Northwestern Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Wildcats

Key Reserves

Blake Preston, Forward

Incoming Liberty transfer Blake Preston will likely serve as the Wildcats’ sixth man in his fifth and final year of eligibility. In his 17.3 minutes per game last season, Preston scored 6.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 1.4 apg while shooting an efficient 66% from the field. In his limited playing time, Preston proved to be a solid rebounder and scorer in the paint. While there is a possibility that Preston ends up being a starter this year, it appears more likely that he serves as the team’s sixth man and anchors the second unit.

Nick Martinelli, Forward

Forward Nick Martinelli looks to have an increased role in his sophomore year. Last season saw Martinelli score 2.6 ppg and grab 1.5 rpg, in his 10.1 minutes per game. Although it is a small sample size, Martinelli did show some promise on the offensive end, as he shot 51.2% from the field. If Martinelli can maintain those shooting numbers in an increased role this year, he could become a key piece to Northwestern’s success.

Justin Mullins, Guard

Incoming Denver transfer Justin Mullins looks poised to be a key player on the Wildcats for the next couple of years. Mullins enters his sophomore year looking to build on a freshman season at Denver that saw him put up 9.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, along with 1.5 spg. Additionally, Mullins shot 51.8% from the field, including 36.5% from beyond the arc, both of which are solid numbers for any freshman player. However, Big Ten play will be a step up from the competition Mullins faced in the Summit League, and it remains to be seen how he will be able to transition to the tougher competition. However, Mullins’ efficient play in his first year could be a sign that he is up for the challenge and could make a solid transition to the Big Ten.