Following his game-wining shot and multiple records that carves his Northwestern legacy, Nick Martinelli has a chance to push for the NBA dream.
While March Madness might not set the stage for Northwestern this season, the future prospective spreads some hope to Nick Martinelli, who has a few games away to wrap up his collegiate career.
According to the latest mock draft by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, Martinelli is projected 54th in the second round — potentially landing with the Houston Rockets. Earlier this season, ESPN's Jeremy Woo listed the Wildcats star at No. 91 in the 2026 Draft Class, a prediction that suggested he might go undrafted. The Athletic's projection marks a groundbreaking shift that could make Martinelli's NBA career a genuine possibility.
After Northwestern's 63-62 victory over Oregon at Welsh-Ryan Arena, where Martinelli scored 22 points including the game-winning shot, the senior continues leading the Big Ten scoreboard at 22.5 points per game. Improved three-point shooting has also bolstered his draft stock, as he's shooting 42.2% from beyond the arc this season.
As a frontcourt player, Martinelli's widespread arsenal aligns perfectly with modern NBA demands. His elite midrange and three-point shooting, combined with skillful footwork and speed in transition, embodies his versatility today's league prefers.
Though the Rockets' frontcourt ladder, led by Alperun Sengun, looks packed, the team might view the 6-foot-7 forward as a strong two-way addition, who is capable of creating his own shot and knocking down contested jumpers, showcased repeatedly in clutch moments, adding another dimension that the scouts could value.
Feb 24, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) shoots over Indiana Hoosiers forward Reed Bailey (1) during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesHis former teammate at Northwestern, Brooks Barnhizer, was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 44th pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the first Northwestern player drafted since 1999. Currently, four Northwestern products are playing professionally in the NBA: Pat Spencer (Golden State Warriors), Barnhizer (Thunder) and Pete Nance (Milwaukee Bucks). With Martinelli now garnering attention, he is expected to follow those former Wildcats on the path to basketball's highest level.
The Glenview, Ill. native tested the NBA waters last summer after his junior season, when he averaged 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. With remarkable individual improvement this season, Martinelli has strengthened his odds for an NBA opportunity.
Though Martinelli hasn't explicitly announced his NBA Draft declaration or post-graduate plans, the walking Wildcats legend will continue leading the program through two remaining regular-season games and the Big Ten Tournament.
"I'm a true believer that God has a plan for me, so I'm trusting in His plan completely and I'm gonna work my butt off," Martinelli told Big Ten Network last week. "Whatever happens happens. Whether that be the NBA, whether it be overseas, whether I'm a carpenter, I'm good with it. I'm rolling with the punches and I'm going to work my butt off at whatever I do."