Back-to-back NCAA Tournaments for Northwestern?

Northwestern coach Chris Collins orchestrated a remarkable turnaround last season, leading his team on an unexpected NCAA Tournament run. Now, the Wildcats are determined to build on that success and avoid a repeat of their previous setbacks.

“We have to remain hungry and pursue accomplishments with this team,” said Collins, who boasts a 156-162 record in his 11th season. “We have a mix of returning players who have evolved since last year, as well as six talented new additions. It’s important for them to remember the dedication and hard work required to win at this level.”

Led by standout guard Boo Buie, Northwestern’s roster retains four of their top six scorers from their surprising NCAA appearance. Last season, the Wildcats secured a 22-12 record and finished second in the Big Ten at 12-8. Although their tournament journey ended with a loss to UCLA, Collins received Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and a contract extension through 2028.

This will mark Northwestern’s second-ever NCAA appearance, with the first occurring in 2017. After that, the team experienced five consecutive losing seasons which they hope to avoid this time around, starting with their opener against Binghamton on Nov. 6.

Buie opted to return for a fifth season after considering the NBA draft. He was named first-team All-Big Ten after averaging 17.3 points and 4.5 assists. Northwestern will miss guard Chase Audige and forward Robbie Beran, who made significant contributions but transferred to other schools. However, the team hopes that transfers Ryan Langborg (guard), Blake Preston (forward), and Justin Mullins (guard) will help fill the rotation.

Langborg, a guard, previously played at Princeton and proved his skills by averaging 12.7 points, contributing to the team’s advancement to the Sweet 16 for the first time in over five decades. Preston, who played four years at Liberty, recorded averages of 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in his final season. Mullins, an Illinois native, displayed his abilities during his single season at Denver, averaging 9.8 points and 1.5 steals.

One key difference from the last time Northwestern aimed to secure consecutive NCAA appearances is the location of their home games. Previously, they played at Allstate Arena in suburban Rosemont while Welsh-Ryan Arena underwent renovations. However, this season, they will be playing home games on their own campus, creating an exciting atmosphere.

“I believe it will be crucial,” emphasized Collins. “Winning is incredibly challenging, and having a strong home court advantage is vital. Last year, we witnessed the development of a formidable home court advantage, and it will be just as important this season.”

Northwestern faces a tough challenge in their conference opener when they host the reigning AP national player of the year, Zach Edey, and the No. 3 ranked Purdue on December 1. One of their notable victories last season was defeating Purdue at home when they held the top-ranked position in February.

The Wildcats’ schedule also includes a home game against Dayton on November 10, competing in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament against Mississippi State or Washington State on November 19, and a match against Arizona State in Phoenix on December 20.