We are just days away from Northwestern basketball, and The Daily has you covered. From entrance surveys with reporters to daring predictions, this preview packs a punch. Plus, we have 22 reasons why you should be hyped for tipoff. All that and more, in this 2021-22 men's and women's basketball preview.
Our Predictions| Projection | Men's Basketball Prediction | Projection | Women's Basketball Prediction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Riker | 8-12, 10th in B1G | “I’m trying to manifest another modest step forward for the Cats. There’s good reason to expect a jump up.” | 12-6, 6th in B1G | “Veronica Burton will have herself another strong sea- son, but Pulliam’s absence will be felt.” |
| Isabelle Sarraf | 5-15, 12th in B1G | “These Cats are not the Jellicle Choice” | 12-6, 5th in B1G | “This is a Veronica Burton fan club” |
| Lawrence Price | 7-13, 11th in B1G | “I see the Cats’ winning around this number or a little above, but it could be the last dance for Coach Chris Collins” | 11-7, 5th in B1G | “The losses of Pulliam and Hamilton will be big, but the Veronica Burton led group will still be solid: 5th in conference” |
| Gabriela Carroll | 10-10, 8th in B1G | “Fingers crossed for no more 13 game losing streaks!” | 12-6, 5th in B1G | “The Blizzard’s coming to Chicago in more ways than one." |
| Drew Schott | 9-11, 11th in B1G | “Northwestern increases its win total with a talented roster, but in a difficult Big Ten, the Wildcats rise only slightly towards the middle of the conference. “ | 13-5, 4th in B1G | “Burton and Co. will lead Northwestern to a top-five spot in the conference and possibly, a second straight berth in the NCAA Tournament." |
| Charlotte Varnes | 7-13, 11th in B1G | “The leadership of returners Boo Buie, Chase Audige and Pete Nance might be enough to bump the Wildcats up in the standings from last year’s 12th place finish.” | 12-6, 4th in B1G | “This will be a season of resetting and reloading for the Cats and they’re certainly up to the task.” |
| Joshua Hoffman | 5-15, 12th in B1G | “The young ‘Cats are learning, guided by Nance and Greer, as Collins fights against a tough Big Ten slate.” | 13-5, 5th in B1G | “Lindsey Pulliam graduating is a tough loss for this team, but with NCAA tournament experience on the roster, the Wildcats fight their way toward the top.” |
| Patrick Andres | 8-12, 11th in B1G | “It’s an indictment of the program’s post-2017 free fall that this would be considered progress.” | 10-8, 6th in B1G | “Another March, another tournament for the university’s most reliable revenue team.” |
| Skye Swann | 7-13, 11th in B1G | “Going off of the past two seasons, Northwestern Men’s Basketball is still rebuilding and finding their connection and this will show on the court this season.” | 8-10, 6th in B1G | “Northwestern Women’s basketball will face tough competi- tion from Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, and Indiana during the season that will cause them to drop a few games in the season.” |
