Northwestern Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Wildcats
Starters
Bryant McIntosh
McIntosh has had a fantastic career at Northwestern, averaging double-figure points in each of his three seasons. He led the team in scoring and assists last year at 14.8 and 5.2 respectively and his 5.2apg led the Big Ten. Clearly, McIntosh has an enormous role in the offense and his play is a major reason why Northwestern finally got over the NCAA Tournament hump. The 6’3″ senior excels in the pick-and-roll, where he can pull up in the mid-range, finish at the rim, or find an open teammate. Expect similar production from McIntosh this season and First Team All-Big Ten honors could be within reach for the talented lead guard.
Scottie Lindsey
Lindsey had a break-out 2016-17 season where he earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors and established himself as one of the nation’s most improved players. He was a role player during his first two seasons, but made a huge junior year jump to become a major offensive piece. Lindsey’s scoring average skyrocketed from 6.4 to 14.1 ppg, which was second on the team. The 6’5’’ wing is a long, athletic, shot-maker who can also defend at a high level. Lindsey shot 32.2% from three on 58 makes, but that percentage should increase this season as he will be more familiar with his prominent role. He should continue to play at a high level as a senior and could earn some looks from NBA scouts due to his 3-and-D potential.
Vic Law
Like Lindsey, Law also had a breakout season in 2016-17. Law missed his entire sophomore season with an injury, but returned as an even better player, averaging 12.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg. The 6’7’’ wing should definitely be on the NBA radar since he is an excellent athlete and a reliable outside shooter. He shot 39.9% from three with 59 makes and can finish above the rim with ease. Even though Law is only a junior, another strong season could lead him to the NBA Draft due to his mix of physical gifts with an excellent shooting stroke.
Aaron Falzon
Like Law, Falzon also missed his sophomore season due to injury. Falzon started as a freshman and immediately made a strong impression, averaging 8.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg. He is a prototypical stretch four who spends most of his time spacing the floor out to the 3-point line. The 6’8’’ forward hit 63 threes at a 35.4% clip and his shooting will open driving lanes for McIntosh and Lindsey. If Falzon is healthy, he will average double figures and provide significant value as a floor spacer.
Dererk Pardon
Pardon is a powerful big man who brings some much-needed physical play to Northwestern’s frontcourt. The 6’8’’ lefty averaged 8.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 1.9 bpg (4th in the Big Ten) and shot an impressive 61% from the field. Pardon does most of his damage around the basket off put-backs and jump hooks where he uses his strength to fight through contact and to create space. His biggest impact comes from being a rebounding and rim-protecting presence. Expect Pardon to have a similar impact as a junior.