
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 Nick Martinelli across Basketball.

An exploration of the five Northwestern Wildcats teams that have defined eras of triumph, upset and defensive brilliance across decades of college basketball.
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.

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

Forward Nick Martinelli was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 55th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, capping a standout college career that included back‑to‑back Big Ten scoring titles and record‑setting performances for Northwestern.

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.

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

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.

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.

Markus Burton, a top‑ranked transfer, is expected to lead Indiana basketball in scoring and assists in the 2026‑27 season. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Burton aims to push for the Big Ten scoring lead and average at least 4.5 assists per game. His arrival, along with other key transfers, positions Indiana for a successful season.

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 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.

UCLA’s 2025‑26 basketball outlook hinges on a revamped roster and a challenging Big Ten schedule, with key transfers and projected matchups shaping the narrative.
Former Purdue basketball star Trey Kaufman‑Renn is working to translate his collegiate achievements into an NBA draft prospect, drawing praise from Nick Martinelli and projecting as a second‑round pick.
Despite a lingering ankle issue that limited his combine scrimmages, Kaufman-Renn’s strong performances at the Portsmouth Invitational and a G League showcase have positioned him as a projected second-round pick, as he continues to refine his game in Los Angeles.

Arkansas’ fifth‑year forward Trevon Brazile impressed in Chicago, while projected top‑10 pick Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas and defensive standout Billy Richmond each added notable performances at the NBA Draft Combine.
At the NBA Draft Combine, Braden Smith impressed with his skill set, ranking high in multiple drills and drawing praise for his basketball IQ, positioning him as a potential second‑round pick.

Nearly 80 hopefuls gather in Chicago, including several Illinois-linked players, as they vie for a limited number of draft slots.

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.

An inside look at the 2025‑26 Bowman Basketball Mega Box, from the first pack’s Toumani Camara parallel to the standout rookie cards that made the hunt worthwhile.

Tyler Tanner, a Vanderbilt guard, is participating in the NBA Combine, where his physical metrics and season statistics are drawing attention as he aims to improve his draft stock while maintaining college eligibility.