by Kevin Trahan (@k_trahan)
Facilities Plans Going Slowly
After an update from PurpleWildcats.com's Chris Emma earlier this month on what Northwestern's new facilities plan could entail, the Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein wrote on Saturday that things are going slowly, which seems to be NU's protocol these days when it comes to athletic facilities.
Greenstein spoke to William Osborn, the chair of the Board of Trustees, who insisted that NU wanted to "do it right," and that the timetable for a decision on the master plan is up in the air. However, it will likely include a lakefront facility with a view of the Chicago skyline, as Emma reported earlier in July, a renovation of Ryan Field and a renovation of Welsh-Ryan Arena (or a completely new facility). Here's more from Osborn:
"The biggest issue is that we have limited space (on campus), and we want the aesthetics to look good, too. I know people are anxious, but we have a philosophy: To do these things right, it takes time."
Greenstein said the final cost will likely be between $250 million and $300 million.
Confident Carmody
When Bill Carmody met with reporters a couple weeks ago following a summer practice, he noted that his program was "clearly" on the upswing, pointing to some solid new additions and wins in recruiting and carrying a swagger he hasn't typically shown as NU's coach. Carmody shared those sentiments again on Friday with Andy Katz, who recognized the coach's optimism. This quote from Carmody is the most telling of his new outlook:
"It's going to happen,'' Carmody said. "The level of talent is up and better than it's been. We're shooting to make it this year, but I think we're solid for the next three or four years.''
Katz discusses the NCAA Tournament struggle and NU's prospects for this season, as well as last year's what-ifs. Carmody, however, seems focused on the future, and even told Katz, "I feel so much better." Check out the article for some more great quotes from Carmody.
In Case You Missed It
Kyle Prater's high school coach is "cautiously optimistic" the former Proviso West standout will receive an NCAA waiver and be able to play this season, writes PurpleWildcats.com's Chris Emma.
Our own Jonah Rosenblum had a great column on Friday on the progress NU basketball has made in the Bill Carmody era.
Chris Johnson and Kevin Trahan discuss which NU football position group will be the team's strongest this season.
We're counting down NU's 10 most important players this season. Check out No. 10 and No. 9 and stay tuned for the rest of the list in the next two weeks.