
Illinois State to Host Northwestern in Exhibition Opener at CEFCU Arena
The Redbirds will open their season with a much‑anticipated exhibition game against Northwestern on October 18, featuring returning scorers and new portal talent.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning LA Pratt across Basketball.

The Redbirds will open their season with a much‑anticipated exhibition game against Northwestern on October 18, featuring returning scorers and new portal talent.

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.
Brandin Cummings, a 2,000‑point high school scorer, has transferred to Memphis, where Coach Penny Hardaway sees him as a cornerstone for a resurgence of Tigers basketball.

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.

After a challenging season, Northeastern appoints rising senior guard Mike Loughnane as team captain, entrusting him with revitalizing the Huskies under Coach Bill Coen.

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.

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.