2006 Northwestern Wildcats Basketball Preview

2006 Northwestern Wildcats Basketball Predictions

This is a rebuilding year for the Northwestern Wildcats (14- 15 overall and 6- 10 Big 10). Coach Bill Carmody (82- 95 in 6 years) has made that clear. The best players—forward Vedran Vukisuc (19.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG) and guard Mohamed Hachad (11.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG)—are gone. With an incoming freshman class that looks raw, Wildcat fans can expect another sub- .500 season.

Craig Moore (6.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 38.6 FG%, 84.6 FT%) has the potential to be this team’s go-to guy. Moore must shoot less from downtown, adding some variety to his offensive game. He has the basic passing, dribbling and shooting skills to be a good point man. Look for shooting guard Sterling Williams (3.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 37.5 FG%, 62.0 FT%) to see major minutes and expanded responsibilities. Sophomore Jean-Marc Melchior (0.2 PPG, 0.1 RPG, 0.0 APG, 25.0 FG%, 0.0 FT%) is the finest jumper and fastest runner on the Cats but has not developed his game.

Seniors Vince Scott (3.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 37.5 FG%, 73.7 FT%), at center, and Tim Doyle (8.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 50.3 FG%, 72.1 FT%), at forward, need an up-tick in their production. Doyle returns as the leader in points, rebounds and assists, but he needs to do much more. Scott has added weight and will hopefully become a better banger. Freshman Kevin Coble, who averaged 26.9 PPG as a high school senior, can score inside and out. He may start.

Carmody, whose Wildcats have had three successive seasons finishing one game under .500, enters this year with two seniors, no juniors and three sophomores. If the coach can get this squad to play even ball, they will at least make the NIT. That will be a tough task.

This Northwestern team will spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to play together. The new guys will see plenty of action, preparing themselves for next season. A .500 mark will be extremely difficult for this club to hit. If they do manage that feat, their season will have been a success.

If you want more info on the 2006 Northwestern Wildcats College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Ohio State Buckeyes.