Northwestern Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Wildcats
Key reserves
Isiah Brown
Brown was a key reserve as a freshman and should step into the sixth man role as a sophomore. The 6’2’’ guard brings a scoring punch off the bench (6.3 ppg in 14.8 mpg), but he will have to improve his lackluster efficiency (33.2% FG, 28.4% 3P). Brown is an important long-term piece for Northwestern and should see playing time at both guard spots.
Gavin Skelly
Skelly is a senior big man who should be the first frontcourt player off the bench for the second straight year. He averaged 5.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 1.2 bpg last season, but his hustle plays made the biggest impact. Skelly earned his role through energy and aggressiveness and these skills will ensure a consistent spot in the rotation.
Barret Benson
Benson showed some flashes as a freshman and averaged 2 ppg and 1.6 rpg in just 8 minutes per game. Benson is the biggest player on the roster (6’10’’) and has good mobility and athleticism for his size. The sophomore center has immense upside, especially as a rim protector, and should see more consistent minutes this season. It will be interesting to see how often Northwestern goes big with Benson and Pardon or Benson and Skelly as the frontcourt pairing.
Anthony Gaines
Gaines is the lone incoming freshman for Northwestern. The 6’4’’ wing has a chance to earn a role as a backup wing due to his college-ready frame and defensive ability. Gaines can be described as a power wing who likes to attack the basket and draw contact. Expect 8-10 minutes per game for the freshman.
Jordan Ash
Ash barely played as a sophomore (3.8mpg), but he will try to crack the rotation as an upperclassman. The odds are against the 6’3’’ guard unless Northwestern gets hit with multiple injuries.
Rapolas Ivanauskas
Ivanauskas missed all of last season with an injury, but if healthy, he should provide some shooting off the bench. The 6’9’’ stretch four will have an uphill battle for playing time, but his skill set could allow him to earn situational minutes.