Northwestern basketball had its first media availability of the season, so it was a chance for us to talk to the team for the first time. We'll have some longer features coming before next week's media day, but here are some quick notes as the season gets started.
- Johnnie Vassar said that he brings defense and athleticism to the team. He also said Chris Collins and the guards have been working a lot on the pick-and-roll. It's something Collins wants to be able to do more of.
- Collins said that NU has to be able to get into transition this year.
- Collins: "When you look at our scoring, it's amazing we won 14 games last year, and six in the league."
- Collins said that they need more playmakers on offense to complement Tre Demps and JerShon Cobb. He said he thinks the freshmen can provide that.
- Collins said JerShon Cobb had offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but he's alright now. Hopefully Cobb can have his first full healthy season this year.
- Gavin Skelly is really big. It makes sense why Collins says he's "Big Ten ready."
- Four-star forward Aaron Falzon was watching practice today. He's on his official visit this weekend and NU has a good shot to land him.