The Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball program hasn't been known as a factory for NBA talent, but the Summer League play of Nick Martinelli and Brooks Barnhizer is changing perceptions. 

Both former Wildcats stars have impressed in 2026 Summer League action, culminating in Barnhizer's strong performance in a starting role on Thursday. 

Barnhizer's Thunder took on the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas with the former NU guard leading all scorers in a losing effort. 

Barnhizer's performance bodes well for his chances of reprising his role on the Thunder's regular season roster this coming season. 

Apr 10, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer (23) and Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (17) battle for the ball in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Playing alongside fellow ex-Big Ten star Payton Sandfort, Barnhizer showed off the versatile skills he was known for during his college days. 

Barnhizer led all scorers with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting including one made three-pointer in one attempt.   

He also dished out five assists and hauled in 12 rebounds in 29 minutes of play. 

The Thunder fell behind by four points in the first half and weren't able to close the gap, ultimately losing by a final score of 97-87. 

"Daily Double-Double," the Northwestern Basketball official account wrote in celebration of the former Wildcats star's big day. 

Barnhizer has fought tooth-and-nail to prove he belongs on OKC's fall regular season roster. 

Competition is fierce but the former NU guard has risen to the occasion, with a few caveats. 

Barnhizer entered Thursday with averages of 10 points per game on 40 percent shooting and shot 50% from the field. 

His three-point stroke has been MIA as Thursday's three-pointer was his first in four games. 

With former Iowa star and 2026 first-round pick point guard Bennett Stirtz and former Michigan star center and fellow first round pick Aday Mara now on the Thunder's roster, Barnhizer has his work cut out for him. 

Stirtz is a great facilitator and Mara will provide depth in the front court.

Barnhizer brings a unique skillset that few OKC players have, but he can't let up now. He must keep his foot on the gas and continue to work on his efficiency to make OKC's 2026-27 playing rotation. 

Barnhizer's 12-rebound game Thursday placed him at a hair under 10 rebounds per game through four Summer League contests. 

His rebounding is a testament to his NBA ready physique and the gritty play he was known for in Evanston, Illinois. 

Barnhizer's all-around talents have been on full display since he was selected by the Thunder last season. 

His physicality and aggressiveness attacking the basket continue to stand out. 

At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Barnhizer brings a unique dimension to a Thunder team that lacks bulk at key positions. 

The former NU guard played in 40 contests last season and appears on track to earn a 2026-27 roster spot, especially in light of his recent performances.