Oct. 16, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Note: This is a preview of the Wildcat Insider. To receive future editions, e-mail nuwildcatinsider@gmail.com with the words "Wildcat Insider" in the subject line.
Hello everyone,
Welcome to another season of the Wildcat Insider, your source for the latest news and notes on the Northwestern men's basketball program. Throughout the season we'll give you a unique look at what's happening on and off the court with the team. Once we get into the season, we'll look back at recently played games while looking ahead to future opponents. We'll also keep you updated with promotions, appearances the team might be making and a variety of other items. We hope this will a sort of one-stop shopping item when it comes to Northwestern hoops.
Everyone is excited about this year's team as practice formal practice gets underway Friday evening. The Wildcats return four starters and 12 letterwinners overall from last year's team which finished 17-14 overall, 8-10 in Big Ten play and participated in the National Invitation Tournament.
Off and Running
Friday, Oct. 16 marked the first official day of practice for college basketball teams across the country. Northwestern took to the Welsh-Ryan Arena floor at 6:30 p.m. amid little fanfare.
The Wildcats got down to business as everyone was excited to get to work. Daily Herald reporter Lindsey Willhite continued to show why he's one of the hardest working men in the business as he stopped by with his two young daughters to talk to a few of the guys as well as head coach Bill Carmody before heading to opening-night functions at DePaul and Loyola Chicago. Catch a link to Willhite's observations below.
Senior forward Kevin Coble and junior guard Michael Thompson both mentioned how excited they were to get back into formal practices. For the past few weeks, the team has been able to practice two hours a week with the coaching staff. It'll be quite a different change as the team switches to daily three-hour practices.
Be sure to visit NUsports.com on Saturday for a video package from Friday's opening practice, including interviews with both Thompson and Coble.
Season Tickets, Five-Packs and Nonconference Games Are On Sale Now
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2009-10 Northwestern men's basketball season. Be sure to catch the exciting action all season long at Welsh-Ryan Arena. As a men's basketball season ticket holder, fans receive admission to all of the school-record 20 games and will receive invitations to special events like the Exhibition Reception and Basketball Open Gym. Plus, season ticket holders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase additional single-game tickets to all of the Wildcats' home games before they go on sale to the general public. This season's great halftime acts include the likes of the Bucket Boys, Red Panda, Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team and Quick Change. Five-packs and nonconference single game tickets are also currently on sale and Big Ten single game tickets are set to go on sale Monday, Nov. 2. For more information or to order, visit NUsports.com or call 847-491-CATS.
'Cat Tracks
Here are some recent links to stories that relate to Northwestern men's basketball:
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/columns/story?columnist=powers_scott&id=4563503
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/2757
Did You Know?
Northwestern's 12 returning letterwinners match Michigan State as the most of any Big Ten team.
The Wildcats welcome back 76.1 percent of their scoring and 86.4 percent of their rebounding from last season.
Of NU's 31 regular season games, 18 will be played against teams that appeared in postseason play a year ago.
The 19 regular season home games on Northwestern's 2009-10 schedule are the program's most ever. The Wildcats posted a school-record 13 home wins a year ago.
Upcoming Appearances
On Monday, Oct. 19, Head Coach Bill Carmody is meeting the media to preview the upcoming season. Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald has his weekly Monday news conference beginning at noon, followed by selected NU football players. This week, the players will be followed Head Women's Basketball Coach Joe McKeown and then Coach Carmody at approximately 1 p.m. The news conference will be video streamed at NUsports.com and a transcript of Coach Carmody's comments will be posted on the site later that afternoon.
The following day, Coach Carmody is scheduled to be a guest on Chicago Tribune Live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The show is slated to air from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Central time.
If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time to join the Wildcats for the Fast Break Club's annual Tip-Off Dinner Thursday, Oct. 22. For the second straight year, the event is being held at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse in downtown Chicago. It's sure to be a great time and one of your first chances to meet some of the members of this year's team. Visit the following link for more information:
http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100809aaa.html
Come out and meet the Wildcats Saturday, Oct. 31 as they'll be in Wildcat Alley prior to the football team's game against Penn State. Following a morning practice, the team will be in Wildcat Alley from approximately 2:30-3:30 p.m. so come out and chat with them, get pictures and autographs and wish them luck.
The Fast Break Club is sponsoring Happy Hour with Coach Carmody on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Stanley's Kitchen & Tap in Lincoln Park (1970 N. Lincoln Ave). This is a great opportunity to meet Coach Carmody and other NU basketball fans. Stanley's is the official home for watching all Northwestern men's basketball televised games this season.
Important Dates
Big Ten Basketball Media Day at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare - Thursday, Oct. 29
Exhibition game vs. Robert Morris (Ill.) College - Wednesday, Nov. 4; 7 p.m.; Welsh-Ryan Arena
Regular season opener vs. Northern Illinois - Friday, Nov. 13; 7 p.m.; Welsh-Ryan Arena
Until next time...
Go 'Cats!