Northwestern Basketball Player Review: Dererk Pardon

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 sophomore center Dererk Pardon

If Pardon can consistently hit his free throws, like he did against
Vanderbilt, he could be a force on the offensive end

Season Review: Dererk Pardon made the most memorable shot in Northwestern basketball history. While that is what he will be remembered for, he was one of the most important players for this team. He averaged 8.6 points and 8 rebounds per game. He consistently gave strong effort on the glass, which is why he was the 'Cats best rebounder. He seemed to always start the game off with a dunk. Most of these dunks came off the pick and roll with McIntosh, which was when he was the most effective on offense. One of Northwestern's biggest issues on offense was struggling to get Pardon involved. Especially when Northwestern got into a funk on offense, they needed to look to Pardon much more often than they did. He easily could have averaged 15 points per game, if he was more involved. Overall, Pardon was somewhat of a forgotten man in Northwestern's offense, but when he got opportunities, he was always effective.
Off-season: Pardon needs to work on two things, his strength and free throw shooting. These two go hand-in-hand. Many times Pardon would be fouled when going up for a dunk and he would loose the ball. Then he would go to the line and struggle make his free throws. If Pardon can get stronger and finish off those and-one dunks, then consistently hit his free throws, he could easily average 15+ points per game.