Since his hire in 2013, Northwestern head coach Chris Collins has proven to be a magnificent leader for the Wildcats basketball program. Leading the men’s team to three NCAA tournament appearances, as well as three consecutive winning seasons, he’s done plenty to make them competitive. This is in no small part due to Northwestern becoming one of the more physical teams in the Big Ten.<\/p>\n
Nothing has been perfect though, and their hopes of reaching the NCAA tournament for a third-straight season weren’t answered. Due to a plethora of injuries, the Wildcats wrapped up their 2024-25 campaign with a 17-16 record. Adding insult to injury, the heart and soul of Northwestern Basketball –2023-24 All-Big Ten selection Brooks Barnhizer<\/a> –is gone. Now, they must find others who can help 2024-25 All-Big Ten selection Nick Martinelli<\/a> get them back to the top half of the Big Ten.<\/p>\n Let’s look at Northwestern basketball for 2025-26, as it’s a put up or shut up season for Collins.<\/p>\n Following the graduations of Ty Berry<\/a>, Keenan Fitzmorris<\/a>, and Matthew Nicholson<\/a>, the Wildcats have to really work on their frontcourt.\u00a0 The best news for the Wildcats is that Martinelli is back to build off his all-conference season. However, Collins was able to use the NCAA transfer portal to add three new faces.<\/p>\n 6-foot-11 and 245-pound junior Arrinten Page<\/a> transfers in from Cincinnati. Sure, his trey-ball doesn’t quite say much with 25 total attempts in 58 career games. Still, Page is a career 36.0 percent 3-point shooter with a gigantic frame and a chance to contribute right away to Northwestern. With that being said, Holy Cross guard Max Green<\/a> has a good shot at filling the hole left by Berry. To that point, the 2025 Patriot Rookie of the Year shot 38.0 percent from deep last season. The final transfer is junior point guard Jayden Reid<\/a>, an important contributor for South Florida. Thus far in his collegiate career, the 5-foot-10 floor general is averaging 9.6 points, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 39.1 percent from 3.<\/p>\n Some 3 on 3 highlights for your afternoon enjoyment \ud83c\udfc0 pic.twitter.com\/W6DPi71B2P<\/a><\/p>\n — Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) July 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nNorthwestern Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Put Up Or Shut Up<\/h2>\n
Roster Outlook<\/h3>\n
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