Angelo Ciaravino, Jake West and Phoenix Gill stay at Northwestern for the next year.
After the Northwestern men's basketball team was shaken up when eight players entered the transfer portal, some positive news came for those who decided to return.
According to his social media announcement, which the team later reposted, Angelo Ciaravino confirmed on Saturday that he will return for his following junior season, becoming the third Wildcat to stay after freshmen Jake West and Phoenix Gill, who both announced their plans to stay in Evanston.
The Chicago native averaged 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, taking a noticeable leap in his sophomore campaign. This season marked his transition from a rotational piece to a reliable two-way stalwart. His athleticism allowed him to impact the game on both ends of the floor, whether starting or providing a spark off the bench.
In the 'Cats' 94-73 triumph over Penn State in January, Ciaravino notched his career-high 20 points. While sharpening his offense, he also developed into a legitimate rim protector for a wing. He recorded 21 blocks this season — a significant jump from the seven he posted as a freshman. His defensive growth demonstrated his ability to guard multiple positions, and his rebounding tenacity established him as a stalwart for this roster.
Ciaravino will enter his junior year as a prime candidate for a solid starting role, especially with Northwestern losing frontcourt production following Nick Martinelli's departure.
On the backcourt, West emerged as perhaps the most electric young talent on the roster. While his season averages, 5.3 points and 2.8 assists per game, appear steady, his second-half surge, starting 17 consecutive games, proved he can handle the bright lights of Big Ten play.
The freshman turned heads with high-efficiency scoring when it mattered most, dropping 18 points against Iowa in the regular season and repeating that performance in the Big Ten Tournament's second round against Indiana. He finished the year hitting 36.4% from three-point range, ranking as one of the team's top threats from deep alongside Martinelli and Jordan Clayton.
Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Lamar Wilkerson (3) defends Northwestern Wildcats guard Jake West (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesWest's development and increasing confidence suggest he'll be a cornerstone of the 'Cats moving forward.
Besides Ciaravino, another local talent, Gill, will stay for the next season. The Chicago St. Ignatius product appeared in only 11 games in his freshman year. Because of the limited sample size, his true impact remains under wraps, but the physical tools are evident.
His most significant run came in February against Illinois, where he saw 15 minutes of action. After a full year in a Big Ten strength and conditioning program, Gill is expected to utilize his size and high school reputation for finishing through contact.
With the 'Cats currently seeking more depth at the guard position, Gill's sophomore year provides a massive opportunity to break into the rotation as a physical, downhill scorer.
While securing these returners can partially stabilize the foundation, the roster remains in flux as Max Green remains a wild card after appearing in 23 games before being sidelined late in the season. He has yet to officially announce his intent to transfer or return.
Expect Chris Collins to remain aggressive in the transfer portal to bolster veteran leadership while simultaneously betting on the internal development of this young trio to lead the 'Cats into the next era.