Kevin Coble News

Northwestern didn't forget they lost to an NAIA opponent in last year's exhibition opener.

Last year, Northwestern had to lean heavily on its freshmen to provide a strong post presence.

Kevin Coble's welcome-to-the- NBA moment came last summer while he scrimmaged with pros such as Will Bynum, the 6-foot former Crane High School and Georgia Tech star.

Single-game tickets for the upcoming 2009-10 Northwestern men's basketball season are now on sale.

Northwestern started playing basketball in 1905. The Wildcats have played in four postseason tournaments.

Not only have the Spartans participated in five of the last 11 Final Fours, the national preseason polls released on Thursday predict they?ll make it six out of 12 in April.

Northwestern fans can expect freshman Drew Crawford to know the difference between a block and charge.

Up here in the Twin Cities, autumn doesn't seem to want to settle in. Two early snow events are reminding us that the dead of winter is knocking on the door.

The buzz among students at Northwestern this fall is not the result of a game of quarters or a visit to the fraternities on North Campus.

The expectations for Northwestern are relatively high this year. After a season where the Wildcats finished 17-14 and qualified for the NIT, some think this might be the team that makes NU's first trip to the NCAA tournament.

John Shurna: In his first season at Northwestern, forward John Shurna proved a veteran shooter, leading the team with a .466 field goal percentage.

Jershon Cobb enjoyed his weekend visit to Northwestern so much, the highly rated guard wanted to orally commit before flying back to Atlanta.

The Saint Louis University department of athletics today announced its 2009-10 men's basketball non-conference schedule.

The most dubious streak in college basketball nearly ended last season. Perhaps this is the season Northwestern - the only team from the six major conferences never to earn an NCAA tournament bid - finally goes dancing.

The most dubious streak in college basketball nearly ended last season. Perhaps this is the season Northwestern - the only team from the six major conferences never to earn an NCAA tournament bid - finally goes dancing.

Shurna averaged 7.3 points and 3 rebounds as a freshman last season. After two victories that advanced United States national team to the second round at the U-19 World Championships in New Zealand, John Shurna was averaging 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds but hadn't gotten much of a chance to cut loose his 3-point shooting.

THE GOOD NEWS: Northwestern retains 80 percent of its starters, 76 percent of its scoring and 86 of its rebounding from a 17-14 team.

Do not let Drew Crawford's smooth jumper or calm demeanor on the basketball court fool you.