Key Losses:
Nathan Taphorn (47% 3 point shooter)
Sanjay Lumpkin
Key Additions:
Anthony Gaines (SF)
Prognosis:
Northwestern just made history, the next question is whether it was a high water mark or just another step in the ascension of the program. The interesting note on their personnel losses is that they were the two most efficient offensive players on the team. On the other hand, they only used 15% (Taphorn) and 10% (Lumpkin) of the team's possessions when on the court. Gaines will add an athletic perimeter player with the willingness and ability to defend at a high level and also remain on the attack both in transition and the half court. He'll add perimeter depth, but will likely not replace much of the outside shooting lost when Taphorn leaves.
I expect Northwestern will seem pretty similar, given that they only lose 40 minutes per game. I think the losses of efficient play in smaller doses will likely be offset by improvements of other key players (McIntosh, Law, Lindsey, Pardon). When McIntosh plays well and is efficient, the Wildcats can hang with anyone. However, when he struggles, they end up with a lot of empty possessions and struggle to score with better teams. He was seemingly hot and cold this past year, and I expect him to take steps to improve his consistency and remain on the higher end of his productivity throughout '17-18. His running mates, Law and Lindsey, will also take small steps forward giving him better options to defer to on nights he struggles. I expect them to be in contention for a double bye in the BTT, but ultimately come up short again, ending up with either the 5, 6 or 7 seed. Look for this team to again be comfortably in the NCAA field, with a winnable 1st round game (7-10 seed) and an exit before the Sweet 16.
Nathan Taphorn (47% 3 point shooter)
Sanjay Lumpkin
Key Additions:
Anthony Gaines (SF)
Prognosis:
Northwestern just made history, the next question is whether it was a high water mark or just another step in the ascension of the program. The interesting note on their personnel losses is that they were the two most efficient offensive players on the team. On the other hand, they only used 15% (Taphorn) and 10% (Lumpkin) of the team's possessions when on the court. Gaines will add an athletic perimeter player with the willingness and ability to defend at a high level and also remain on the attack both in transition and the half court. He'll add perimeter depth, but will likely not replace much of the outside shooting lost when Taphorn leaves.
I expect Northwestern will seem pretty similar, given that they only lose 40 minutes per game. I think the losses of efficient play in smaller doses will likely be offset by improvements of other key players (McIntosh, Law, Lindsey, Pardon). When McIntosh plays well and is efficient, the Wildcats can hang with anyone. However, when he struggles, they end up with a lot of empty possessions and struggle to score with better teams. He was seemingly hot and cold this past year, and I expect him to take steps to improve his consistency and remain on the higher end of his productivity throughout '17-18. His running mates, Law and Lindsey, will also take small steps forward giving him better options to defer to on nights he struggles. I expect them to be in contention for a double bye in the BTT, but ultimately come up short again, ending up with either the 5, 6 or 7 seed. Look for this team to again be comfortably in the NCAA field, with a winnable 1st round game (7-10 seed) and an exit before the Sweet 16.
