Chris Collins outlined his vision for Northwestern's rebuilt 2026-27 roster, discussing the Wildcats' 11 newcomers, offseason priorities, international recruiting and Nick Martinelli's NBA Draft selection.
Northwestern head coach Chris Collins met with the media Thursday to discuss one of the most significant offseasons of his tenure, reflecting on Nick Martinelli's NBA Draft selection while outlining his vision for a Wildcats team that features 11 newcomers.
With only three returning players, Collins said this summer has been unlike any other.
"This has probably been the most unique start of the summer that I've ever had," Collins said.
A Clear Plan for the Roster
After extensive roster turnover, Collins said Northwestern entered the offseason with three clear priorities: adding veteran experience, increasing positional size and improving shooting.
"I thought we needed to be more of a veteran team," Collins said.
Rather than simply adding talent through the transfer portal, Collins emphasized that the coaching staff prioritized experience and roster fit.
"We weren't just shooting off the cuff," Collins said. "There was a specific plan in place, a direction of what we wanted to do with this year's roster."
He added that evaluating players was about more than where they previously played.
"It was less about level and where guys were coming from," Collins said. "It was more about experiences. It was about how it all fit together."
Building Chemistry Early
With so many new players joining the program, Collins said Northwestern has adjusted its approach to summer workouts.
The Wildcats have spent more time playing live five-on-five basketball early in the offseason to better understand the team's strengths before installing offensive and defensive systems.
"Maybe some of the things we've done in the past, on both ends of the floor, are not going to be great for this team," Collins said.
Collins also stressed the importance of staying focused on the present as the new roster develops.
"I told our guys from day one that we can't be looking at the long term," Collins said. "We're looking at the next eight months."
Northwestern's Growing Reach
Collins also highlighted Northwestern's continued success recruiting internationally.
The Wildcats will feature players from London, Belgium, South Sudan, Austria and Greece during the 2026-27 season.
"You hear Northwestern in any country," Collins said. "We have, very much, an international brand."
Collins credited Northwestern's academics, Chicago's diversity and the evolving NIL landscape for helping the program attract talent from around the world.
Martinelli's NBA Milestone
The press conference also gave Collins an opportunity to reflect on Nick Martinelli becoming the latest Wildcat selected in the NBA Draft after being chosen No. 55 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers.
"The way he led us through some injuries his junior year and then last year, the way he took our team on his back," Collins said. "He just figures it out and would not be surprised if he ends up having a good, really long career in the NBA."
Collins believes Martinelli's selection continues to demonstrate Northwestern's ability to develop NBA talent.
"Northwestern is not just a great school where you can win," Collins said. "You can be an NBA player, too."
As Northwestern prepares for the 2026-27 season, Collins believes the Wildcats have assembled a roster built around experience, size and shooting. While replacing players like Martinelli will not be easy, the coaching staff is confident the foundation has been laid for the program's next chapter.
