Northwestern Starters
22 Michael Thompson G 5-10 Jr. Chicago, Ill.
Michael "Juice" Thompson has become the vocal leader of the 2009-2010
Wildcats. After leading the team in assists the past two seasons and
averaging 9.9ppg as a sophomore, look for Juice to dish it out left
and right and hit those deep 3's after shooting a team best 41.7% for
long range last year. The Wildcats seem to be rather thin at PG, so
expect to see Juice out there for much of the game, unless he gets
into foul trouble playing the bottom of the 1-3-1 zone. Juice is one
of the better point guards in the league, and with more weapons than
ever and an experienced team running the Princeton offense, expect for
Juice to rack up the assists.
1 Drew Crawford G/F 6-5 Fr. Naperville, Ill.
The lone newcomer in the starting five, Drew Crawford already has a
lot to live up to. Basketball analyst Joe Henricksen went so far as to
say, "He is without question the best Northwestern recruit in
Carmody's years in Evanston." After finishing the season at Naperville
High School in the running for Illinois' Mr Basketball, Crawfords high
flying attack will definitely be a breath of fresh air to Northwestern
Basketball fans. And if Carmondy's assessment is correct, "He's sort
of the guy who can fill it up. He's a pretty decent all-around player.
He has a big upside. I don't know if he knows how good he can get," we
could all be in for something special.
24 John Shurna F 6-8 So. Glen Ellyn, Ill.
After starting all 31 games as a freshmen for Northwestern in
2008-2009, John Shurna took his summer vacation seriously and
participated in the FIBA U19 World Championships, eventually helping
them to a gold medal which he can add to the trophy rack with his
Illinois 4A High School Slam Dunk Title. Despite playing with a broken
wrist for much of last year, Shurna still contributed 7.3ppg and has
shown increased confidence so far in practice this year. Look for him
to contribute significantly and build off a strong freshman campaign.
44 Kevin Coble F 6-8 Sr. Scottsdale, Ariz.
Coming off a season in which he averaged 15.5ppg and 4.8rpg and was a
consensus second team All-Big 10 selection, Coble is as explosive a
scorer as they get in the Big Ten. He has recorded the two highest
scoring games in the Big Ten during the past two seasons (scoring 37
and 31 respectively). Coble has lead Northwestern in scoring and
rebounding in each of his 3 seasons and there is no doubt that he
could easily do it again. He is easily one of the better players
Northwestern has ever had and could finish in the Top-3 all time in
scoring. Though there seem to be a host of players in the league that
play the same position, look for Coble to post an All-Big Ten caliber
season and score points in bunches.
12 Luka Mirkovic F/C 6-11 So. Belgrade, Serbia
Mirkovic started only 2 games last season but played close to 19
minutes a game and averaged 3.9ppg. Highly recruited out of high
school, Mirkovic chose Northwestern over offers from Louisville and
Marquette and with another year of learning the Princeton offense, we
should be able to contribute strongly. A big man with range, Mirkovic
can hit the three and should create matchup problems for any center he
faces.
Northwestern Reserves
54 Kyle Rowley C 7-0 So. Arima, Trinidad
Started 28 games last season as a true freshman. Rowley is a dominating
presence inside with a mammoth frame down low. Rowley also played plenty
of basketball this summer as he joined the Trinidad and Tobago's national
team as their youngest member.
23 Jeremy Nash G 6-4 Sr. Chicago, Ill.
Was the 6th man of the 2008-2009 Wildcats and provided a strong boost
on both ends of the court. Look for him to establish himself as a
premier defender in the Big Ten and stifle opposing teams at the top
of the 1-3-1.
15 Nick Fruendt G/F 6-5 So. Batavia, Ill.
A sharpshooter who struggled to find playing time because of now
graduated SG Craig Moore, look for him to grab some minutes and knock
in a few from downtown.
4 Alex Marcotullio G 6-3 Fr. Warren, Mich.
A sharpshooter, with deep range, who, if he learns the system, could
contribute with some quick scoring.
5 Jeff Ryan G/F 6-6 Sr. Glenview, Ill.
Ryan saw action in 28 games last season and played strong defense in a
backup role. Will likely get playing time as a backup as he can fit in
4 of the slots in the offense.
21 Ivan Peljusic F 6-8 Jr. Zadar, Croatia
A Croatian import, Peljusic has seen his role fluctuate but still
appeared in 26 games last season. Peljusic is an energy guy who has
been known to energize the crowd and is pretty athletic.
3 Mike Capocci F 6-6 Jr. Lombard, Ill.
An athletic, high flying specialist, he has found a hard time finding
minutes but could provide a boost off the bench.
30 Davide Curletti F 6-9 So. Farmington Hills, Mich.
A post player who will see action primarily at center and will get a
decent amount of playing time throughout the year.
33 Matt Steger G/F 6-5 Sr. Northfield, Ill.
A walk-on who has been hit hard by injuries. Should see playing time sparingly.
11 Reggie Hearn G 6-3 Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind.
A new walk-on who led his team to an Indiana 4A state runner-up finish
during his senior year