Jayden Reid Showed What He Can Mean for Northwestern in Win Over BU

Ryan Cole

Nov 9, 2025, 00:52

Ryan Cole

Nov 9, 2025, 00:52

Updated at: Nov 9, 2025, 00:52

Jayden Reid was a completely different player against BU than he was in the opener.

In Northwestern's 76-52 win over Boston University yesterday, transfer point guard Jayden Reid stood out. The numbers were very good -- 17 points, eight assists and just one turnover -- but the eye test was perhaps even better.

Reid is faster than any Northwestern player during this recent era of success. And it isn't just with the ball. He's incredibly quick on defense. He runs the floor. On top of that, he's smart with the ball in his hands, giving the 'Cats a true point guard to run their offense through.

"Obviously, JR was terrific tonight," head coach Chris Collins said in his postgame presser. "How could you not want to run with that guy? Eight assists, one turnover. He's gonna really help our team."

Nick Martinelli also spoke in the postgame, sitting directly beside Reid himself, and he was incredibly complimentary of his new teammate. He said he was very excited when her heard he was committing to Northwestern out of the portal.

The question now is simple: is this too good to be true? Last night, Reid looked like a player who is going to positively impact a ton of games for the Wildcats this season. But the lingering concern is his height.

Listed at 5-foot-10, many have doubts that he's actually that tall. And he does look pretty short. That's a fair assessment from anyone who's seen him play live.

Could that cause problems in the Big Ten? Yes, it certainly could. Is it also possible that Reid is the rare example of someone whose unlimited motor and ability to impact the game makes him valuable despite height concerns? Totally. It looked that way against Boston University.

His head coach and his teammates certainly believe in him.

"He's a natural leader, he's always won," Collins said. "He's an unselfish, true point guard, and so is Jake (West). It puts Jordan (Clayton) and KJ (Windham) in a scoring mentality, which I like."

Coach makes a good point there. Having a true one guard is incredibly important for Northwestern's offense in recent history. Obviously, Boo Buie was crucial for many reasons, but he also allowed shooting guards like Chase Audige and Ryan Langborg to focus on other things besides taking the ball up and running an offense.

Jalen Leach did the same last season, but after his injury, the 'Cats took a step back.

If Reid plays like he did last night, then Northwestern is in business. If it translates into the conference season, then NCAA Tournament hopes are alive and well.

Jayden Reid Showed What He Can Mean for Northwestern in Win Over BU