Big Ten Basketball: Biggest storylines for each team entering 2024-25 season

Northwestern Wildcats: Adjusting to life without Boo Buie

Boo Buie: a Northwestern legend. The school's all-time leader in points scored, who took the Wildcats to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, made a lasting, irreplaceable impact on the program.

Who will take his place in the backcourt? 

Jalen Leach, who averaged 16.2 PPG at Farifleid on nearly 50% shooting from the field, is a prime candidate. Although Leach isn’t the clear-cut point guard like Buie, the 2023-2024 MAAC First-Team selectee is versatile, athletic and brings much-needed scoring pop in transition on an offense that likes to move slower regarding possessions per game.

In addition to Leach, the Wildcats return a solid core from last year’s NCAA Tournament group in Ty Berry, Brooks Barnhizer, Nick Martinelli and Matthew Nicholson, which will keep them, at the very least, competitive in the Big Ten, even as they adjust to life without Boo Buie.