Northwestern Basketball Player Review: Nathan Taphorn

Over the next few weeks, I will review each player on Northwestern's basketball team and go over what they need to improve  for next season. Up next is senior forward Nathan Taphorn

**Taphorn was a senior this past season, so he will not return next season (Wow! Great insight, Captain Obvious). Therefore, there will be no category on what he needs to improve.**

Taphorn was a sharpshooter who provided a spark off the
bench for Northwestern

Season Review: "Seven seconds, Taphorn, long inbounds; Pardon with the catch, the finish, and the 'Cats win it!" That is how Nathan Taphorn's senior season (and his whole career, really) will be remembered. His perfect Hail Mary heave to beat Michigan pretty much clinched the first NCAA tournament berth in program history. Taphorn averaged 4.5 points per game this past season, the second highest mark of his career. Taphorn had one job and one job only this year, and that was shoot the 3-ball. He did it very well, clocking in at 47% from behind the arc. He was pretty much incapable of creating his own shot off the dribble, but was lethal when he got an open catch-and-shoot. His two threes in a short time against Gonzaga are a perfect example of what he brought to this team. He wasn't a prolific scorer, but he hit big threes in big moments. He was much improved on defense this season. During his junior year, he was a liability on defense. Taphorn often got lost on defense and constantly gave up easy buckets. This year; however, he was much better on defense. Taphorn was not a lock-down defender, but he held his own and was not the weak link who got picked on, either. In the end, Taphorn will be remembered as what he was— a lights out shooter who made a tremendous pass.

Final passing stats: 1-1, 31 yards, 1 TD

Northwestern Basketball Player Review: Sanjay Lumpkin

Over the next few weeks, I will review each player on Northwestern's basketball team and go over what they need to improve  for next season. Up first is senior forward Sanjay Lumpkin

**Lumpkin was a senior this past season, so he will not return next season (Wow! Great insight, Captain Obvious). Therefore, there will be no category on what he needs to improve.**

Lumpkin (34) brought his heart and toughness every time
he stepped on the floor.

Season Review: Sanjay, Sanjay, Sanjay. I don't know what to say. He was the heart and soul of Northwestern basketball. He suffered through some of the worst seasons and games in the history of Northwestern basketball, but no matter how bad things were he gave constant effort and worked his hardest. He was a tireless worker at both ends of the floor, which made up for his disadvantage in athleticism in most match-ups. He started 126 games (a program record). His offensive repertoire was limited, but he made good use of the skills he had. He was fairly consistent at hitting an open corner three. He had a great shot-fake, which allowed him to get to the rim— where he was very efficient. Lumpkin made his largest impact on the boards and on the defensive end, though. He was the second best rebounder on the team and the second best defender. Lumpkin was not great at shutting someone down one-on-one on the perimeter, but was a tremendous team defender. Lumpkin was great at doubling the post and jumping passing lanes. His heart and hustle were simply a menace to the opposing team's offense. You've probably heard the saying "stats don't tell the whole story" and that perfectly describes Lumpkin's impact on the program. Lumpkin averaged 6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this past season. These were the best averages of his career, but there is one number this year that sets Lumpkin apart: 1. One NCAA Tournament appearance, the first in program history. Lumpkin leaves Northwestern having achieved something no other senior class could do, reach an NCAA Tournament, and for that, he will always be remembered as a Wildcats legend.

Thank You, Sanjay

Beavers Basketball February Recap + Civil War Recap

Vs. Arizona L   The Beavs had a great first half against a top 10 team in Arizona. Stevie led the team in points with 16. Kendal Manuel led the team in rebounds with 6. Jaquori led the team in assists with 7. The second half was downhill and Arizona put up big numbers in the second half.

Vs. Arizona State L  Eubanks had 22 points and 17 rebounds. (DOUBLE-DOUBLE I) Jaquori led in assists with 6. In this one the Beavs led early, but gave it away and trailed by double figures most of the game.

@ USC L Stevie had 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Jaquori led the team with 12 points. The Beavs shot out of the gate on a 6-0 run but didn't matter as the Beavs were blown out.

@ UCLA L  Stevie had 18 points to lead the team. Big G had 9 rebounds. Jaquori had 4 assists. The Beavs played very well towards the end of the first half. Remember they are playing Lonzo Ball. They couldn't stop Lonzo in the second half. Therefore it was a 18 point loss.

Vs. Colorado L  Jaquori led the team in points with 16 and 2 assists. Eubanks had 8 boards. The Beavs were in this one with less than 5 minutes to go, but they went scoreless in the last 2 minutes and lost by 8.

Vs. Utah W  Stevie had 31 points. Manuel had 5 rebounds. Jaquori had 4 assists. This was huge for the Beavs and Stevie. The Beavs were down in the second half, but fought and pulled out the dub. How about that shot by Stevie. (WE GOT A W)

@ Stanford L  Drew had 21 points and 14 boards and 3 assists. (DOUBLE-DOUBLE II) The Beavs were down the whole game and were never in this one.

@ California L  Manuel had 14 points. Big G had 6 boards. Jaquori had 4 assists. The Beavs had the lead at the beginning, but had to many scoring droughts. They lost by 30.  

Vs. Oregon L  Eubanks had 21 points and 12 boards. (DOUBLE-DOUBLE III) Jaquori had 4 assists. The Beavs were in it in the first half, but the ducks were to much in the second half. They lost by 21 points.



MVP- This was tough but I decided to share the MVP with Drew and Stevie. Stevie had big month with a consistent total with points, and the big one against Utah. If Stevie had led the team in assists in maybe 2 games he would have been outright MVP. On the other hand, Drew chalked up 3 double-doubles. Enough said.


  

BeavCats Cast #2

- Hoopball
- Pound the Rock
- Top Northwestern Sports Moments


https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9qmd59K_u44aFY4emJzS1hBYVE