses were by wide margins, the only close ones were the two MSU games and OSU. Obviously that last one would be a huge resume builder, it's a different game though so who knows. A legit big man like Mbakwe would really make them dangerous, but it's been a while since NU had a real big man (I don't mean combo forwards like Shurna, Coble and Vukusic).

That is not a charge, Jesus.

Curletti with the flop. Gotta love the Euro influence.

WTF.

Diebler is ice cold.

 

It will be nice to get away from big ten refs for awhile.

Lol a three after the shot clock expires, allowed.

Didn't think he got that 3 off in time. Should of been reviewed at least.

Didn't think he got that 3 off in time. Should of been reviewed at least.

Twice they got it wrong and twice not reviewed.

Drew Crawford, can you play worse in those last few mins?

Game should be over. Gay.

Tar heels in trouble

Drew Crawford, can you play worse in those last few mins?

 

He's been incredibly annoying this year. He's probably NU's most talented player but keeps finding ways to not make an impact.

Didn't think he got that 3 off in time. Should of been reviewed at least.

 

I think you can only review that when it's at the end of the half/game

Tar heels in trouble

 

Lead down to 4. They just hit 4 straight 3's in less than 2 minutes.

Tar heels in trouble

 

They were down by 17. They cut it down to 1 before Miami just went back up by 3. Meanwhile, Xavier fell behind 21-3 to start their game and have tied it up late in the 2nd half. Crazy stuff going on.

NW making it easy for Sullinger to get the ball. May want to try fronting.