
Northwestern’s Greatest Basketball Teams: A Historical Ranking
An exploration of the five Northwestern Wildcats teams that have defined eras of triumph, upset and defensive brilliance across decades of college basketball.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chris Collins across Basketball, Football, Hockey.

An exploration of the five Northwestern Wildcats teams that have defined eras of triumph, upset and defensive brilliance across decades of college basketball.
Over nearly 60 years, Section V hockey has cultivated legendary teams and standout athletes, making it a fertile ground for talent that reaches the NCAA and professional ranks.

Selected 55th overall, Martinelli brings a 23‑point average and a reputation for work ethic to a Clippers roster eyeing a playoff push.

A 15‑19 record and a second straight NCAA Tournament miss have set the stage for a roster overhaul at Northwestern, where Coach Chris Collins looks to new talent to revive the program.

Brian James, a pillar of Northwestern basketball, steps away after five decades of coaching, reflecting on a journey from high school sidelines to the NBA and the creation of iconic moments.

After five decades spent on sidelines from Illinois high schools to the NBA, Brian James has retired, leaving behind a legacy of tournament breakthroughs, player development and iconic plays that defined a generation of Wildcats.

Brian James, a 50‑year veteran of basketball coaching, announced his retirement from Northwestern University’s men’s basketball program, ending a distinguished career that spanned high school, college and professional levels while shaping generations of players and coaches.

Freshman Elijah Eschmeyer joins Northwestern's men's basketball team, inheriting a family dynasty that spans decades and a jersey steeped in history.

Princeton University announces Ross Brenner as its new Director of Operations for the men's basketball program, highlighting a career that spans video coordination, graduate assistance, and club coaching.

Northwestern’s revamped roster mixes three returning players with eight transfers, two freshmen and a walk‑on, creating a season that could swing from an NCAA Tournament bid to the bottom of the Big Ten standings.

Northwestern’s men’s basketball program is reshaping its roster with eight incoming transfers, two freshmen and a walk‑on, targeting a balanced ceiling and floor as it seeks a bubble spot in the expanded NCAA field.

Colin Smith, a graduate transfer wing, is expected to strengthen Northwestern’s defense and spacing, offering a versatile skill set that aligns with the team's strategic goals.

The University of Florida has revealed the compensation structure for its football coaching staff, highlighting three‑year contracts for coordinators and two‑year agreements for the remainder of the assistants, with a total salary pool exceeding $11 million annually.
The university announced a series of salary agreements that could see coordinators earn up to $2.3 million by 2028, and a wave of player transfers follows Faulkner’s arrival.

Coach Chris Collins is reshaping the Northwestern Wildcats roster after a disappointing 2025‑26 campaign, bringing in six transfer commits while only three seniors return.

Northwestern University announced the addition of Ryan Soulis, a 6‑foot‑10 forward with Ivy League defensive accolades and global experience, to its men's basketball roster for the 2026‑27 season.
Jayden Reid's decision to transfer to Memphis highlights the program's appeal under coach Penny Hardaway, emphasizing energy, grit, and a fast‑paced style of play.

The Wildcats will field a young, reshaped squad with seven transfers, a single senior and a mix of shooting talent and defensive questions as they enter the Big Ten.

After losing nine eligible players, Northwestern’s men’s basketball program is turning to elite high school recruits Derek Daniels and Jeremiah Profit, while also securing Jayden Hodge, to restore competitiveness.

After losing nine scholarship players, Northwestern is pinning its hopes on a trio of fresh recruits — Jayden Hodge, Symon Ghai and Elijah Eschmeyer — to restore competitiveness while navigating the uncertainties of early‑year minutes.

Ryan Soulis, a sophomore forward from Athens, Greece, has pledged to Northwestern’s men’s basketball program, joining a wave of international transfers that includes Okku Federiko, Luke McEldon and Aleksej Kostić.

The Big Ten has released Illinois' conference opponents for the 2026‑27 season, revealing a schedule that balances challenging road trips with a host of winnable home games. With five returning Final Four players and new additions, the Illini hope to build on recent success.

The Big Ten has released its 2026‑27 conference slate, spotlighting a tough West Coast road trip for the Michigan Wolverines and a home schedule that avoids several elite opponents.

The Big Ten released its 2026‑27 men’s basketball schedule, spotlighting Michigan's challenging road swing to UCLA and USC, a strong home slate against elite opponents, and a home‑and‑home series with Minnesota that includes two former Wolverines.