Former Northwestern captain Brooks Barnhizer posted his second NBA Summer League double-double, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while continuing to strengthen his case for a role with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Former Northwestern captain Brooks Barnhizer continued building an impressive NBA Summer League resume Tuesday night, recording his second double-double of the summer despite the Oklahoma City Thunder falling 106-103 to the Denver Nuggets.
Making another Summer League start, Barnhizer finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes. While his shooting wasn't his most efficient performance, finishing 4-for-12 from the field, the former Wildcat once again impacted the game in multiple ways by crashing the boards, creating opportunities for teammates and competing on every possession.
Barnhizer's rebounding continues to be one of the biggest strengths of his game.
The 6-foot-6 guard consistently found himself around the basketball, recording his second double-double of Summer League while once again proving he can make an impact without relying solely on scoring. His five assists also showcased his ability to facilitate the offense and make smart decisions with the ball, adding another dimension to his growing professional game.
Although Oklahoma City came up just short in the 106-103 loss, Barnhizer gained valuable experience in one of the Thunder's closest games of Summer League.
He remained on the floor during the game's closing minutes as the Thunder attempted to erase Denver's lead, giving him another opportunity to experience late-game situations against NBA-level competition.
Those meaningful late-game minutes are invaluable for a young player as he continues adjusting to NBA competition and learning how to execute in pressure situations.
Earlier this offseason, Barnhizer accepted a two-way contract with Oklahoma City, making every Summer League game another opportunity to strengthen his case for regular-season minutes.
Through multiple strong performances, he has consistently demonstrated the hustle, versatility and basketball IQ that made him one of Northwestern's most respected leaders. Whether it's rebounding, defending multiple positions or making the extra pass, Barnhizer continues showing the well-rounded skill set that translates well to the professional game.
That should come as no surprise to Wildcats fans.
During his career at Northwestern, Barnhizer earned a reputation for doing whatever his team needed to win. His relentless effort, defensive intensity and ability to impact nearly every statistical category helped establish him as one of the Big Ten's most complete players.
Mar 24, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Samson Johnson (35) and Northwestern Wildcats guard Brooks Barnhizer (13) attempt to get to a loose ball in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn ImagesThose same qualities have carried over to Summer League.
While consistency will ultimately determine how quickly Barnhizer earns opportunities with Oklahoma City during the regular season, his performances continue moving him in the right direction. If he can continue producing consistently, Barnhizer will only strengthen his case to become a valuable part of Oklahoma City's rotation during the 2026-27 season.
For Northwestern fans, Barnhizer's continued success is another reminder that the program is producing players capable of competing at the highest level. With Summer League still underway, he'll have additional opportunities to keep building momentum and further strengthen his case heading into the season.
