Ex-Northwestern Wildcats guard Chase Audige dropped by the team's practice facility and shared words of advice to Chris Collins' current squad.
Former Northwestern Wildcats guard Chase Audige transferred from William & Mary to Northwestern in 2019-2020, sitting out for one year before joining the Wildcats for three memorable seasons.
Audige averaged 12.3, 9.8, and 14.1 points, respectively, in his three seasons before leaving college as one of his team's most accomplished players.
On Saturday, the Northwestern men's basketball team welcomed Audige back to campus and the former Wildcats guard had words of wisdom to share with Chris Collins' program on a hard fought day of practice.
Mar 16, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Chase Audige (1) controls the ball against Boise State Broncos forward Chibuzo Agbo (11) in the second half at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Audige's Praises NU's Work Ethic
Audige had a message of support and admiration for the Wildcats' current players at the team's Trienens Performance Center in Evanston.
He took note of the team's work ethic as he addressed them on the practice courts in a video shared by the official NU hoops account.
"I mean, watching you guys play today, y'all definitely play play hard. That's good, you feel me, like that's what teams need to win," Audige said.
"And I think honestly from the teams I was on, like I felt like my first two years, we weren't great," he continued.
"I think we won like six games. We turned around my last year when we made the tournament, but I think the thing that you know, really goes to every winning team is just like coach (Collins) said, the chemistry, the camaraderie, and just really being connected, and not putting yourself first," Audige continued.
Wildcats' NBA Alumni Get Shout-Out From Audige
Audige related his personal account of the Wildcats' two NBA alumni, Brooks Barnhizer of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nick Martinelli of the Los Angeles Clippers, as examples of a team first approach that led to individual success.
"You guys know Nick and Brooks, and all those guys but like Nick and Brooks weren't main guys," he said of their early careers at NU.
"Like Brooks (was) playing a role, Nick played probably like four minutes in our tournament games, you feel me, you see how far they made it," Audige continued.
"Going outside yourself and accepting the role that coach has for you, and what's best for the team and just playing as hard as you can in that role, and then do that, like, you guys will get everything you want," Audige added.
"Just keep going, keep working, keep playing for each other, just take advantage of it and just keep having fun, man. It's just great watching you guys, all super talented, so just praying for you guys and just really want the best for everything, you know," the former Wildcats guard concluded.
Collins Reacts to Audige Speech
Collins reacted to Audige's speech with a retweet and words of support on X.
"Couldn't be more proud of @chaseaudige and all that he's accomplished," Collins said.
"Was great to hear him and his advice to the team!"
