Basketball is finally back. Before the most hyped season in Northwestern history tips off, though, we have to make some predictions. Heading into 2016-17, not a single staffer picked Northwestern to win more than 9 Big Ten games or make the NCAA Tournament. There will likely be a bit more optimism this time around. Let’s get right to it.
Will Ragatz
Regular season record: 24-7 (12-6 Big Ten)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen
MVP: Scottie Lindsey
Breakout Player: Anthony Gaines
It gives me a somewhat unsettling feeling that there are expectations this large and universal for Northwestern, but I just can’t see a team this talented, deep and well-coached not returning to the NCAA Tournament.