The 2018-19 Northwestern Wildcats: A Season of Missed Opportunities

The 2018-19 Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball team was like a rollercoaster ride that never quite reached the thrilling heights it promised. Led by head coach Chris Collins, the Wildcats played their home games at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. This season was supposed to be a turning point, a chance to build on their historic 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance. Instead, it became a lesson in how not to capitalize on momentum. The Wildcats finished with a disappointing 13-19 record, including a dismal 4-16 in the Big Ten Conference. So, what went wrong?

First, let's talk about the expectations. After making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017, the Wildcats were expected to become a regular contender. The 2018-19 season was supposed to be a stepping stone, but instead, it was a stumble. The team had talent, with players like Vic Law and Dererk Pardon leading the charge. However, talent alone doesn't win games; execution does. And that's where the Wildcats faltered.

The Wildcats' offense was about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. They struggled to score, averaging just 65.1 points per game, ranking them near the bottom of the Big Ten. Their shooting was inconsistent, and their three-point percentage was abysmal. It's hard to win games when you can't put the ball in the basket. The Wildcats' offensive woes were a major factor in their inability to close out games, often losing by narrow margins.

Defensively, the Wildcats were decent, but not enough to compensate for their offensive shortcomings. They allowed an average of 65.8 points per game, which isn't terrible, but when you're not scoring, even a decent defense can't save you. The Wildcats needed to be exceptional on defense to make up for their lackluster offense, and they simply weren't.

Injuries also played a role in the Wildcats' struggles. Key players missed time, disrupting the team's chemistry and rhythm. It's hard to build momentum when your lineup is constantly changing. But injuries are part of the game, and good teams find a way to overcome them. Unfortunately, the Wildcats couldn't.

The Wildcats' inability to win close games was another nail in their coffin. They lost several games by single digits, often faltering in the final minutes. This inability to close out games speaks to a lack of mental toughness and experience. Winning close games requires poise and confidence, qualities the Wildcats seemed to lack.

The coaching staff also deserves some of the blame. Chris Collins, once hailed as the savior of Northwestern basketball, struggled to make the necessary adjustments. His game plans often seemed rigid, and his in-game decisions were questionable at times. A coach's job is to put his players in the best position to succeed, and Collins fell short in that regard.

The Wildcats' recruiting efforts also left much to be desired. While they had some talented players, they lacked depth and star power. In the competitive world of college basketball, recruiting is crucial, and the Wildcats need to step up their game if they want to compete with the big boys in the Big Ten.

The 2018-19 season was a missed opportunity for the Northwestern Wildcats. They had the talent and the potential, but they couldn't put it all together. The Wildcats need to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. They need to improve their offense, develop mental toughness, and recruit better talent. Only then can they hope to become a consistent contender in the Big Ten. Until then, the Wildcats will remain a team of missed opportunities.