Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2020 recruiting classes

Northwestern Wildcats: No.13 Big Ten, No. 80 Nation

Matt Nicholson 6’10 / 215 C:

Listed as 6’10, but if you go by the public announcer at the Clarkston High School games, the three-star center is 7’1. Either way, the Missouri native’s scouting report is similar to many seven or close to seven-footers. Nicholson blocked a lot of shots in high school, while at times he seemed vulnerable to being pushed out of position on rebounds.

He never actually had to demonstrate outside range, for it was virtually impossible for high school kids to prevent him from turning and scoring in the paint. He will have to adjust to tougher competition in the Big Ten, for if he gets caught on a switch in a pick’n’roll he will not be able to defend on the perimeter.

Ty Berry 6’2 / 170 CG: 

The three-star combo guard does indeed combine skills of both backcourt positions, his size, however, may force coach Chris Collins to play him as a point guard. As the primary ballhandler, Berry is able to take his defender off the dribble to get to the basket, and in true point guard form looks to make a pass coming off the screen.

In December versus No.16 Gonzaga High School, Berry demonstrated his ability to make shots from beyond the arc, whether left alone or with a defender closing out. Without a doubt a great addition to the Wildcats’ backcourt.